Joe Senser, the well-known former Minnesota Vikings tight end and Twin Cities businessman, has died.

A sixth-round draft pick in 1979, Senser quickly became a late-round �steal,� totaling 42 catches for 447 yards and 7 touchdowns as a rookie. In his second year, he broke out with 79 catches for 1,004 yards � both team records at the time � and 8 touchdowns. He�s still the only Vikings tight end to top 1,000 yards in a season.

Unfortunately, after the 1982 season, he injured his knee and played only eight more games, all in 1984.

After his playing career, Senser partnered to open several local sports bars bearing his name, with locations in Roseville, Bloomington, Eagan and Plymouth. All have since closed.

He also worked as a color commentator for the Vikings Radio Network in 1993-1994 and from 2001-2006.

?His cause of death hasn�t been disclosed.