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Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Riley Reiff (71) watches during warmups prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers Oct. 15 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. (Matt Gade / Republic)
By Daily Republic Sports Today
December 27, 2017
Former Parkston High School standout Riley Reiff, who in his first season in Minnesota has helped the Vikings to a 12-3 record and the NFC North Division title, headlines a group of five Mitchell-area winners selected by the South Dakota Sportswriters Association.
Reiff was selected as the sports Celebrity of the Year for South Dakota by the SDSWA, who have annually presented honors since 1954. Categories include athlete, coach and team in prep and collegiate categories, and "independent" team and athletes.
After five seasons playing for the Detroit Lions, the pride of Parkston moved closer to home and signed with the Minnesota Vikings on March 9. Reiff, 29, inked a five-year deal and moved back to the left tackle position for the Vikings, where he played the first four years of his career.
"I'll come in here and do whatever the coaches ask," said Reiff, when he signed. "I love playing in the Black and Blue Division (NFC North). I think it fits me.''
Reiff's signing with the Vikings ironically occurred in the same week Mount Vernon native and longtime local favorite Chad Greenway retired after 11 seasons with Minnesota.
