Minnesota Vikings facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Minnesota Vikings |
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 Current season |
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| Basic info | |||||||||||||
| Established | January 28, 1960 | ||||||||||||
| Stadium | U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota |
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| Headquartered | TCO Performance Center, Eagan, Minnesota |
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| Colors | Purple, gold, white |
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| Fight song | Skol, Vikings | ||||||||||||
| Mascot | Viktor the Viking | ||||||||||||
| Personnel | |||||||||||||
| Owner(s) | Zygi, Leonard and Mark Wilf | ||||||||||||
| Chairman | Zygi Wilf | ||||||||||||
| President | Mark Wilf | ||||||||||||
| General manager | Kwesi Adofo-Mensah | ||||||||||||
| Head coach | Kevin O'Connell | ||||||||||||
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| League / conference affiliations | |||||||||||||
National Football League (1961–present)
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| Championships | |||||||||||||
League championships: 0†
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Conference championships: 4
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Division championships: 21
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| Playoff appearances (32) | |||||||||||||
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The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team from Minneapolis. They play in the National Football League (NFL) as part of the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. The team started in 1960 as a new team, playing their first game in 1961. They are named after the Vikings from old Scandinavia, because many people in Minnesota have Scandinavian family roots. The Vikings play their home games at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
The Vikings have a great winning record overall. They have the best winning percentage among NFL teams that haven't won a Super Bowl. They also have made the playoffs many times and won many division titles. They are one of only four teams to play in a conference championship game in every decade since the 1970s.
Contents
- Team History
- Team Logos and Uniforms
- Team Culture
- Team Rivalries
- Players
- Coaches
- Images for kids
- See also
Team History
The idea for a professional football team in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area started in 1959. Local businessmen were first given a team in the new American Football League (AFL). But in 1960, they changed their minds and joined the NFL instead. The NFL gave them its 14th team, which would start playing in 1961. The team was officially named the Minnesota Vikings on September 27, 1960. The name shows Minnesota's strong Scandinavian American culture.
From 1961 to 1981, the Vikings played at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington. Their summer training camp was at Bemidji State University at first, then moved to Minnesota State University in Mankato in 1966. This training camp was one of the longest-running in the NFL. From 1982 to 2013, the Vikings played at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis.
The Vikings have one of the best winning records in the NFL since 1961. They have won at least three games every season except one. They are also one of only seven NFL teams to win at least 15 games in a regular season. The Vikings won one NFL Championship in 1969, before the NFL joined with the American Football League (AFL) in 1970. Since then, they have been to the playoffs 28 times, which is the third most in the league. They have played in four Super Bowls (IV, VIII, IX, and XI) but have not won any. They have also lost their last six NFC Championship Games since 1978. Fifteen Vikings players are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The 1960s: Early Years and the Purple People Eaters
When the Vikings started, they had a lot of fan support. They sold almost 26,000 season tickets in their first year. The team's first general manager was Bert Rose. Their first head coach was Norm Van Brocklin, hired in 1961.
As a new team, the Vikings got the first pick in the 1961 NFL draft. They chose running back Tommy Mason. They also drafted a young quarterback named Fran Tarkenton. The Vikings won their first regular-season game against the Chicago Bears 37–13. Tarkenton came in and threw four touchdown passes. But the team struggled for most of the 1960s.
In 1967, the Vikings traded Fran Tarkenton to the New York Giants. They then hired Bud Grant as their new head coach. Grant had won four championships in the Canadian Football League. Joe Kapp became the new quarterback. In the late 1960s, the Vikings built a very strong defense called the "Purple People Eaters". This defense included Alan Page, Carl Eller, Gary Larsen, and Jim Marshall. In 1968, this strong defense helped the Vikings win their first division title and make the playoffs.
In 1969, the Vikings had a great season with a 12–2 record. They won 12 games in a row. They beat the Cleveland Browns 27–7 in the last NFL Championship Game before the merger. This win sent them to Super Bowl IV, but they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 23–7. Joe Kapp was the team MVP that season. He once threw seven touchdowns in a game, which is still an NFL record.
