What Happened to Joseph Spence Senser?

Joseph 'Joe' Spence Senser rose to prominence as a formidable tight end for the Minnesota Vikings. Drafted in the sixth round of the 1979 NFL Draft out of West Chester University, he played for the Vikings from 1980 to 1984. His most notable season was 1981, where he earned a Pro Bowl selection after recording 79 receptions for 1,004 yards and 8 touchdowns, making him the only tight end in Vikings history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. His promising NFL career was cut short by a severe knee injury sustained in late 1981, which forced him to miss the entire 1983 season and ultimately led to his retirement after the 1984 season.

Following his football career, Senser transitioned into business, becoming a well-known restaurateur in the Twin Cities. He opened 'Joe Senser's Restaurant & Sports Theater' in 1988, which expanded to multiple locations in Bloomington and Roseville and was recognized as a premier sports bar. He also served as a color commentator for the Minnesota Vikings Radio Network during two stints, from 1993-1994 and 2001-2006.

A significant turning point in Senser's life occurred in August 2011 when his wife, Amy Senser, was involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident that killed chef Anousone Phanthavong. Joe Senser publicly supported his wife, who was later identified as the driver and convicted in May 2012 of two felony counts of criminal vehicular homicide. She was sentenced to 41 months in prison in July 2012 and completed her supervised release in December 2015. Joe Senser was vocal in his defense of his wife, criticizing the prosecution and maintaining her claim that she did not know she had hit a person.

In July 2016, Senser suffered a massive stroke at his home, which left him with significant physical impairments and affected his ability to speak. His wife, Amy, played a crucial role in his recovery and care, and remarkably, the Phanthavong family, victims of the hit-and-run, offered forgiveness and support to Amy during this difficult time. The stroke marked a profound change in Senser's life, requiring him to relearn basic functions.

In the business realm, Joe Senser's restaurant empire eventually wound down. The Roseville location closed permanently in October 2020, followed by the Bloomington location, with its demolition occurring in 2021, largely attributed to the strains of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joe Senser continued to battle the effects of his stroke for nearly a decade. He passed away on May 7, 2026, at the age of 69. The Minnesota Vikings organization and former teammates expressed their condolences, highlighting his impact both on and off the field.