The Minnesota Vikings were established in 1960 as an expansion team for the National Football League (NFL). The team’s name was chosen to reflect Minnesota’s significant Scandinavian heritage. The Vikings joined the league in 1961, with their inaugural season being played at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, Minnesota. Their first head coach was Norm Van Brocklin, a former NFL quarterback.
The Vikings’ first game was a remarkable victory over the Chicago Bears, with a final score of 37-13, where quarterback Fran Tarkenton, a rookie, came off the bench to throw four touchdown passes. However, the team struggled in its early years, and it wasn’t until 1968 that the Vikings secured their first division title under head coach Bud Grant.
The Bud Grant Era and Purple People Eaters (1970s)
Bud Grant, hired in 1967, transformed the Vikings into a dominant force. Known for his stoic demeanour and discipline, Grant emphasized a strong defence and a conservative offence. The Vikings’ defence, nicknamed the “Purple People Eaters,” featured notable players like Alan Page, Carl Eller, Jim Marshall, and Gary Larsen.
During the 1970s, the Vikings became one of the league’s premier teams, winning four NFC championships and appearing in four Super Bowls (IV, VIII, IX, and XI). Despite their regular-season success and strong playoff performances, the Vikings failed to secure a Super Bowl victory in any of their appearances.
Highlights of the 1970s:
- NFC Championships: 1969, 1973, 1974, 1976
- Super Bowl Appearances: IV (1969 season), VIII (1973 season), IX (1974 season), XI (1976 season)
Transitional Years and the 1980s
After the 1970s, the Vikings experienced a period of transition. Fran Tarkenton retired in 1978, and Bud Grant stepped down as head coach in 1983, although he briefly returned in 1985. The team moved from Metropolitan Stadium to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in 1982. The 1980s were marked by inconsistency, but the Vikings still made several playoff appearances.
In 1987, the Vikings, under head coach Jerry Burns, made an impressive playoff run, defeating the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers before losing to the Washington Redskins in the NFC Championship Game.
Highlights of the 1980s:
- NFC Central Division Titles: 1980, 1989
The 1990s: Highs and Lows
The 1990s saw the Vikings fluctuate between successful seasons and disappointing ones. Dennis Green became head coach in 1992 and led the team to eight playoff appearances in ten seasons. One of the most memorable moments of the 1990s was the drafting of wide receiver Randy Moss in 1998. Moss, along with quarterback Randall Cunningham and wide receiver Cris Carter, led the Vikings to a 15-1 record that year. However, the season ended in heartbreak with a loss to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game.
Highlights of the 1990s:
- NFC Central Division Titles: 1992, 1994, 1998
- NFC Championship Game Appearances: 1998
2000s: Consistent Playoff Contenders
The Vikings continued to be competitive in the 2000s, with notable seasons in 2000 and 2009. In 2000, led by quarterback Daunte Culpepper, the team reached the NFC Championship Game but lost to the New York Giants. Brett Favre, the legendary former Green Bay Packers quarterback, joined the Vikings in 2009, leading the team to a 12-4 record and an NFC Championship Game appearance, where they lost to the New Orleans Saints in overtime.
Highlights of the 2000s:
- NFC North Division Titles: 2000, 2008, 2009
- NFC Championship Game Appearances: 2000, 2009
Recent Years (2010s-2020s)
The 2010s saw the Vikings continue their pursuit of a Super Bowl title with varying degrees of success. Under head coach Mike Zimmer, who was hired in 2014, the team built a formidable defence. In 2017, the Vikings enjoyed a remarkable season, highlighted by the “Minneapolis Miracle” – a last-second touchdown pass from Case Keenum to Stefon Diggs in the NFC Divisional Playoff against the New Orleans Saints. The team reached the NFC Championship Game but was defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Vikings also transitioned to a new home, U.S. Bank Stadium, in 2016, leaving the Metrodome behind. The new stadium has been lauded for its modern amenities and fan experience.
Highlights of the 2010s:
- NFC North Division Titles: 2015, 2017
- NFC Championship Game Appearances: 2017
Notable Players and Legacy
The Minnesota Vikings have been home to numerous Hall of Fame players, including Fran Tarkenton, Alan Page, Cris Carter, Randy Moss, and John Randle. The team’s legacy is marked by its strong defensive units, dynamic offensive playmakers, and passionate fan base known as the “Vikings faithful.”
Summary of Trophies and Championships
- NFC Championships: 1969, 1973, 1974, 1976
- NFC Central Division Titles: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1989
- NFC North Division Titles: 2000, 2008, 2009, 2015, 2017
Despite never winning a Super Bowl, the Minnesota Vikings remain one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, with a rich history of memorable moments, legendary players, and a strong tradition of competitiveness and excellence.