The 1970s: Super Bowl Appearances
The Vikings continued to be strong in the 1970s. They moved into the new NFC Central division. In 1971, Alan Page became the first defensive player to win the NFL Most Valuable Player Award.
In 1972, the Vikings brought back Fran Tarkenton in a trade with the New York Giants. They also drafted running back Chuck Foreman in 1973. The Vikings had a fantastic 1973 season, winning their first nine games and finishing 12–2. They went to their second Super Bowl, Super Bowl VIII, but lost to the Miami Dolphins 24–7.
In 1974, the Vikings won their division again with a 10–4 record. They won two playoff games at home in the cold Metropolitan Stadium. They played in their second straight Super Bowl, Super Bowl IX, but lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 16–6.
The 1975 Vikings started 10–0 and won another division title. However, they lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs 17–14. This game ended with a famous and controversial play called the "Hail Mary".
The Vikings played in their third Super Bowl in four years, Super Bowl XI, in 1977. They lost to the Oakland Raiders 32–14. In 1977, they reached the NFC Championship Game again but lost to the Cowboys.
By 1978, the team was getting older, but they still made the playoffs. They lost to the Rams. Quarterback Fran Tarkenton retired after this season. He held many NFL passing records at the time. In 1979, construction began on the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.
The 1980s: New Stadium and Key Players
In 1981, the Vikings moved into a new training facility called "Winter Park" in Eden Prairie. They played their last game at Metropolitan Stadium that year. The Vikings played their first game at the Metrodome in 1982. The defense, led by Joey Browner, was very strong during this time. In 1983, the Vikings played the first NFL international game in London.
In 1984, Bud Grant retired as head coach. He had a great record of 151–87–5. Les Steckel became the new coach, but the team had a very bad season, losing 13 games. Grant then returned as head coach for one more season in 1985.
In 1986, Bud Grant retired for good. Jerry Burns, a longtime Vikings assistant, became the new head coach. In his first season, the Vikings had a winning record. In 1986, Fran Tarkenton was the first player who played most of his career with the Vikings to be put into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In 1987, the Vikings made the playoffs despite a strike-shortened season. They upset the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs. Anthony Carter set a record for most receiving yards in a playoff game. The Vikings played in the NFC Championship Game but lost to the Washington Redskins.
In 1989, the Vikings made a big trade for Herschel Walker from Dallas. This trade did not work out well for the Vikings, but it helped the Cowboys build a team that won three Super Bowls in the 1990s.
The 1990s: Dennis Green Era and Record-Breaking Offense
In 1991, Jerry Burns retired. Dennis Green became the new head coach. Under Green, the Vikings won four division titles and made the playoffs eight times. They had one of the best winning percentages in the NFL during the 1990s.
1998: An Amazing Season
The 1998 season was unforgettable for the Vikings. They had an amazing offense with quarterback Randall Cunningham, running back Robert Smith, and wide receivers Cris Carter and rookie Randy Moss. The team scored a record 556 points that season. They finished the regular season with an incredible 15–1 record. Their only loss was a close game to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In the playoffs, the Vikings easily beat the Arizona Cardinals. They were favored to win the NFC Championship Game against the Atlanta Falcons. However, their kicker, Gary Anderson, who had been perfect all season, missed a field goal late in the game. The Falcons tied the game and then won 30–27 in overtime. The Vikings became the first 15–1 team not to reach the Super Bowl.
1999: Another Playoff Run
In 1999, Jeff George became the starting quarterback after a slow start. He led the team to a 10–6 record and another playoff spot. The Vikings beat Dallas in the Wild Card game. They then faced Kurt Warner and the St. Louis Rams in a high-scoring game. The Rams won 49–37 and went on to win the Super Bowl.
The 2000s: New Quarterbacks and Playoff Moments
The Vikings started the 2000s by winning their division and reaching the NFC Championship game, where they lost badly to the New York Giants. They struggled in 2001 but made the playoffs again in 2004. The 2000s had the fewest playoff appearances for the team since the merger.
