We are so sorry to learn this news Mary Beth. Matt was such a great guy. Humble. Considerate. Honest. Loyal. Generous. Spiritual. Just a great human being. It seems like yesterday we saw the 59 turns 59 in your front yard. Lifting Matt and your family in our prayers.

Posted by: Gregg and Kim Hess - Coral Gables, FL - friend
Nov 11, 2020

To the family, many, many friends, and fans to one of the greatest outside linebacker that was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together with your dear loved one Matt Blair. May the God of comfort bless your grieving hearts with strength, loving kindness and peace as the world copes with the loss of Matt.

Posted by: Tony - DC
Nov 07, 2020

I am a HUGE Vikings fan and got the chance to meet Matt and his wife during a craft show I attended. He had a display of his artwork and I was lucky enough to engage in a great conversation with him and found out how nice he was. I was torn between two pieces of his work and he said, "If you buy both, I will sign them both for you!" You can guess...I did purchase both pictures. He was a great football player but more importantly, he was a wonderful, thoughtful, and funny man. Rest In Peace, Matt. My prayers of strength go out to your family.

Posted by: A friend
Nov 02, 2020

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family . May the true God comfort your broken hearts. For Psalms 50:15 says call and He will deliver in the day of distress.

Posted by: A friend
Nov 02, 2020

Matt was my favorite Viking of all time. On my wedding night we put our hotel under his name so nobody would know what room we were in. He defined the art of blocking kicks. I will never forget his hardworking style.

Posted by: Troy Amundsen - Fargo, ND
Nov 02, 2020

He's a really nice person and I'm excited that I got to meet him in real life when I won $1000 a couple years ago.

I'm going to really miss him alot right now

Posted by: Angela Wood - Brooklyn Park, MN - friend
Oct 29, 2020

Matt you are missed. In coping with sorrow, a helpful piece of advice may be: don't hold back those tears and always remember those beautiful memories with lots of love.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 28, 2020

My condolences go out to the family of Matt Blair. So sorry for your loss.

Posted by: LeeRoy
Oct 28, 2020

I haven’t seen you in years but it was my pleasure to help out with your Celebrity Golf Tournaments and softball tournaments for second harvest. We had some great times putting these tournaments together. I will miss your caring for many people and such a great heart. Take care my friend.

Posted by: Susan Perkins - Maple Grove, MN - friend
Oct 27, 2020

Sending my sincere condolences to Mary Beth and the extended Blair family. Matt was a great friend at Iowa State, a super guy and a giant of human with a huge heart. What a life he was given and he lived it well. God bless and comfort all at his passing.

Faye

Posted by: A friend
Oct 27, 2020

My Condolences To The Family;
I’m so sorry for your great loss. May the God of all comfort be with you all during this difficult time.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 26, 2020

The world lost a true gentleman. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Posted by: Sara Van Eck - Iowa City, IA
Oct 26, 2020

My deepest sympathy to the Blair family for your loss. Matt will be missed by many. At this very difficult time, may the God of tender mercies comfort and strengthen you,

Posted by: Mary - Neighbor
Oct 26, 2020

Matt Blair thank you for all your hard work as a player .Now you are part of the biggest pro bowl in the universe. May you enjoy your roster spot on God's football team. Love Dave Kappes

Posted by: David Kappes - Rosemount, MN - friend
Oct 26, 2020

What a wonderful life may the God of love and tender mercies comfort Blair family in this hard and painful time.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 26, 2020

Condolences to the family of Matt Blair. May the God of comfort and peace strengthen you during this difficult loss. He is resting in Gods memory.

Posted by: JE Sowell - Charlotte, NC
Oct 26, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss. Remember that God is a refuge and strength. He will help you during this time of distress.

Posted by: PT
Oct 26, 2020

My condolences to a great athlete. He will be missed by family, friends and fan.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 26, 2020

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Posted by: Cyril Vivian - Spouse
Oct 26, 2020

Dear Family of Matt Blair, I am so very sorry for your loss. I met Matt Blair as a young nine-year-old who had won my school's Read-a-thon. Quite the book nerd, I was embarrassed to be given an award by a great football player, but Mr. Blair immediately put me at ease with his kindness and easy warmth. He was truly a good soul, a great man who could quickly empathize with children and make even the most shy feel important and worthy. My heart broke to hear of his passing, but I hope your family knows he touched so many people. I hope you find peace during this difficult time. Blessings to you.

