Ole Haugsrud facts for kids

Oluf Roy Haugsrud (born May 13, 1899 – died March 13, 1976) was an important person in American sports. He was born in Superior, Wisconsin.

Who Was Oluf Haugsrud?

Oluf Haugsrud was a leader in American football. He helped shape the National Football League (NFL) in its early days. Haugsrud was known for his smart business decisions. He also had a big impact on a famous NFL team.

Building the NFL

In the late 1920s, Haugsrud owned a football team. They were called the Duluth Eskimos. He signed a famous player named Ernie Nevers. The Eskimos traveled all over the country. They played games in many different places. This helped the NFL become popular. It was a very important time for the league.

Later, Haugsrud sold the Eskimos team back to the NFL. As part of the deal, he got a special promise. He would have the first chance to own part of any new NFL team in Minnesota. In 1929, he decided not to buy into a team called the Minneapolis Red Jackets.

The Minnesota Vikings Connection

Years later, in January 1960, the NFL added a new team. This team was in Minneapolis–Saint Paul. Because of the old promise, Haugsrud became a 10% owner. This new team was the Minnesota Vikings. He stayed a part-owner of the Vikings for the rest of his life. He passed away in 1976.

The Vikings team name and colors are special. They are the same as Haugsrud's high school. He went to Central High School in Superior. Even one of the Vikings' logos looks like Central High's old logo.

A Lasting Legacy

In 1973, Oluf Haugsrud was nominated for a special award. It was for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This award honors the best people in football history. However, he was not chosen for the Hall of Fame.

There is a football field in Superior, Wisconsin, named after him. It is called Ole Haugsrud Field. The University of Wisconsin–Superior football team played there. They played there until the team stopped existing in the mid-1990s. The Superior High School team, the Spartans, also played there. They used the field until 2014. That's when their high school opened a brand new stadium.