(Eagan, MN) Learfield Wire Services/TTWN Media Networks -- The Minnesota Vikings are mourning the loss of long-time athletic trainer and team historian Fred Zamberletti. He died Sunday morning at age 86.

Zamberletti was the Vikings trainer from the inaugural season in 1961 until 1998. He later worked as coordinator of medical services and senior consultant and team historian. He had a streak of 1,049 consecutive games attended from the start of the franchise in 1961 and extending into the 2011 season. Zamberletti was inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor in 1998. He was known as the "Trainer for Life" and Hall of Fame head coach called him the "Cornerstone of the Vikings."

General manager Rick Spielman said in a statement,"Fred Zamberletti was the epitome of a Minnesota Vikings icon. He was more to players than just an athletic trainer; he was a friend, a mentor and a father figure who earned respect and admiration from everyone he encountered."

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