At North Dakota, Kleinsasser was a three-time first-team All-North Central Conference (NCC) selection and a two-time Division II All-American, also in 1998 was the only Division II football player selected as a Gannett News Service All-American.

[3] Kleinsasser was named as a member of the 2025 class of the College Football Hall of Fame on January 15, 2025.

[4] Kleinsasser was selected as a tight end in the second round (44th overall pick) of the 1999 NFL draft.

In 2007 and 2008, Kleinsasser was named to USA Today's All Joe Team honoring hard workers and under-recognized players.

His blocking skills also paved the way for seven of the top eight single-season rushing marks in Vikings history, including Adrian Peterson's then team record and NFL leading 1,760 yards in 2008.