The Minnesota Vikings history began in 1961 when this NFL expansion team joined the league as its 14th franchise. The Purple and Gold emerged from a complex bidding war betweet the NFL and AFL, with this Minnesota team ultimately choosing the more established league. The Twin Cities team drew its name from the region’s Scandinavian heritage, with the Norseman identity resonating deeply with its local culture.
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NFL Expansion Team
The Vikings had initially been slated to join the American Football League (AFL). Minnesota ownership rechartered its course, when offered an NFL franchise. A group in Oakland filled the vacant slot in the AFL, becoming the Oakland Raiders.
This football franchise’s earliest Vikings franchise milestone came through rookie quarterback Fran Tarkenton, who launched his legendary career with a stunning debut against the Chicago Bears. Tarkenton threw for 250 yards and four touchdowns in the game. The quarterback would become the first Viking inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. See NFL Ticket Exchange: Your source for all NFL Tickets.
The NFL squad showed promise despite early growing pains, setting the stage for what would become a storied Minnesota Vikings history. The early years are best known for a touchdown by defensive end Jim Marshall, who picked up a fumbel and ran it into the wrong end zone for a touchdown.
The Golden Era Emerges
The Vikings playoff history began taking shape when the team hired Bud Grant as head coach in 1967. Under Grant’s leadership, the Norsemen transformed into a dominant force. The Minnesota team’s most significant Viking franchise milestone came in 1969, when the Twin Cities team achieved a remarkable 12-2 record. Quarterback Joe Kapp, who had joined the team in 1967, had a career year, and finished second in MVP voting to Roman Gabriel of the Los Angeles Rams. The season ended with the Viking in their first Super Bowl appearance against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Vikings Franchise Milestones
The Minnesota Vikings history includes an unprecedented streak of Super Bowl appearances. The Purple People Eaters, their legendary defensive line, became the cornerstone of four Vikings Super Bowl appearances terrorizing opposing offenses. While the NFL squad fell short in all four attemps, the Purple People Eaters cemented their legacy in this eara.
Super Bowl losses followed in 1973 Super Bowl VIII to the Miami Dolphins and the Pittsburgh Steelers the follow year. Lastly, the Vikings lost in 1976 to the Oakland Raiders. Along with the Buffalo Bills, the Vikings are the only NFL team to go to the Super Bowl four times without winning once. During this run, the football franchise witnessed defensive tackle Alan Page make history as the first defensive NFL MVP. This Vikings milestone stood nearly unmatched until Lawrence Taylor’s achievement in 1986.
In 1999 the Minnesota Vikings lost to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championsip game. Decided in overtime, the game is considered one of the most memorable and devastating losses in NFL history. The Vikings entered the game as heavy favorites to win the Super Bowl. They had set an NFL record for most points scored in a single season, and went undefeated at home during the regular season.
Gary Andersen had become the first kicker in NFL history to convert every single field goal and extra point attempt in a season. However, with just over two minutes to go, Anderson missed a makeable 39-yard field attempt that would have given the Vikings a 10-point lead. The missed kick gave the Falcons a chance to tie the game. In overtime, their kicker, Morten Andersen, converted his field goal attempt to send the Vikings home. Quarterback Randall Cunningham finished second in the MVP race that season. His leading receiver was rookie Randy Moss.
Modern Era Achievements
Recent Vikings franchise milestones include Adrian Peterson’s remarkable 2,097-yard rushing season in 2012. Besides being just one of nine players to reach this achievement, (Eric Dickerson, Jamal Lewis, Barry Sanders, Derrick Henry, Terrell Davis, Chris Johnson, O.J. Simpson, and Saquon Barkley being the other eight). Peterson had torn two ligaments in his left knee the previous year making the achievement even more remarkable.
Stadium Evolution and Team Identity
The Purple and Gold have called three stadiums home throughout their Minnesota Vikings history. From Metropolitan Stadium to the Metrodome and now U.S. Bank Stadium, each venue represents a distinct eara in Vikings playoff history. This Minnesota team has maintained its Norsemen identity while adapting to modern NFL requirements.
The Vikings currently play in the National Football Conference (NFC) North Division along with the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers.
The Minnesota Vikings history spans over six decades of memorable moments, legendary players, and passionate fans. From humble NFL expansion team beginnings to Purple People Eaters dominance, through Vikings Super Bowl appearances and modern achievements, this football franchise has left an indelible mark on professional football. As they move forward, the legacy of the past inspires future generations of Vikings teams and fans alike.
Barry Schustermann
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