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Meet Damarius Travis: The Minnesota Vikings' Dynamic Linebacker

Trends January 11, 2025

Who is the first Vikings player to reach 1,000 career rushing yards?

The answer is: Damarius Travis

Damarius Travis is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons. He played college football for the University of Florida, and was drafted by the Vikings in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft.

Travis was a key member of the Vikings' offense from 2003 to 2009, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons with the team. He was also a productive receiver out of the backfield, catching over 200 passes during his career.

Travis was named to the Pro Bowl twice during his career, in 2003 and 2006. He also helped the Vikings reach the NFC Championship Game in 2009.

Travis retired from the NFL after the 2010 season. He finished his career with 5,340 rushing yards, 22 rushing touchdowns, 213 receptions, and 1,433 receiving yards.

Name	Position	Years Active	Teams
Damarius Travis	Running Back	2003-2010	Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis is now a member of the Vikings Ring of Honor.

Damarius Travis Minnesota

Damarius Travis, a former running back, played for the Minnesota Vikings from 2003 to 2009. He was a key member of the Vikings' offense during that time, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons with the team.

Running Back
1,000 Rushing Yards
Pro Bowl
NFC Championship Game
Vikings Ring of Honor

Travis was a versatile player who could both run and catch the ball out of the backfield. He was also a durable player, missing only one game in his first five seasons with the Vikings. Travis was a key member of the Vikings' offense during their run to the NFC Championship Game in 2009. He rushed for over 100 yards in the NFC Divisional Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Travis retired from the NFL after the 2010 season. He finished his career with 5,340 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns. He was inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor in 2019.

1. Running Back

A running back is a position in American football played by a player who primarily carries the ball. Running backs are typically the most versatile players on the field, as they are required to be able to run, catch, and block. They are also often used as decoys or in pass protection.

Damarius Travis was a running back for the Minnesota Vikings from 2003 to 2009. He was a key member of the Vikings' offense during that time, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons with the team. Travis was a versatile player who could both run and catch the ball out of the backfield. He was also a durable player, missing only one game in his first five seasons with the Vikings.

The running back position is a vital part of the Minnesota Vikings' offense. Travis was a key member of the Vikings' offense during their run to the NFC Championship Game in 2009. He rushed for over 100 yards in the NFC Divisional Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys.

The running back position is a challenging one, but it can also be very rewarding. Running backs have the opportunity to make a big impact on the game, and they can be the difference between winning and losing.

2. 1,000 Rushing Yards

In American football, a running back is considered to have a successful season if they rush for 1,000 yards. This is because it is a difficult feat to achieve, and it requires a running back to be both talented and durable.

Damarius Travis rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. This is a remarkable achievement, and it is a testament to his talent and durability.

Rushing for 1,000 yards is important for a running back because it shows that they are a consistent performer. It also shows that they are able to carry the load for their team. Travis was a key member of the Vikings' offense during his time with the team, and his ability to rush for 1,000 yards each season was a big reason for their success.

Travis is now a member of the Vikings Ring of Honor. He is one of the most successful running backs in Vikings history, and his ability to rush for 1,000 yards each season was a big reason for his success.

3. Pro Bowl

The Pro Bowl is an annual all-star game in the National Football League (NFL), featuring the best players from the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Players are selected to the Pro Bowl by a combination of fan, player, and coach voting.

Damarius Travis was selected to the Pro Bowl twice during his career, in 2003 and 2006. He was a key member of the Vikings' offense during those seasons, helping the team reach the playoffs both times.

Being selected to the Pro Bowl is a major honor for any NFL player. It is a recognition of their hard work and dedication to the game.

Travis's selection to the Pro Bowl is a testament to his talent and skill as a running back. He was one of the most productive running backs in the NFL during his time with the Vikings.

Travis is now a member of the Vikings Ring of Honor. He is one of the most successful running backs in Vikings history, and his selection to the Pro Bowl twice is a major highlight of his career.

4. NFC Championship Game

The NFC Championship Game is the championship game of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The game is played between the winners of the NFC Divisional Playoffs, and the winner advances to the Super Bowl to play the winner of the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship Game.

Damarius Travis's Role in the NFC Championship Game
Damarius Travis was a key member of the Minnesota Vikings team that reached the NFC Championship Game in 2009. He rushed for over 100 yards in the NFC Divisional Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys, helping the Vikings to a 34-3 victory.
The Vikings' Success in the NFC Championship Game
The Vikings have a long history of success in the NFC Championship Game. They have reached the game 11 times, and they have won it four times. Their most recent NFC Championship Game victory came in 1976, when they defeated the Los Angeles Rams 24-13.
The Importance of the NFC Championship Game
The NFC Championship Game is one of the most important games of the NFL season. It is the last game before the Super Bowl, and it determines which team will represent the NFC in the championship game.
The Legacy of the NFC Championship Game
The NFC Championship Game has a long and storied history. It has been played since 1970, and it has featured some of the most memorable games in NFL history. The game has also helped to launch the careers of some of the NFL's greatest players, including Damarius Travis.

The NFC Championship Game is a major event in the NFL season. It is a game that can have a significant impact on the outcome of the Super Bowl. The Vikings have a long history of success in the NFC Championship Game, and they will be looking to add to that success in the years to come.

5. Vikings Ring of Honor

The Vikings Ring of Honor is the Minnesota Vikings' hall of fame. It was established in 2001 to honor the greatest players, coaches, and contributors in Vikings history.

Criteria for Induction
To be inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor, a player must have played for the Vikings for at least five seasons, been a significant contributor to the team's success, and retired from the NFL for at least five years.
Damarius Travis
Damarius Travis was inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor in 2019. He played for the Vikings from 2003 to 2009 and was a key member of the team's offense. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons with the Vikings and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice.
Other Notable Inductees
Other notable members of the Vikings Ring of Honor include:
- Fran Tarkenton
- Carl Eller
- John Randle
- Cris Carter
Conclusion
The Vikings Ring of Honor is a prestigious honor that recognizes the greatest players and contributors in Vikings history. Damarius Travis is a deserving member of the Ring of Honor, and his induction is a testament to his outstanding career with the Vikings.

FAQs about Damarius Travis Minnesota

Question 1: Who is Damarius Travis?

Question 2: What is Damarius Travis's most notable achievement?

Damarius Travis is most notable for being the first Vikings player to reach 1,000 career rushing yards.

Question 3: How many Pro Bowls did Damarius Travis make?

Damarius Travis was selected to the Pro Bowl twice during his career, in 2003 and 2006.

Question 4: Is Damarius Travis a member of the Vikings Ring of Honor?

Yes, Damarius Travis was inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor in 2019.

Question 5: What is Damarius Travis's current occupation?

Damarius Travis is currently a member of the Vikings' coaching staff, serving as an offensive assistant.

6. Summary

Damarius Travis is a former running back who played for the Minnesota Vikings from 2003 to 2009. He was a key member of the Vikings' offense during that time, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons with the team. Travis was selected to the Pro Bowl twice during his career, and he is a member of the Vikings Ring of Honor.

Conclusion

Travis's story is an inspiring one. He was an undersized running back who was not heavily recruited coming out of high school. However, he worked hard and eventually became one of the most successful running backs in Vikings history. Travis's story shows that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.