Ahmad Rashad is a former NFL wide receiver and later a television personality, best known for his successful career in the NFL and his post-playing career as a sports broadcaster. Rashad is particularly remembered for his time with the Minnesota Vikings, where he earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and became one of the most reliable wide receivers of the 1970s and 1980s.

Early Life and College Career

Ahmad Rashad was born on November 19, 1949, in Portland, Oregon, as Robert Earl Moore. He later changed his name to Ahmad Rashad after converting to Islam. Rashad attended Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma, Washington, where he was an outstanding athlete. He went on to play college football at the University of Oregon, where he was a standout wide receiver and one of the top players in the Pac-8 Conference (now the Pac-12).

Rashad’s performance at Oregon helped him earn the attention of NFL scouts, and he was drafted in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 4th overall pick.

NFL Career

St. Louis Cardinals (1972–1974)

Rashad started his career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1972, playing for the team from 1972 to 1974. Though he showed promise, his time with the Cardinals was relatively short, and he struggled to become a dominant force in the passing game early in his career.

Minnesota Vikings (1976–1982)

Rashad’s career took off when he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 1976. This move marked the beginning of his most successful years as a professional football player.

• Immediate Impact: Rashad became an instant star with the Vikings. In his first season with the team, he recorded 53 receptions for 903 yards and 7 touchdowns, helping to solidify his place as a top receiver in the NFL.
• Super Bowl Appearance: One of Rashad’s key moments with the Vikings came in 1976 when he helped the team reach Super Bowl XI. Although the Vikings lost to the Oakland Raiders, Rashad’s role in the team’s offense was crucial in getting them to that point.
• Pro Bowl and Success: Rashad earned four Pro Bowl selections during his career (1979, 1980, 1981, 1982) and was named to the All-Pro team several times. He was a consistent and reliable target for Vikings quarterbacks, making clutch catches and producing big plays throughout the 1970s and early 1980s.
• 1980 Career Year: One of Rashad’s best seasons came in 1980, when he caught 53 passes for 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns, earning his fourth and final Pro Bowl selection. He was known for his ability to stretch the field with his speed and make big plays in critical moments.
• End of Career: Rashad’s career with the Vikings lasted until 1982 when he retired from the NFL due to a combination of injuries and the team’s shifting direction. In total, he played 8 seasons with the Vikings and is considered one of the best wide receivers in the team’s history.

Post-Vikings Career

After his time with the Vikings, Rashad briefly played for the Seattle Seahawks in 1983, but his time with the team was short, and he retired after one season. His legacy as a dominant receiver remained intact thanks to his outstanding performance during his prime years with the Vikings.

Post-NFL Career: Broadcasting and Television

After retiring from football, Rashad transitioned into a career in broadcasting and television. He became a well-known sports personality, particularly for his work with NBC.

• Television Host: Rashad hosted the popular television show “NBA Inside Stuff” on NBC from 1989 to 2005. The show was one of the most watched basketball programs in the 1990s, and Rashad’s engaging personality made him a fan favorite. His work as a sports broadcaster and interviewer earned him widespread recognition beyond his football career.
• Broadcasting Career: Rashad also worked as a sideline reporter and sportscaster for various networks, including NBC and ABC, covering a range of sports, particularly the NFL and NBA. His smooth and charismatic delivery made him a well-respected figure in the broadcasting world.

Playing Style and Legacy

• Speed and Agility: As a wide receiver, Rashad was known for his speed and ability to make big plays down the field. He was a smooth route runner with excellent hands and was capable of stretching the field with his deep-threat ability.
• Reliability: Rashad’s greatest strength was his consistency. He was a reliable target who could make tough catches in critical situations, especially in the red zone, where his size and athleticism made him a difficult matchup for defenders.
• Legacy: Ahmad Rashad’s legacy in the NFL is one of a talented wide receiver who played in an era filled with some of the greatest pass catchers in history. His contributions to the Minnesota Vikings during their successful years in the 1970s and 1980s cemented his place in the team’s history. He is considered one of the top wide receivers in Vikings history and is remembered for his excellent play and professionalism on and off the field.

Career Highlights and Achievements

• 4 Pro Bowl Selections (1979, 1980, 1981, 1982)
• Super Bowl XI Appearance with the Minnesota Vikings
• Vikings’ All-Time Leader in several receiving categories
• Career Stats: 495 career receptions, 6,831 receiving yards, and 44 touchdowns.
• Post-NFL Career: Long-time television host and sportscaster, particularly known for hosting “NBA Inside Stuff”.

Summary

• Position: Wide Receiver
• NFL Teams: St. Louis Cardinals (1972–1974), Minnesota Vikings (1976–1982), Seattle Seahawks (1983)
• Pro Bowls: 4-time selection
• Career Stats: 495 receptions, 6,831 yards, 44 touchdowns
• Legacy: Rashad is regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the history of the Minnesota Vikings and a respected sports broadcaster. His contributions to the game and his smooth transition into broadcasting have solidified his place as an iconic figure in both football and sports media.

Ahmad Rashad’s name is synonymous with success, both on the football field and in the broadcasting booth, and his enduring legacy continues to be felt by Vikings fans and sports enthusiasts alike.