MINNEAPOLIS -- Courtesy: MTU

Former Michigan Tech football player Joe Berger (2001-04) was signed by the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings yesterday. The six-year NFL veteran was cut by the Miami Dolphins prior to the season.

Berger started 14 games at center for the Dolphins a year ago and 20 over his last two seasons in Miami.

The Newaygo, Mich., native was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2005. He was signed by the Dolphins off of Carolina’s practice squad prior to the 2005 season and spent a season and a half with in Miami before being claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys in 2006. Following the 2008 season, Berger was re-signed by Miami to a multi-year contract as an unrestricted free agent.

Berger had a standout career at Michigan Tech. He earned All-America First Team and Academic All-American First Team honors as a senior in 2004, helping the Huskies to their only NCAA playoff berth. Berger was twice named GLIAC Offensive Lineman of the Year. He graduated from Michigan Tech in 2005 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

The 29-year-old Berger is currently listed as the backup at center on the Vikings depth chart. The Vikings next game will come at home vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday (Sept. 18) at 1 p.m. ET.