2000: NFC Championship Game
In 2000, the Vikings had an 11–5 record. They made the playoffs for the fifth year in a row. After beating the Saints in the Divisional game, they played the Giants in the NFC Championship Game. The Vikings lost 41–0, which was their worst playoff loss ever. Running back Robert Smith retired after this season.
2001–2005: Changes and Records
After a tough 2001 season, head coach Dennis Green was let go. Mike Tice became the new coach. In 2002, the NFL changed its divisions, and the Vikings became part of the new NFC North.
In 2003, the Vikings almost made the playoffs but lost in the last seconds to the Arizona Cardinals. This was the first time all season they were not leading their division.
In 2004, quarterback Daunte Culpepper had an amazing season, leading the NFL in passing yards. The Vikings beat the rival Green Bay Packers in their first-ever playoff meeting at Lambeau Field. They then lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.
In 2005, wide receiver Randy Moss was traded. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper had a season-ending knee injury. The Vikings finished 9–7. After the season, Mike Tice was replaced by Brad Childress as head coach.
2006–2008: Adrian Peterson Arrives
In the 2007 NFL Draft, the Vikings picked running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson quickly became a star. In his first game, he scored a 60-yard touchdown. In Week 9, he broke the NFL record for most rushing yards in a single game with 296 yards. Despite his efforts, the Vikings missed the playoffs in 2007.
In 2008, Peterson led the NFL in rushing yards. The Vikings won the NFC North division title for the first time since 2000. They hosted a playoff game but lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Vikings were known for their strong run defense, led by Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, known as the "Williams Wall." With Jared Allen joining in 2008, their defensive line was very powerful.
2009: Brett Favre's Season
In 2009, veteran quarterback Brett Favre, who used to play for the rival Green Bay Packers, signed with the Vikings. On October 5, 2009, Favre played against his old team for the first time. The Vikings won 30–23, and Favre became the first quarterback to beat all 32 NFL teams.
The Vikings finished the regular season with a 12–4 record, their best since 1998. They earned a first-round bye in the playoffs. They easily beat the Dallas Cowboys 34–3 in the divisional round, moving on to the NFC Championship game. They played the top-seeded Saints in New Orleans. Despite playing well, the Vikings had five turnovers and lost in overtime, 31–28.
The 2010s: New Stadium and More Playoff Runs
The 2010s saw the Vikings make the playoffs four times. They had many different starting quarterbacks during this decade. The team improved in the later part of the decade, including reaching the NFC Championship in 2017.
2010–2013: Challenges and Adrian Peterson's Record
The 2010 season was full of challenges for the Vikings. They traded for Randy Moss but then let him go a month later. The roof of the Metrodome collapsed due to heavy snow, forcing the team to play games in other stadiums. Head coach Brad Childress was fired, and Leslie Frazier took over. The team finished with a 6–10 record.
In 2011, Brett Favre retired for good. The Vikings drafted quarterback Christian Ponder. The team finished with a 3–13 record, one of the worst in franchise history.
In 2012, Adrian Peterson had an incredible season, rushing for 2,097 yards. This was the second-most rushing yards in a season in NFL history. He was named the league's MVP. The Vikings made the playoffs but lost to the Packers in the Wild Card round.
The 2013 season was the last one played at the Metrodome. The team finished 5–10–1. Leslie Frazier was fired after the season.
2014–2019: Mike Zimmer and the Minneapolis Miracle
In 2014, the team hired Mike Zimmer as head coach. They also drafted quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Running back Adrian Peterson played only one game due to a legal issue. The Vikings finished 7–9.
In 2015, the Vikings won the NFC North division title for the first time since 2009. They finished with an 11–5 record and made the playoffs. However, they lost a close game to the Seattle Seahawks 10–9 after a missed field goal in one of the coldest playoff games ever.
In 2016, Teddy Bridgewater suffered a serious knee injury. The Vikings traded for quarterback Sam Bradford. The team started 5–0 but finished 8–8. In 2017, Adrian Peterson left the Vikings. He holds many team records for rushing.
