Minnesota Vikings Team Information
- Division: NFC North
- Year Founded: 1961
- WebSite: Vikings.com
- Twitter: @Vikings
- Instagram: @vikings
- TikTok: vikings
- Facebook: minnesotavikings
- Stadium: U.S. Bank Stadium
- Colors: Purple and gold
- Mascot: Viktor the Viking (a Norse warrior)
- Previous Cities/Names: None. The Minnesota Vikings have always been based in Minnesota.
Notable Players:
- Fran Tarkenton (Quarterback)
- Adrian Peterson (Running Back)
- Randy Moss (Wide Receiver)
- Gary Anderson (Kicker)
- Alan Page (Defensive Tackle)
- John Randle (Defensive Tackle)
- Randy Moss (Wide Receiver)
- Cris Carter (Wide Receiver)
- Randall McDaniel (Center)
- Carl Eller (Defensive End)
No. 1 Passing Leader: Fran Tarkenton (career passing yards: 47,000 yards)
No. 1 Rushing Leader: Adrian Peterson (career rushing yards: 14,858 yards)
No. 1 Receiving Leader: Randy Moss (career receiving yards: 14,112 yards)
No. 1 Scoring Leader: Gary Anderson (career points scored: 1,239 points)
Winningest Coach: Bud Grant (career wins: 158 wins)
Minnesota Vikings Super Bowl Wins
- None
History of Minnesota Vikings: Team Info, and "The Story"
History of the Minnesota Vikings.
1. Founded on January 28, 1960 as an expansion team, they began play in 1961.
The Minnesota Vikings were established in 1960 as part of the National Football League’s (NFL) expansion. The team officially began playing in the 1961 season, marking the start of their journey in professional football.
2. Named the Vikings to reflect Minnesota's Scandinavian heritage.
The team was named the “Vikings” to honor the state’s strong Scandinavian heritage. Minnesota has a significant population of Scandinavian descent, and the name was chosen to reflect this cultural connection and embody the fierce, adventurous spirit associated with Viking warriors.
3. Known for their passionate fan base, consistently selling out home games since their inaugural season.
The Vikings have enjoyed a dedicated and enthusiastic fan base since their inception. This loyalty is evident in the fact that the team has consistently sold out home games, creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere at their home stadiums, from the Metropolitan Stadium to the U.S. Bank Stadium.
4. Achieved early success, reaching the playoffs in their first four seasons.
The Vikings experienced remarkable early success in their first few years as a franchise. They reached the playoffs within their first four seasons, establishing themselves as a competitive team in the league and gaining respect and recognition from fans and competitors alike.
5. Won the 1969 NFL Championship (the last before the NFL-AFL merger) but haven't reached a Super Bowl.
In 1969, the Vikings won the NFL Championship, which was the final championship game before the NFL-AFL merger in 1970. Despite this significant achievement, the team has not managed to secure a Super Bowl victory, though they have made several appearances in the big game over the years.
6. Boast a rich history with legendary coaches like Bud Grant (winningest coach) and players like Fran Tarkenton, Adrian Peterson, and Randy Moss.
The Vikings’ history is enriched by the contributions of legendary figures. Bud Grant, the team’s most successful coach, led them to numerous victories and playoff appearances. The team has also been home to iconic players such as Fran Tarkenton, a Hall of Fame quarterback; Adrian Peterson, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history; and Randy Moss, a wide receiver known for his incredible athleticism and game-changing plays.
What family owns the Minnesota Vikings?
The Minnesota Vikings are owned by the Wilf family. Specifically, Zygi Wilf is the chairman and co-owner, along with his brother Mark Wilf. They purchased the team in 2005.
How many Super Bowls did the Minnesota Vikings lose?
Unfortunately, the Vikings made it to the Super Bowl four times and lost each game.
Team
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
Opp
KC
MIA
PIT
OAK
Date
1/11/1970
1/13/1974
1/12/1975
1/9/1977
Have the Vikings ever won an NFL championship?
Yes, the Vikings won the 1969 NFL Championship, defeating the Cleveland Browns. However, this was the last NFL championship game before the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 which created the modern Super Bowl era.
What were the Minnesota Vikings called before?
The team was named Vikings in 1960 to honor the state’s large Scandinavian-American population.
Who have the Vikings beat the most?
The Minnesota Vikings have the most wins in their history against the Detroit Lions, totaling 80 victories. They’ve also scored the most points against them, amassing an impressive 2,690 points.
What does Skol stand for?
Skol is a Viking’s celebratory chant. SKOL originates from Scandinavian languages like Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian, where it means “cheers“. It’s used by the Minnesota Vikings fans to raise the energy and celebrate touchdowns, victories, or just show team spirit.
What is the Vikings best record ever?
The Minnesota Vikings’ best regular season record belongs to the 1998 team, which finished with an impressive 15-1 record. However, despite their dominant season, they unfortunately lost the NFC Championship Game and didn’t make it to the Super Bowl.
Who is the greatest Minnesota Viking of all time?
- Fran Tarkenton (QB): Scrambling QB legend, led Vikings to 3 Super Bowls.
- Adrian Peterson (RB): Dominant rusher, holds Vikings rushing record and several NFL marks.
- Randy Moss (WR): Iconic speedster, revolutionized WR position, holds Vikings receiving record.
- Alan Page (DT): Anchored “Purple People Eaters” defense, won Defensive Player of the Year twice, Hall of Famer.
Who is the biggest rival of the Vikings?
The Minnesota Vikings’ biggest rival is widely considered to be the Green Bay Packers.
Who is the most winning Vikings QB?
Fran Tarkenton is the Vikings’ most winning Vikings QB. He had 93 wins throughout his career in the 13 seasons he played.
Who is the best WR in Vikings history?
Randy Moss holds the Vikings receiving record with 14,112 yards and revolutionized the wide receiver position.
Cris Carter had an impressive career, trailing Moss in yards with 12,383, but he makes a strong case for being one of the best wide receivers.