Vikings Release Punter Chris Kluwe - East Idaho News
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Vikings Release Punter Chris Kluwe

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Getty S 050713 Chris%20Kluwe?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1367901409415Tom Dahlin/Getty Images(NEW YORK) —  The Minnesota Vikings have released long-time punter Chris Kluwe.

“So long, Minnesota, and thanks for all the fish!” Kluwe wrote on his verified Twitter account. He added: “Thank you to all the fans, my teammates, and the Wilf family for the past 8.5 years. I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.”

Kluwe met with team general manager Rick Spielman on Monday, who decided that it was time for the organization to move in a different direction.

“Out of respect to Chris, we decided to release him now and allow time for him to sign with another team,” Spielman said in a statement.

The 31-year-old Kluwe averaged 44.4 yards per punt during his career with the Vikings, but was due to make $1.45 million this season.  His expected salary for 2013 could have been one of the reasons for his release.

The Vikings drafted UCLA punter Jeff Locke in last month’s draft as Kluwe’s likely replacement.

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