In 2017, the Vikings won the NFC North again with a 13–3 record. In the divisional playoff game against the New Orleans Saints, with only seconds left, quarterback Case Keenum threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs. This play, known as the "Minneapolis Miracle", won the game as time ran out. The Vikings then went to the NFC Championship game, hoping to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium. But they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 38–7.
In 2018, quarterback Kirk Cousins signed a large contract with the Vikings. In 2019, the Vikings won their 500th game as a franchise. They made the playoffs as a wild card team and upset the New Orleans Saints in overtime. They then lost to the San Francisco 49ers.
The 2020s: New Leadership
In the 2020 NFL draft, the Vikings drafted wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The team finished the 2020 season with a losing record of 7–9. In 2021, the Vikings missed the playoffs again. After the season, head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman were fired.
In 2022, the Vikings hired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as their new general manager. They then hired Kevin O'Connell as their 10th head coach. The Vikings won the NFC North division with a 13–4 record. They set an NFL record by winning eleven games by one score. They made the playoffs but lost to the New York Giants in the Wild Card round.
In 2023, quarterback Kirk Cousins was injured for the season. The team finished 7–10. Cousins left the team in the offseason. In the 2024 NFL draft, the Vikings drafted quarterback J. J. McCarthy.
Team Logos and Uniforms
The Vikings' famous horned helmet and purple-and-gold uniforms were designed by cartoonist Karl Hubenthal. The team's main logos include a profile of a blond Norseman and a white Viking horn. These designs show Minnesota's Scandinavian heritage.
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The team's helmet is purple with a Viking horn on each side, outlined in gold. The horn logo was updated slightly in 2006. The original uniforms had white pants, gold trim, and either purple or white jerseys. The jerseys had stripes on the sleeves. Over the years, small changes were made, like changing the face mask color from gray to white, then to purple. The Norseman logo was added to the sleeves in 1996. The Vikings were the last NFL team to switch from black shoes to white shoes, but they returned to black shoes in 2006.
In 2013, the Vikings updated their Norseman logo, making the gold brighter and the mustache thicker. New uniforms were also revealed.
From 1969 to 1973, the Vikings had an alternate purple jersey without stripes for warm games. In 2006, the uniforms were redesigned for the first time in 46 years. Trim lines were added, and the horn on the helmet was more detailed.
The team has worn special patches on their jerseys to honor important events or people. For example, they wore black armbands in 1978 for a coach who died. They also wore patches for anniversaries and to honor players like Korey Stringer. In 2018, they wore "TS" decals on their helmets for coach Tony Sparano.
On December 24, 2022, the Vikings wore all-white uniforms at home for the first time in a regular season game. They called this a "Winter Whiteout" event. They did this again in 2023. In 2024, they unveiled a new "Winter Warrior" uniform, which is all-white with purple and silver stripes and a white helmet.
In 2023, the Vikings also showed off throwback uniforms based on their 1960s purple jerseys.
All-Purple Uniforms
The Vikings first wore all-purple by accident in 1964. They were supposed to wear white jerseys, but the other team also brought white. So, the Vikings changed to purple jerseys but kept their purple pants. It wasn't until 2007 that they intentionally wore all-purple.
In 2016, the NFL introduced "Color Rush" uniforms for Thursday Night Football games. The Vikings had an all-purple uniform with gold numbers. These uniforms are now called "Primetime Purple" and are worn for home Thursday Night games. The Vikings have also worn a mix of their regular home purple jerseys with their away purple pants for some important games.
All-White Uniforms
On June 6, 2024, the Minnesota Vikings showed their new all-white "Winter Warrior" uniform. It has a white helmet with a metallic gray stripe, inspired by old Viking helmets. This uniform is the first in team history to include a white helmet. They plan to wear these for their "Winter Whiteout" game in 2024.
Team Culture
Mascots
The Vikings have had a few mascots over the years. In 2007, they introduced their official team mascot, Viktor the Viking. Viktor is a strong, blond character who wears a Vikings jersey and a big helmet with horns.
From 1970 to 1992, a truck driver named Hub Meeds dressed as a Viking for the team. From 1994 to 2015, the mascot was Ragnar, played by Joseph Juranitch. Ragnar was known for riding a motorcycle onto the field. He even holds a world record for shaving a beard with an axe!
