The Minnesota Vikings lost a great one on Sunday with the passing of long time scout Frank Gilliam at the age of 89.
Gilliam was with the Vikings for a better part of four decades, becoming one of the first black scouts in NFL history in 1970.
He played for legendary Vikings head coach Bud Grant with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League and was a member of Jerry Burns’ staff at his alma mater Iowa before joining the Vikings.
Former director of player personnel Scott Studwell had some really nice things to say about Gilliam.
“Not only was he a great leader with unmatched skills and a keen eye for what it takes to play and be successful in the NFL, he was also a great mentor and friend,” Studwell said. “The Vikings family lost an iconic piece of their past successes, and I am forever grateful to have Frank in my life — RIP my friend. I love you and will miss you for the rest of my days.”