Paul Wiggin Awarded 2023 Bud Grant Distinguished Minnesotan Trophy

Now 88, Wiggin remains a consultant for the Vikings, working at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center.

Last week, Wiggin was presented the trophy for being named the 2022 Bud Grant Distinguished Minnesotan Award by the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation.

After examining the classic, sizeable football figurine, he didn’t have to get far on the inscription to fully appreciate the significance. It means so much to him, he said, because the award is named in honor of Grant, who also remains as a consultant with Minnesota.

“Going back to when I was a young coach, the word was, ‘If you really want to be with a coach who respects you as an assistant coach, Bud Grant is your man. So if you ever get a chance to work with Bud Grant,’ ” Wiggin said. “I passed it up once, but I really was blessed to come here and be able to work with him. Just that one year was amazing.”