Another mascot was "Vikadontis Rex," a purple dinosaur. He was the mascot for the Vikings Children's Fund.
Fight Song
"Skol, Vikings" is the team's fight song. It was created around 1961. It plays every time the team scores, at the end of each half, and when they win. In 2010, the musician Prince, who was from Minneapolis, recorded a song called "Purple and Gold" for the team.
Helga Hats
Many Vikings fans wear "Helga hats." These are purple hats with white horns and blonde braids. They look like the helmets that people imagine Viking warriors wore. The original Helga Hats are still made by hand in Minnesota.
Vikings Horn
At home games, the Vikings play a large horn called the Gjallarhorn before the game. This tradition started in 2007. It's a way to honor famous Vikings players and other people from Minnesota. The first horn broke because of very cold weather.
Skol Chant
The Skol Chant is a cheer used at U.S. Bank Stadium during Vikings games. Fans clap their hands above their heads and yell "Skol" to the beat of a drum. This cheer is similar to the Viking War Cry used by fans of the Iceland national football team.
Skol (or "skål" in other Scandinavian languages) means "cheers" or "good health." It's a way to toast or salute someone.
Team Rivalries
The Vikings have strong rivalries with other teams, especially those in their division.
Divisional Rivals
Chicago Bears
The Vikings' rivalry with the Chicago Bears began in 1961. Both teams are in the NFC North and play each other at least twice a year. The Vikings have won more games in this rivalry overall. They have met once in the playoffs.
Detroit Lions
The Vikings and Detroit Lions have played twice a year since 1961. They are also in the NFC North. This is the only NFC North rivalry where the teams have not met in the playoffs. The Vikings have won more games against the Lions.
Green Bay Packers
The rivalry between the Vikings and the Green Bay Packers started in 1961. This is considered the most important rivalry in the NFC North. It's like other sports rivalries between Minnesota and Wisconsin teams.
Conference Rivals
New Orleans Saints
The Vikings have a strong rivalry with the New Orleans Saints. The Vikings have won more games overall, including four out of five playoff games. This rivalry has had many memorable playoff games, like the 2009 NFC Championship Game and the 2017 NFC Divisional Round game.
Historic Rivals
Dallas Cowboys
The rivalry between the Cowboys and the Vikings became very intense in the 1970s. Many of their games affected the playoffs. The Cowboys have won more games overall, and they have a better playoff record against the Vikings.
Los Angeles Rams
The Vikings' rivalry with the Los Angeles Rams was strongest in the 1970s. They played many important playoff games against each other. The Vikings have won more games overall and have a better playoff record against the Rams.
Players
Current Roster
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Minnesota Vikings roster
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Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
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Offensive linemen
Defensive linemen
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Linebackers
Defensive backs
Special teams
