Former NFL Tight End for the Minnesota Vikings signs with the Minnesota Ripknees

Published on October 19, 2006 under American Basketball Association (ABA)
Minnesota Ripknees News Release


MINNEAPOLIS, MN- The Ripknees inked a familiar name around the Twin Cities Wednesday, by signing former Viking TJ Cottrell. Cottrell, (the son of former Vikings Defensive Coordinator Ted Cottrell) was a member of the Vikings squad for the 2005 season. Cottrell at 6'5" 255 lb. will play Forward for the Ripknees this year and will return to NFL Europe next spring in his continuation of returning to the NFL, where he played Tight End.

"I'm excited to have a player like TJ." Ripknees Head Coach Larry McKenzie said at Wednesday's press conference. "He was an All State player in New York coming out of high school and anytime you've spent a full season in the NFL, it not only speaks to the level of athlete that you are, but also puts an experienced "locker room guy" on the team."

Additionally, the Ripknees will be holding an open tryout for all players who would like to try and make the team. Open tryouts are going to be held at Anoka-Ramsey Community College Gym, located at 11200 Mississippi Blvd, Coon Rapids, MN. On Saturday Oct. 21 and Sunday Oct. 22, from 9am to 1pm. Sunday's tryout will be a full scrimmage and open to the public. Admission for the scrimmage on Sunday will be $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. Any person wishing to try out for the Ripknees should contact Head Coach Larry McKenzie at (651) 324-9061. Cost for tryouts is $125 and player tryout applications can be downloaded at www.ripknees.com.

The Ripknees will be starting their season Nov. 9th, against the Quad City RiverHawks.

For interviews or additional information, please contact Jeff Loftis at jeff.loftis@ripknees.com or (651) 324-9041

Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.

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American Basketball Association Stories from October 19, 2006


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