Posted by: Michelle Krueger - Minneapolis, MN - student
Oct 25, 2020

So sorry for your loss Mary Beth. Always looked forward to volunteering with you and Matt Fridays at the Union Gospel Mission. They were great times. Loved Matt's football stories. He will be missed!

Posted by: Eric Nikolai - Friend
Oct 25, 2020

My sincere condolences to Matt’s family. May the God of peace and comfort be with the family during this difficult time.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 25, 2020

The world has lost a great man of excellence, passion, authencity. Thanks for the great memories of all of the times hanging out at the Ranch with you and your big dogs. In my heart forever.

Posted by: Diane Grinnell - Apple Valley, MN - friend
Oct 25, 2020

I´m from Va. I watched Blair play for my Favorite Team and I´m offering many prayers to family and friends.
Your memory will live on in the lives of so many! Robin

Posted by: Robin H Williams
Oct 25, 2020

I'm so sorry to hear that may blair died he was the greatest person

Posted by: Nancy Lovkvist - Mound, MN - acquaintance
Oct 25, 2020

I met Matt several years ago in Sioux City Iowa at a sports event at west High School and told him I had a brother named Matt, he asked me who was better looking. That was a great day for me.

Posted by: Brad Blair
Oct 24, 2020

Matt Blair was larger than life. I was lucky enough to come of age during the greatest era of Viking teams (1968-1980) and always had a favorite player on offense and defense, when Chuck Foreman came along he was my guy on offense and when Matt Blair came to the team he was my favorite on defense. I had never seen a player with his instincts and athletic prowess. I was only lucky enough to see Matt play in person once (final game at the Met) but never missed a game on TV back then. It's amazing how many players of that era ended up settling in the area including Matt, I was lucky enough to meet a number of them while working a retail job in Mpls. About a dozen years ago Matt was shopping in the store and word spread quickly, I knew I might have only this one chance to meet him and I worked up the courage to approach him and have a short conversation, just wanted to thank him for the joy he brought to my life and how much I respected him as a man and player. I was just a nobody but he took the time to talk to me about those Viking teams, how Drew Pearson DID push off Nate Wright, and our shared love of snowmobiling. I'll never forget that. My condolences to the family at this difficult time. One also feels for coach Grant, it must be terribly difficult to see young men who played for you pass away under these circumstances. Rest well Matt.

Posted by: Doug L. - Plymouth, MN - acquaintance
Oct 24, 2020

Godspeed to the Blair family

Posted by: christopher burke - MN
Oct 24, 2020

Matt Blair was one of the great players that helped put Iowa state university football on the map! An a great example of what a student athelete is all about! And a real gentleman!

Posted by: Steven Mohr - Friend
Oct 24, 2020

Thank you Matt for all you for football and outside of the game. I saw you at the old Met when I was 9. Amazing memory. Thinking and praying for the family......

Posted by: A friend
Oct 24, 2020

Our deepest condolences to the family. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort you all during this difficult period.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 24, 2020

My sincere condolences to the Blair family. May the God of all comfort provide you all the strength to cope with your loss

Posted by: TD
Oct 24, 2020

My sincerest condolences to Matt’s family! Im so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man and a caring individual. I enjoyed volunteering for him for a couple years for his Cities in School events. He always made it fun. He had the best laugh. He will always have a special place in all of out hearts! #SKOL

Posted by: Susan Barth - Vero Beach, FL - friend
Oct 24, 2020

I was blessed to have Matt as a student teacher at my Junior High. What a class act! The kids loved him! He treated us with respect, brought us to joy, and made us feel special. He was a highlight to all of us, we will never forget him!

Posted by: Kevin - student
Oct 23, 2020

I have been a VIKES FAN since 1965 AND by far MATT BLAIR is the best to play that position. Too bad those VIKING teams couldn't have played for ever. Those were the best VIKING YEARS EVER. RIP MR. LINE BACKER REMEMBERED as long as I live

Posted by: Donald Crutchfield - Decatur, IL
Oct 23, 2020

One of my all time Viking favorites. Extremely dependable at all times. RIP my man 59

Posted by: Craig Gilly - Acquaintance
Oct 23, 2020

The NFL has lost an true legend. My deepest sympathies to the Blair family, may God comfort and strengthen all of you in your time of sorrow.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 23, 2020

So sorry to hear about his passing. When I was a kid I pretended to be blocking kicks like Matt.