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Reserve lists
→ AFC rosters → NFC rosters |
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Retired Numbers
| Minnesota Vikings retired numbers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Player | Position | Tenure | Retired |
| 10 | Fran Tarkenton | QB | 1961–1966 1972–1978 |
October 7, 1979 |
| 53 | Mick Tingelhoff | C | 1962–1978 | November 25, 2001 |
| 70 | Jim Marshall | DE | 1961–1979 | November 28, 1999 |
| 77† | Korey Stringer | OT | 1995–2000 | November 19, 2001 |
| 80 | Cris Carter | WR | 1990–2001 | September 14, 2003 |
| 88 | Alan Page | DT | 1967–1978 | September 25, 1988 |
- † = Posthumous (after death)
Pro Football Hall of Famers
| Minnesota Vikings Hall of Famers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Players | ||||
| No. | Name | Position(s) | Tenure | Inducted |
| 1 | Warren Moon | QB | 1994–1996 | 2006 |
| 3 | Jan Stenerud | K | 1984–1985 | 1991 |
| 4 | Brett Favre | QB | 2009–2010 | 2016 |
| 7 | Morten Andersen | K | 2004 | 2017 |
| 10 | Fran Tarkenton | QB | 1961–1966 1972–1978 |
1986 |
| 22 | Paul Krause | S | 1968–1979 | 1998 |
| 39 | Hugh McElhenny | RB | 1961–1962 | 1970 |
| 44 | Dave Casper | TE | 1983 | 2002 |
| 53 | Mick Tingelhoff | C | 1962–1978 | 2015 |
| 56 | Chris Doleman | DE | 1985–1993, 1999 | 2012 |
| 58 | Jim Langer | C | 1980–1981 | 1987 |
| 64 | Randall McDaniel | G | 1988–1999 | 2009 |
| 65 | Gary Zimmerman | OT | 1986–1992 | 2008 |
| 69 | Jared Allen | DE | 2008–2013 | 2025 |
| 73 | Ron Yary | OT | 1968–1981 | 2001 |
| 76 | Steve Hutchinson | G | 2006–2011 | 2020 |
| 80 | Cris Carter | WR | 1990–2001 | 2013 |
| 81 | Carl Eller | DE | 1964–1978 | 2004 |
| 84 | Randy Moss | WR | 1998–2004, 2010 | 2018 |
| 88 | Alan Page | DT | 1967–1978 | 1988 |
| 93 | John Randle | DT | 1990–2000 | 2010 |
| Coaches and Executives | ||||
| Name | Position(s) | Tenure | Inducted | |
| Jim Finks | GM | 1964–1973 | 1995 | |
| Bud Grant | HC | 1967–1983, 1985 | 1994 | |
Italics = played only a small part of their career with the Vikings. They are mostly known for what they did with other teams.
Ring of Honor
| Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame |
| Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Players | ||||
| No. | Name | Position(s) | Tenure | Inducted |
| 10 | Fran Tarkenton | QB | 1961–1966 1972–1978 |
September 9, 1998 |
| 20 | Bobby Bryant | CB | 1967–1980 | September 22, 2024 |
| 22 | Paul Krause | S | 1968–1979 | November 15, 1998 |
| 28 | Ahmad Rashad | WR | 1976–1982 | October 1, 2017 |
| 30 | Bill Brown | RB | 1962–1974 | September 26, 2004 |
| 44 | Chuck Foreman | RB | 1973–1979 | September 30, 2007 |
| 47 | Joey Browner | S | 1983–1991 | October 27, 2013 |
| 53 | Mick Tingelhoff | C | 1962–1978 | November 25, 2001 |
| 55 | Scott Studwell | LB | 1977–1990 | November 29, 2009 |
| 56 | Chris Doleman | DE | 1985–1993, 1999 | October 23, 2011 |
| 59 | Matt Blair | LB | 1974–1985 | October 25, 2012 |
| 64 | Randall McDaniel | G | 1988–1999 | December 17, 2006 |
| 69 | Jared Allen | DE | 2008–2013 | October 30, 2022 |
| 70 | Jim Marshall | DE | 1961–1979 | November 28, 1999 |
| 73 | Ron Yary | OT | 1968–1981 | September 9, 2001 |
| 77 | Korey Stringer | OT | 1995–2000 | November 19, 2001 |
| 80 | Cris Carter | WR | 1990–2001 | September 14, 2003 |
