Players
Events
Cornerback

Carl Lee

Draft 1983

Number

39

Birthdate

1961-02-06

Is Alive

yes

Acquisition Date

1983

Player Bio

Carl Lee is a former NFL cornerback who played most of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. He was known for his ball skills, leadership, and ability to make plays in the passing game. A key figure in the Vikings’ secondary during the 1980s and early 1990s, Lee was an essential part of the team’s defense for over a decade.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Carl Lee
Born: February 19, 1961
Hometown: Jackson, Mississippi

High School:

  • Lee attended Terry High School in Terry, Mississippi, where he was a standout athlete in multiple sports, particularly football. He gained attention for his speed, coverage skills, and ability to make plays on defense.

College:

  • Lee played college football at Alcorn State University, where he was a standout cornerback.
  • He was known for his physical play and his ability to shut down opposing receivers. Lee’s playmaking ability and ability to contribute in both man and zone coverage helped establish him as one of the top cornerback prospects from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
  • His college career earned him recognition as a potential NFL draft pick.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

  • Carl Lee was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 6th round of the 1983 NFL Draft (153rd overall pick).

Minnesota Vikings (1983–1993)

  • Cornerback:
    • Lee played for the Minnesota Vikings for 11 seasons (1983–1993), developing into one of the team’s top cornerbacks and a mainstay in the secondary.
    • He was known for his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, his quick reflexes, and his knack for creating turnovers. Lee was often tasked with covering the opposing team’s best wide receiver and was a key player in the Vikings’ defensive game plan.
  • Key Contributions:
    • Lee’s physicality and football IQ made him a reliable and effective cornerback. He was instrumental in the Vikings’ defensive success, contributing significantly in both coverage and forcing turnovers.
    • He intercepted 35 passes during his career, with several coming in key moments to help the Vikings in critical games.
    • Lee also had a knack for breaking up passes and making tackles in the open field. His consistency was a major factor in the Vikings’ strong defensive play in the 1980s and early 1990s.
  • Vikings Success:
    • During his tenure with the Vikings, Lee helped the team remain competitive in a tough NFC Central division. He was a key contributor to the Vikings’ defense, which ranked among the league’s best for much of his career.
    • Although Lee never made a Pro Bowl, his consistent play and leadership in the secondary made him a fan favorite and a respected player within the Vikings’ locker room.

Retirement

  • Lee retired from the NFL after the 1993 season, closing the book on a solid and respected career.
  • He left the Vikings as one of their most reliable and durable cornerbacks, remembered for his leadership, toughness, and playmaking ability.

Post-NFL Life

  • After his football career, Carl Lee remained involved in his community and has participated in various activities, including mentoring younger athletes. He has also worked in football-related ventures and coaching.

Legacy

  • Minnesota Vikings:
    • Carl Lee is remembered as one of the most consistent and dependable cornerbacks in Minnesota Vikings history. His ability to make plays on the ball and his leadership in the secondary were critical to the Vikings’ defensive success during the 1980s and early 1990s.
    • Lee’s contribution to the Vikings’ defense, particularly in helping the team compete in the NFC Central and making key stops in the passing game, has solidified his legacy as an important player in the franchise’s history.

Summary

  • Position: Cornerback
  • NFL Team: Minnesota Vikings (1983–1993)
  • Career Length: 11 seasons
  • Key Contributions: Ball skills, playmaking ability, leadership
  • Career Interceptions: 35
  • Legacy: A consistent and reliable cornerback, Carl Lee was a key player in the Vikings’ defense during his time with the team, known for his toughness, football IQ, and ability to create turnovers.

Carl Lee may not be one of the most celebrated players in Minnesota Vikings history, but his impact on the field, particularly in pass defense, was significant. His ability to cover top receivers and his knack for creating turnovers made him a crucial part of the Vikings’ defense during the 1980s and early 1990s.