Chad Greenway is a former American football linebacker who played for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL). He was born on January 12, 1983, in Mount Vernon, South Dakota, and attended the University of Iowa, where he played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Greenway was selected by the Vikings in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft, and he spent his entire 11-year career with the team. He quickly established himself as a key player on the Vikings' defense, earning a starting role in his rookie season and recording 105 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions.
Over the course of his career, Greenway became known for his toughness, durability, and leadership on and off the field. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection (2011, 2012, and 2013) and was named the Vikings' Defensive MVP in 2010 and 2012. He also won the team's Community Man of the Year award four times (2008, 2011, 2014, and 2015) for his charitable work and community involvement.
Greenway's best season statistically came in 2010, when he recorded 149 tackles, two sacks, and an interception. He was also a key player on the Vikings' defense during their playoff run that season, which ended with a loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game.
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Greenway was also known for his philanthropic work. He founded the Lead the Way Foundation in 2008, which supports children and families facing medical crises, and he was named the NFL's Byron "Whizzer" White Award winner in 2015 for his community service.
Greenway announced his retirement from the NFL in March 2017, ending a career that saw him play in 156 games and record 1,334 tackles, 18 sacks, and 11 interceptions. He remains a beloved figure in Minnesota, where he is remembered for his toughness, leadership, and commitment to the community.
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