Posted by: Jeff F - Hamden, CT - acquaintance
Oct 23, 2020

So sorry to hear about Matt, Mary Beth. We send our deepest condolences. We’ll always remember the fun we had at all of the Matt Blair Celebrity Golf Outings and attending the Masters with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Posted by: Craig and Marilyn Nelson - Friend
Oct 23, 2020

I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to you, the family and friends of Matt Blair. May God give you peace and comfort during this most difficult time.

Posted by: T T - neighbor
Oct 23, 2020

Matt was a GREAT player & a kind person.
He signed a ball for my friend's dad.
He let me in his home & showed me some of his photos.
One heck of a kick blocker.
He had many amazing talents & touched many lives in a positive way.
I'm glad he's at peace.

Posted by: John Velek - EP, MN - acquaintance
Oct 23, 2020

I knew Matt for 2 or 3 years while at ISU. The last time I saw him was after they played in the LA Coliseum back in the 70's. He was just as friendly as ever. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Posted by: Mary Lou Bakker - Classmate
Oct 23, 2020

Matt was my best Friend Friend Did so many things for me and Family And one Greatest Vikes

Posted by: Larry Hegna - Sauk Rapids, MN - friend
Oct 23, 2020

So very sorry for our loss. Mary Beth and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Helen Dale (fellow photographer and friend).

Posted by: HELEN Dale - North Mankato, MN - friend
Oct 23, 2020

Matt, from a fellow Cyclone, a life well lived

Posted by: Grorge Roland - LeClaire, IA
Oct 23, 2020

Simply the best! RIP matt

Posted by: Bev
Oct 23, 2020

I met Matt Blair in 1985, His former teammate Fred McNeill & I both graduated from Baldwin Park High School in 1970 & Matt & I became very close friend there after. Fred has also passed due to Dementia but I am the only one left of us three. RIP Matt & Fred

Posted by: Tony Lordi - Kansas City, MO - friend
Oct 22, 2020

Peace an love to my baby brother my hero

Posted by: Anita Blair Williams - Dayton, OH - sister
Oct 22, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Posted by: Sadie Kyles - Jackson, TN - significant_other
Oct 22, 2020

I met Matt in 1975 when Iowa state was recruiting me...... I then lived in Minneapolis where I saw Matt out and about often... always the respectful , kind giant of a person... always very nice and gracious... like many, I hate to see Matt leave us so early... RIP 59, and 47 at Iowa state ! We love ya buddy

Posted by: Jon LAZAR - Raleigh, NC - friend
Oct 22, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Posted by: Cathy Harris - Ruther Glen, VA - friend
Oct 22, 2020

Star outside linebacker, who was a frequent Pro Bowl representative for the Vikes/NFC. And when I think of Matt's football career, that amazing blocked punt in Super Bowl IX always comes to mind! Matt's instincts/presence of mind, and pure talent, enabled him to make numerous key plays. Blocked punts, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries were Matt Blair "specialties." Thanks for all of the terrific play and great memories, Matt. Rest in peace.

Posted by: - SF Bay Area, CA
Oct 22, 2020

My condolences

Posted by: Shannon Holley - Montgomery, AL - friend
Oct 22, 2020

RIP, sleep well! Peace be still.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 22, 2020

Matt was a great football player at ISU and with the Vikings! I was fortunate to be one of his roommates off campus senior year at Iowa State. He was a gentle giant off the field and an awesome individual. He will truly be missed!

Posted by: Gary Marske - West Des Moines, IA - classmate
Oct 22, 2020

A wonderful man who shared his values and positive spirit with all. We are very grateful for having the pleasure of Matt's presence at several nonprofit events. He will always be our hero!

Posted by: Karen Kitchel - EAGAN, MN - friend
Oct 22, 2020

Matt was the most generous man with his time and talents. Again and again he tried to help the charitable organizations that needed him the most! I admired and loved him!

Posted by: Judi Blankenbaker (Deming) - Scottsdale, AZ - friend
Oct 22, 2020

I had the honor of meeting and working with Matt Blair with the Uptown Art Fair. The Uptown was honored to have Mr. Blair be our photography Ambassador. His still life’s were amazing. Mr. Blair had a warm smile and even warmer personality. I am shocked and saddened by his passing. Hugs to his beautiful wife and family.

Posted by: Mary Trondson - Minneapolis, MN - acquaintance
Oct 22, 2020

Rip matt. What a legend! I was so sorry to hear of the passing of him. My condolences to his family!

Posted by: Lisa Thompson - Montgomery, MN
Oct 22, 2020