Minnesota acquired veteran receiver Leon Clarke from…
Minnesota acquired veteran receiver Leon Clarke from Cleveland on January 29, 1963, for fullback Mel Triplett. Clarke played three games for the Vikings, catching three passes for 34 yards, while Triplett never appeared in another NFL regular-season game after leaving Minnesota. The exchange produced very little value, but Minnesota received the only post-trade on-field contribution and wins narrowly.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Mel Triplett
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Leon Clarke
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Minnesota and Cleveland swapped veteran skill-position players on January 29, 1963. The Vikings received receiver Leon Clarke, while the Browns received fullback Mel Triplett. A newspaper published January 30 reported that Cleveland had announced the trade Tuesday, which was January 29, and Clarke's transaction history independently lists his move to Minnesota on that date. Both players had significant prior NFL experience, but each was approaching the end of his career.
What Minnesota Received
Clarke had once been a productive receiver for the Rams and Browns, but his Minnesota contribution was brief. He appeared in three games for the Vikings in 1963, catching three passes for 34 yards without a touchdown. Those were the final regular-season statistics of his NFL career. Minnesota did not uncover a long-term starter, but it did receive some actual regular-season use from the veteran.
What Cleveland Received
Triplett had produced 2,856 rushing yards over eight NFL seasons and had spent 1961 and 1962 with Minnesota. His career, however, ended before he could provide Cleveland with regular-season production. NFL career statistics list his final season as 1962, so the Browns received no games, carries or receptions from Triplett after the exchange.
Final Verdict
Minnesota Vikings Win. Minnesota gets a C because Clarke at least appeared in three games and produced 34 receiving yards. Cleveland receives a D+ because Triplett never played another NFL regular-season game. The overall stakes and realized value were small, so this is only a narrow Vikings victory rather than a major win. Still, three games of actual production are enough to separate Minnesota from a return that never reached the field.