- 1961
- 1982
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Minnesota Vikings Team Formation
The team was officially named the Minnesota Vikings on September 27, 1960; the name is partly meant to reflect Minnesota’s place as a center of Scandinavian American culture. From the start, the Vikings embraced an energetic marketing program that produced first-year season ticket sales of nearly 26,000 and an average home attendance of 34,586, about 85 percent of Metropolitan Stadium’s ... -
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome – Vikings
As the stadium was designed first and foremost for the Minnesota Vikings, they had the fewest problems. However, the economics of 21st century professional sports meant that the Vikings owners wanted more luxury suites and better concessions. Renovations were rejected twice, with the 2001 price tag at $269 million. The Vikings played their first game at the Metrodome in a ... -
Red McCombs Owner
In 1998, Red McCombs bought the Minnesota Vikings for US$250 million. After an unsuccessful attempt to replace the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, McCombs sold the team to new owner Zygi Wilf before the 2005 football season. -
Zygi Wilf Owner
Wilf and five partners purchased the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League from Red McCombs in 2005 for a reported US$600 million. Forbes estimates the 2014 value of the franchise at US$1.007 billion or 21st of the 32 NFL teams. For several years the Vikings and Wilf have stated that their former home, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome was ... -
U.S. Bank Stadium Opens
U.S. Bank Stadium is a fixed-roof stadium located in the Downtown East section of Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, on the former site of Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. U.S. Bank Stadium serves as the home of the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL) and the Minnesota Golden Gophers Baseball Team (NCAA). The Vikings played at the Metrodome from 1982 ...
History of the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have been a part of the NFL since 1961 and have had an illustrious history. The team has won multiple division titles, appeared in four Super Bowls, and produced some of the most iconic players ever in the league.
The Vikings were founded by Max Winter and Bill Boyer as an expansion team for Minneapolis-St Paul area fans who wanted their professional football franchise to root for. In their first season, they posted a 7-7 record with Fran Tarkenton at quarterback, which was good enough to win them second place in the Western Conference behind eventual champion Green Bay Packers. From there on out, things just kept getting better as they made it all way to Super Bowl IV before losing 23-7 against Kansas City Chiefs but still becoming one of only two teams (the other being the Miami Dolphins) that went from the worst record during its inaugural year into championship game within 10 years period. They would later return three more times (Super Bowl VIII 1974, XI 1975 &XVII 1977 ) without winning any, though.
Over decades many great players such as Alan Page, Fran Tarkenton, Carl Eller, Bud Grant, etc., played for this team, making it even more successful than before, thus building up a beautiful legacy along the way while also having quite a few Hall Of Fame inductees too like Cris Carter or Randy Moss among others. As far as today's squad goes, they are led by Kirk Cousins under center alongside young talented running back Dalvin Cook, plus bolstered defense featuring Danielle Hunter & Eric Kendricks. Hence, the sky is the limit to what the future holds.
Established
1961
City
Minneapolis
League History
1961 - Present / National Football League
Team History
1961 - Present / Minnesota Vikings
Nickname
Vikings - The Minnesota Vikings are one of the most iconic teams in the NFL, and their nickname has become synonymous with excellence. But where did this name come from? Let’s dive into how this team got its unique moniker.
The story starts in 1960, when five businessmen joined forces and brought an NFL franchise to Minneapolis, MN. The group was led by Max Winter and Bill Boyer, who were determined to make a lasting impact on professional football for years to come. After much deliberation over potential names such as “Pioneers” or “Lumberjacks,” they settled on something different: The Minnesota Vikings!
This decision was made not only because it sounded powerful but also due to its cultural significance; Viking mythology is deeply rooted in a Scandinavian culture, which had strong ties throughout Minneapolis at that period (especially among residents). Many prominent figures within the city even began wearing Viking helmets around town after hearing about these plans! This further solidified their commitment to ensuring everyone knew exactly who they would be cheering for- the mighty Minnesota Vikings!
Today it's hard not to think of purple when you hear "Minnesota Vikings." Still, initially, there wasn't any specific color associated with them until 1964, when royal blue became their official hue (it wasn't until 1967 that purple came along). Regardless, all fans can agree that no matter what colors adorn them - nothing beats chanting SKOL while watching your favorite team take down opponents each Sunday during the fall season! So next time you're out sporting your favorite jersey, don't forget why we have our beloved mascot & nickname.
Championship
Super Bowl 0
Stadium
2016 - Present / U.S. Bank Stadium
2014 - 2015 / TCF Bank Stadium
1982 - 2016 / Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
1961 - 1981 / Metropolitan Stadium
Owner
2005 - Present / Zygi Wilf and family, and Reggie Fowler
1998 - 2005 / Red McCombs
1991 - 1998 / Roger Headrick
1988 - 1991 / Skoglund, Winter, Ridder, Carl Pohlad, and Irwin Jacobs
1976 - 1988 / Skoglund, Winter, and Ridder
1972 - 1976 / Skoglund, Winter, Ridder, and Haugsrud
1961 - 1972 / Bill Boyer, H. P. Skoglund, Max Winter, Bernie Ridder, and Ole Haugsrud
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Retired Number
10 / Fran Tarkenton
53 / Mick Tingelhoff
70 / Jim Marshall
77 / Korey Stringer
80 / Cris Carter
88 / Alan Page
*Blue is this team’s history