| 81 | Carl Eller | DE | 1964–1978 | November 10, 2002 |
| 83 | Steve Jordan | TE | 1982–1994 | October 24, 2019 |
| 84 | Randy Moss | WR | 1998–2004, 2010 | September 11, 2017 |
| 88 | Alan Page | DT | 1967–1978 | September 20, 1998 |
| 93 | John Randle | DT | 1990–2000 | November 30, 2008 |
| 93 | Kevin Williams | DT | 2003–2013 | October 3, 2021 |
| Coaches and Executives | ||||
| Name | Position(s) | Tenure | Inducted | |
| Jerry Burns | HC | 1986–1991 | November 6, 2005 | |
| Jim Finks | GM | 1964–1973 | October 18, 1998 | |
| Bud Grant | HC | 1967–1983, 1985 | November 8, 1998 | |
| Dennis Green | HC | 1992–2001 | September 23, 2018 | |
| Fred Zamberletti | Medical adviser | 1961–2011 | December 20, 1998 | |
25th Anniversary Team (1985)
- Fran Tarkenton QB, #10
- Bill Brown RB, #30
- Chuck Foreman RB, #44
- Ahmad Rashad WR, #28
- Sammy White WR, #85
- Stu Voigt TE, #83
- Ron Yary T, #73
- Grady Alderman T, #67
- Ed White G, #62
- Milt Sunde G, #64
- Mick Tingelhoff C, #53
- Jim Marshall DE, #70
- Alan Page DT, #88
- Gary Larsen DT, #77
- Carl Eller DE, #81
- Matt Blair OLB, #59
- Scott Studwell ILB, #55
- Jeff Siemon ILB, #50
- Roy Winston OLB, #60
- Bobby Bryant CB, #20
- Ed Sharockman CB, #45
- Paul Krause S, #22
- Karl Kassulke S, #29
- Fred Cox K, #14
- Greg Coleman P, #8
- Bud Grant HC
40th Anniversary Team (2000)
- Fran Tarkenton QB, #10
- Chuck Foreman RB, #44
- Robert Smith RB, #26
- Ahmad Rashad WR, #28
- Cris Carter WR, #80
- Steve Jordan TE, #83
- Ron Yary OT, #73
- Randall McDaniel OG, #64
- Mick Tingelhoff C, #53
- Ed White OG, #62
- Tim Irwin OT, #76
- Jim Marshall DE, #70
- Alan Page DT, #88
- John Randle DT, #93
- Carl Eller DE, #81
- Matt Blair LB, #59
- Scott Studwell LB, #55
- Jeff Siemon LB, #50
- Bobby Bryant CB, #20
- Carl Lee CB, #39
- Paul Krause S, #22
- Joey Browner S, #47
- Greg Coleman P, #8
- Fred Cox K, #14
- Darrin Nelson KR, #20
- Bill Brown ST, #30
50 Greatest Vikings (2010)
In 2010, for the team's 50th anniversary, the Vikings announced a list of their 50 best players.
- Grady Alderman OT, #67
- Jared Allen DE, #69
- Matt Birk C, #75/78
- Matt Blair LB, #59
- Bill Brown RB, #30
- Joey Browner S, #47
- Bobby Bryant CB, #20
- Anthony Carter WR, #81
- Cris Carter WR, #80
- Fred Cox K, #14
- Daunte Culpepper QB, #11
- Chris Doleman DE/LB, #56
- Carl Eller DE, #81
- Chuck Foreman RB, #44
- John Gilliam WR, #42
- Bud Grant Coach
- Wally Hilgenberg LB, #58
- Steve Hutchinson G #76
- Tim Irwin OT, #76
- Steve Jordan TE, #83
- Tommy Kramer QB, #9
- Paul Krause S, #22
- Gary Larsen DT, #77
- Carl Lee CB, #39
- Jim Marshall DE, #70
- Randall McDaniel G, #64
- Keith Millard DT, #75
- Randy Moss WR, #84
- Dave Osborn RB, #41
- Alan Page DT, #88
- Adrian Peterson RB, #28
- John Randle DT, #93
- Ahmad Rashad WR, #28
- Ed Sharockman CB, #45
- Jeff Siemon LB, #50
- Robert Smith RB, #20/26
- Scott Studwell LB, #55
- Doug Sutherland DT, #69
- Fran Tarkenton QB, #10
- Henry Thomas DT, #97
- Mick Tingelhoff C, #53
- Stu Voigt TE, #83
- Gene Washington WR, #84
- Ed White G, #62
- Sammy White WR, #85
- Kevin Williams DT, #93
- Antoine Winfield CB, #26
- Roy Winston LB, #60
- Ron Yary OT, #73
- Gary Zimmerman OT, #65
All-Mall of America Field Team (2013)
In 2013, fans voted for the best players who played at the Metrodome.
