Professional Football Executive. As general manager of the Minnesota Vikings (1975 to 1990), he will perhaps be best remembered for producing what may be the worst trade in the history of the National Football League. Following service with the US Army, his goal was to work his way into the entertainment industry which led to a position as a manager of a movie theater in the Memphis-area in 1961. He then went onto serve as a manager with Dixie-Mart. A correspondence written by Lynn found its way to Vikings' owner Max Winter. This led to a position as assistant with the Vikings' organization and one year later, he was hired as their general manager. During his tenure, Minnesota clinched 9 playoff berths, including 6 division titles and one NFC Title (1976), which culminated with an appearance and defeat to the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XI played on January 9th, 1977. On October 12th, 1989, a slew of players and draft picks were exchanged between the Vikings and Dallas Cowboys. The result was Minnesota's acquiring of Herschel Walker and Dallas going onto become a dynasty with their capturing of three Super Bowl titles during the 1990s. Lynn would have successful acquisitions during his time including Pro Bowl wide receivers Ahmad Rashad, Chris Carter and the drafting of Hall of Fame guard Randall McDaniel. In addition, Lynn spearheaded efforts for construction of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome and was a proponent for Paul Tagliabue becoming NFL Commissioner. In 1990, he departed from the Vikings to serve as president of the World League of American Football.
Professional Football Executive. As general manager of the Minnesota Vikings (1975 to 1990), he will perhaps be best remembered for producing what may be the worst trade in the history of the National Football League. Following service with the US Army, his goal was to work his way into the entertainment industry which led to a position as a manager of a movie theater in the Memphis-area in 1961. He then went onto serve as a manager with Dixie-Mart. A correspondence written by Lynn found its way to Vikings' owner Max Winter. This led to a position as assistant with the Vikings' organization and one year later, he was hired as their general manager. During his tenure, Minnesota clinched 9 playoff berths, including 6 division titles and one NFC Title (1976), which culminated with an appearance and defeat to the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XI played on January 9th, 1977. On October 12th, 1989, a slew of players and draft picks were exchanged between the Vikings and Dallas Cowboys. The result was Minnesota's acquiring of Herschel Walker and Dallas going onto become a dynasty with their capturing of three Super Bowl titles during the 1990s. Lynn would have successful acquisitions during his time including Pro Bowl wide receivers Ahmad Rashad, Chris Carter and the drafting of Hall of Fame guard Randall McDaniel. In addition, Lynn spearheaded efforts for construction of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome and was a proponent for Paul Tagliabue becoming NFL Commissioner. In 1990, he departed from the Vikings to serve as president of the World League of American Football.
Bio by: C.S.
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