MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have painted a big 77 on their practice field in Mankato to honor Korey Stringer, the offensive tackle who died of heat stroke 10 years ago.
Stringer died on Aug. 1, 2001, after collapsing on the field during a sweltering day of training camp. His death prompted teams across the NFL to more closely monitor their players during the long, hot practices of August.
The Vikings also planned to hold a moment of silence before their first training camp practice on Monday afternoon.
The anniversary comes just two days after a 14-year-old boy in South Carolina collapsed and died on the field during a practice for his high school. Doctors were conducting tests to see if heat was responsible for Tyquan Brantley’s death.
