Lonnie Warwick obit

Lonnie Warwick passes away at 82

 

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MOUNT HOPE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Lonnie Warwick, a former professional football player from Raleigh County, WV, has passed away at the age of 82.

Lonnie Warwick, a standout linebacker renowned for his tenacity on the field, remains a celebrated figure in football, especially in his native West Virginia. Lonnie attended Mount Hope High School in Mount Hope, West Virginia, where he participated in the 1959 state championship game, was named all-state in both football and basketball and graduated in 1960. he played college football at the University of Tennessee at Martin. His formidable playing style and relentless defense earned him a place in the NFL, where he went on to play for the Minnesota Vikings and the Atlanta Falcons during the 1960s and early 1970s.

Warwick’s career truly took off when he joined the Vikings in 1965. Known for his strong defensive skills and fierce hits, Warwick became a pivotal part of Minnesota’s defense. He was a key player in the Vikings’ famous “Purple People Eaters” defense, a term that described the team’s dominating defensive front. With Warwick’s help, the Vikings became one of the league’s most intimidating defenses, ultimately leading to a Super Bowl IV appearance in 1970. Throughout his career, Warwick’s intense playing style and commitment earned him respect from teammates, fans, and opponents alike.

Warwick’s contributions to football were not just limited to his playing years. He has since been remembered for his impact on future generations, both as a respected alumnus of his college team and an influential figure in the Vikings’ storied history. He is celebrated as a player who epitomized the grit and determination of his era and set a standard for linebackers who came after him.

Today, Warwick’s legacy endures, particularly in West Virginia, where he is regarded as a local sports hero. His life and career continue to inspire young athletes who strive to bring the same passion and dedication to the game that he did.

Lonnie attended Mount Hope High School in Mount Hope, West Virginia where he participated in the 1959 state championship game, was named all-state in both football and basketball, and graduated in 1960. In 2013, Warwick was inducted to the West Virginia North-South Football Hall of Fame. He attended at the University of Tennessee for a year. Transferring within a year, Warwick and played college football for Tennessee Tech, where he is a member of the Tennessee Tech Hall of Fame.

Warwick ended up working for the Southern Pacific Railroad in Arizona for a year, before signing a free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 1964. He became the starting middle linebacker of the legendary Purple People Eaters Vikings defense of the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was named the "meanest man" in football by former teammate Joe Kapp.

Warwick led the Vikings in tackles for four years, and returned a blocked punt (gridiron football) for a touchdown in 1965. He had four interceptions and recovered two fumbles during the 1969 season, and caught three interceptions in 1970. He was the starting linebacker in Super Bowl IV, where the Kansas City Chiefs upset the heavily favored Vikings. Warwick played despite spraining his left ankle during the National Football League Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns the previous week. He was injured with knee problems for most of 1971, where he played four games, and 1972, playing just six games. The 1972 injury led the Vikings to insert rookie Jeff Siemon into the lineup at middle linebacker, and Siemon held the position through 1981. He became a member of the Atlanta Falcons in 1973, after being unable to reach a contract agreement with the Vikings. He played for the Falcons in all fourteen games in both 1973 and 1974 before retiring. In 1975, Warwick came out of retirement to play for the San Antonio Wings of the World Football League, which folded before the end of season.

 

Career history

As player

1965–1972            Minnesota Vikings

1973–1974            Atlanta Falcons

1975    San Antonio Wings

Career highlights and awards

NFL Champion (1969)