"Mike Lynn, an ambitious executive who made 10 playoff appearances and one of the NFL's most controversial trades during his 16 seasons as Vikings general manager, died Saturday, July 21, due to a combination of medical issues, according to his son, Robert Lynn. He was 76. Lynn is perhaps best known for sending five players and seven draft choices -- including three first-round picks -- to the Cowboys for running back Herschel Walker on Oct. 12, 1989. The Cowboys went on to win three Super Bowls, while Walker recorded 2,264 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns for the Vikings in 42 games. Defining Lynn's career solely by the Walker trade is "ridiculous," Robert Lynn said. "Anyone connected to the league, when he was with the league, will tell you he was one of the best general managers the league ever had," Robert said. "He did a lot for the league aside from being general manager of the Vikings. He was involved in league affairs. There are a lot of things he did -- a lot of good for a lot of people -- that may never be known, and he probably wanted it that way. In some ways, he was misunderstood." Robert cites Lynn's trade for Ahmad Rashad in 1976 and "getting Cris Carter for $200 from the Eagles" off waivers in 1990 as shrewd moves overshadowed by the Walker trade. " Read more: http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_21128880/former-minnesota-vikings-gm-mike-lynn-dies