Offense
- QB – #11 Daunte Culpepper, 1999–2005
- RB – #28 Adrian Peterson, 2007–2013
- RB – #26 Robert Smith, 1993–2000
- WR – #81 Anthony Carter, 1985–1993
- WR – #80 Cris Carter, 1990–2001
- WR – #84 Randy Moss, 1998–2004, 2010
- TE – #83 Steve Jordan, 1982–1994
- OT – #76 Tim Irwin, 1981–1993
- OT – #65 Gary Zimmerman, 1986–1992
- OG – #76 Steve Hutchinson, 2006–2011
- OG – #64 Randall McDaniel, 1988–1999
- C – #78 Matt Birk, 1998–2008
Defense
- DE – #69 Jared Allen, 2008–2013
- DE – #56 Chris Doleman, 1985–1993, 1999
- DT – #93 John Randle, 1990–2000
- DT – #93 Kevin Williams, 2003–2013
- LB – #52 Chad Greenway, 2006–2013
- LB – #58 Ed McDaniel, 1992–2001
- LB – #55 Scott Studwell, 1977–1990
- CB – #39 Carl Lee, 1983–1993
- CB – #26 Antoine Winfield, 2004–2012
- S – #24 Robert Griffith, 1994–2001
- S – #47 Joey Browner, 1983–1991
Special Teams
- K – #8 Ryan Longwell, 2006–2011
- P – #5/#4 Chris Kluwe, 2005–2012
- KR – #12 Percy Harvin (WR), 2009–2012
- ST – #81 Chris Walsh (WR), 1994–2002
Head Coach
- HC – Dennis Green, 1992–2001
Coaches
Head Coaches
The Vikings have had ten head coaches. Bud Grant coached the team twice.
| Name | Years | Won | Lost | Ties | Winning % | Postseason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norm Van Brocklin | 1961–1966 | 29 | 51 | 4 | .345 | — |
| Bud Grant | 1967–1983, 1985 | 158 | 96 | 5 | .610 | 1968–71, 1973–78, 1980, 1982 |
| Les Steckel | 1984 | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 | — |
| Jerry Burns | 1986–1991 | 52 | 43 | 0 | .547 | 1987–89 |
| Dennis Green | 1992–2001 | 97 | 62 | 0 | .610 | 1992–94, 1996–2000 |
| Mike Tice | 2001–2005 | 32 | 33 | 0 | .492 | 2004 |
| Brad Childress | 2006–2010 | 39 | 35 | 0 | .527 | 2008, 2009 |
| Leslie Frazier | 2010–2013 | 21 | 32 | 1 | .398 | 2012 |
| Mike Zimmer | 2014–2021 | 72 | 56 | 1 | .562 | 2015, 2017, 2019 |
| Kevin O'Connell | 2022–present | 34 | 17 | 0 | .667 | 2022, 2024 |
| Total | 537 | 438 | 11 | .545 | 32 | |
Current Staff
|
→ Coaching staff |
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Images for kids
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Head Coach Bud Grant (1967–1983 and 1985)
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The Vikings were upset by the Chiefs 23–7 in Super Bowl IV.
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The Vikings' famed Purple People Eaters defensive line stopping a Rams rush in the 1977 NFC Divisional Playoff game.
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"Two-minute" Tommy Kramer (1977–1989)
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Cris Carter's Hall of Fame display. Carter was a Viking from 1990 to 2001.
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Randy Moss (1998–2004 and 2010)
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All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson was selected 7th overall by the Vikings in the 2007 NFL Draft, and played for the Vikings from 2007 to 2016.
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Brett Favre played for the Vikings in 2009 and 2010.
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Defensive end Jared Allen played for the Vikings from 2008 to 2013.
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In 2012, Adrian Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards – 8 yards short of Eric Dickerson's single-season record.
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The Vikings moved to U.S. Bank Stadium in 2016
See also
In Spanish: Minnesota Vikings para niños
- Pro Football Hall of Fame
- List of Minnesota Vikings seasons
- List of Minnesota Vikings starting quarterbacks
- List of Minnesota Vikings head coaches
- List of Minnesota Vikings first-round draft picks
- Minnesota Vikings draft history
- List of Minnesota Vikings broadcasters
