Players
Events
Linebacker

Lonnie Warwick

Free Agent 1965

Number

59

Birthdate

1942-02-26

Is Alive

yes

Acquisition Date

1965

Player Bio

Lonnie Warwick is a former NFL player who played as a defensive back in the league, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Lonnie Jay Warwick
Born: November 28, 1944
Hometown: Rosenberg, Texas

High School:

  • Warwick attended Lamar Consolidated High School in Rosenberg, Texas, where he was a standout athlete in multiple sports, including football.

College:

  • He played college football at Texas Tech University, where he was a defensive back for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
  • Warwick’s strong performances at Texas Tech caught the attention of NFL scouts, helping him make the transition to professional football.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

  • Warwick was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 5th round of the 1967 NFL Draft (118th overall pick).

Minnesota Vikings (1967–1970)

  • Defensive Back:
    • Warwick played as a defensive back for the Minnesota Vikings from 1967 to 1970.
    • Known for his speed, athleticism, and ability to cover wide receivers, Warwick contributed to the Vikings’ strong defensive unit during his time with the team.
  • Team Success:
    • Warwick was part of a strong defensive squad that included the “Purple People Eaters” defensive line, which was led by Hall of Famers such as Alan Page and Carl Eller.
    • Though he was not as well-known as the Vikings’ star defensive linemen, Warwick played a key role in the secondary alongside other defensive backs and helped the team remain one of the toughest defenses in the league.
  • Retirement:
    • After four seasons in the NFL, Warwick retired from professional football following the 1970 season.
    • His career was relatively short, but his contributions were valuable during the Vikings’ successful run in the late 1960s.

Legacy

  • Minnesota Vikings:
    • While Warwick did not achieve the same level of fame as some of the Vikings’ more prominent defensive players, he was an important depth player in the defensive backfield.
    • His role in the secondary helped the Vikings form one of the most formidable defenses of the era, contributing to the team’s ability to contain opposing offenses.

Summary

  • Position: Defensive Back
  • NFL Team: Minnesota Vikings (1967–1970)
  • Career Length: 4 seasons
  • Notable: Part of the Minnesota Vikings’ defense during the late 1960s and early 1970s, contributing to one of the league’s top defensive units of the era.

Lonnie Warwick is remembered for his time with the Minnesota Vikings, where he was part of a strong defense that helped the team contend for playoff spots and stay competitive in the NFL during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Although his career was short, his role in the defensive backfield was a key piece of the Vikings’ overall success.