Bud Grant
Inducted:
1994
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
199 lb (90 kg)
Born:
Harry Peter Grant Jr.
May 20, 1927
Superior, Wisconsin, U.S.
Died:
March 11, 2023
Bloomington, Minnesota, U.S.
Position:
End
Coach
College:
Minnesota
Bud Grant was a legendary figure in pro football, known for his calm leadership and remarkable success as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. After a brief playing career in both the NFL and CFL, Grant became a coaching icon, leading the Vikings from 1967 to 1985. Under his guidance, Minnesota won 11 division titles and appeared in four Super Bowls. Grant's teams were known for their discipline, strong defense, and cold-weather toughness.
His stoic presence on the sidelines—often in short sleeves despite freezing temperatures—became part of NFL folklore. He was also the first coach to take teams to both the Grey Cup and the Super Bowl, cementing his place in football history. Beyond wins and losses, Grant built a culture of consistency and class. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994, leaving behind one of the most respected legacies in the sport.
Grant's Awards and Honors
- 4× Grey Cup champion (1958, 1959, 1961, 1962)
- NFL championship (1969)
- NFL Coach of the Year (1969)
- CFL Coach of the Year (1965)
- Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
NFL Records
- One of only a few coaches to win 100+ games in both the NFL and CFL
- First coach to lead teams to both a Grey Cup (CFL) and Super Bowl (NFL)
- One of the winningest coaches in Minnesota Vikings franchise history
NFL Teams
As a player:
Philadelphia Eagles (1951–1952)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1953–1956)
As a coach:
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1957–1966)
Minnesota Vikings (1967–1983; 1985)
As a staff member/executive:
Minnesota Vikings (1986–2022)
NFL draft:
1950: 1st round, 14th pick
Philadelphia Eagles
Number Worn:
86
NFL Stats
Playing Seasons:
1951-1952
Game Played:
24
Receptions:
56
Receiving yards:
997
Receiving touchdowns:
7
Coaching Seasons:
1967–1983, 1985
Regular season:
NFL: 158–96–5 (.620)
Postseason:
NFL: 10–12 (.455)