FRANCHISE FOUNDED — Minnesota was granted an NFL franchise at the league Owners Meetings in Miami on Jan. 28, 1960. The team began play in 1961. The founding group consisted of Max Winter, E. William Boyer, H.P. Skoglund, Ole Haugsrud and Bernard H. Ridder, Jr.
ROSE NAMED GENERAL MANAGER — On Aug. 5, 1960, former Los Angeles Rams Public Relations Director Bert Rose was named the team's first general manager. The following day, the Minneapolis Tribune reported the franchise planned to be known as Minnesota in the standings of the league and early nicknames suggested were Miners, Vikings, Chippewas and Voyageurs.
TEAM NICKNAMED — The nickname Vikings, which was selected because it represented an aggressive person with the will to win and the Nordic tradition in the northern Midwest, was announced at a "Welcome Professional Football" luncheon on Sept. 27, 1960.
FIRST COLLEGE DRAFT — On Dec. 27, 1960, RB Tommy Mason of Tulane was taken with the first overall choice and the first draft pick utilized by the Vikings. Also selected that year were QB Fran Tarkenton (third round) and DB Ed Sharockman (fifth round).
FIRST HEAD COACH — Norm Van Brocklin was selected as the first head coach in franchise history on Jan. 18, 1961. He retired as a player in 1960 after 12 seasons as an NFL QB. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.
EXPANSION DRAFT — Following the 1960 season, the Vikings were allowed to select three veteran players from the rosters of other teams after each team protected 30 of their 38 players. Dallas, which had begun play the previous year, was exempt from this process. Among the players selected on Jan. 26, 1961, were OL Grady Alderman (Detroit) and RB Hugh McElhenny (San Francisco).
ASSIGNED CONFERENCE — On April 12, 1961, the NFL assigned the Vikings to the Western Conference. Minnesota joined the Baltimore Colts, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in the conference.
FIRST GAME — In the first game in franchise history, the Vikings played the Dallas Cowboys in a preseason game in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Aug. 5, 1961. The Cowboys defeated the Vikings 38-13.
FIRST HOME GAME — The Minnesota Vikings played the Los Angeles Rams in preseason action at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington on Sept. 10, 1961, the team's first game in the Twin Cities. The Rams defeated the Vikings 21-17.
FIRST REGULAR-SEASON GAME — In a stunning upset, the Vikings defeated the Chicago Bears 37-13 at Metropolitan Stadium in the Vikings first NFL regular-season game on Sept. 17, 1961. Kicker Mike Mercer scored the first points in team history with a 12-yard field goal. Bob Schnelker scored the team's first touchdown on a 14-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton. In his NFL debut, Tarkenton came off the bench to complete 17 of 23 passes for 250 yards and four touchdowns.
FIRST PRO BOWLERS — On Jan. 14, 1962, RB Hugh McElhenny and WR Jerry Reichow became the first Vikings to compete in the Pro Bowl. They were part of the Western Conference All-Stars who defeated the Eastern Conference squad 31-30 at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
FIRST ALL-PRO — In 1963, RB Tommy Mason, who was the team's first ever draft choice, became the first Vikings player to earn All-Pro recognition. He was a consensus pick after rushing for 763 yards and seven touchdowns on 166 carries (4.6 avg.).
FINKS HIRED — In September 1964, Jim Finks was named the team's second general manager, succeeding Bert Rose, who resigned in June 1964. Finks previously had served for seven years as general manager for Calgary of the Canadian Football League.
FIRST WINNING SEASON — Minnesota won its final three regular-season games in 1964 to achieve the first winning season in team history with an 8-5-1 record. The Vikings tied for second in the NFL Western Conference behind Baltimore.
MET EXPANDED — A new grandstand was constructed on the east side of Metropolitan Stadium that increased capacity from 41,200 to 47,200. The new seats were formally dedicated on Aug. 20, 1965, when Minnesota played Philadelphia in a preseason game.
NFL REALIGNED — On Dec. 2, 1966, Minnesota, Chicago, Detroit and Green Bay were chosen to make up the newly formed Central Division of the Western Conference of the NFL.
VAN BROCKLIN RESIGNS — After compiling a 29-51-4 record while leading the Vikings in their first six years of existence, Head Coach Norm Van Brocklin resigned in February 1967. His best season was 1964, when he led the team to a tie for second place in the NFL Western Conference with an 8-5-1 record.
TARKENTON TRADED — On March 7, 1967, QB Fran Tarkenton is traded to the N.Y. Giants for a first- and second-round choice in 1967, a first-round choice in 1968 and a second-round choice in 1969. With the picks, Minnesota selected Clinton Jones and Bob Grim in '67, Ron Yary in '68 and Ed White in '69.
GRANT NAMED HEAD COACH — Bud Grant was named the second head coach in Vikings history on March 10, 1967. He came to Minnesota after leading the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to four Grey Cup Championships in 10 years as head coach.
FIRST COMMON DRAFT — In preparation for the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, teams from each league participated in the first common NFL draft on March 14-15, 1967. Minnesota selected RB Clint Jones at No. 2 (choice from Giants), WR Gene Washington at No. 8 and future Hall of Fame DT Alan Page at No. 15 (choice from Rams) in the first round.
FIRST DIVISION TITLE — On Dec. 15, 1968, the Vikings defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 24-17 at Franklin Field, then retired to the dressing room to listen to the Chicago-Green Bay game on the radio. Minnesota needed the Bears to lose to clinch the Vikings first division title. Chicago tried to rally from a 28-10 fourth-quarter deficit but eventually fell 28-17.
FIRST PLAYOFF GAME — On Dec. 22, 1968, in the first playoff game in franchise history, the Colts defeated the Vikings 24-14 in the Western Conference Championship Game at Baltimore's Memorial Stadium. Minnesota trailed 21-0 in the fourth quarter before a late rally fell short.
SECOND DIVISION TITLE — On Nov. 27, 1969, the Vikings appeared in a Thanksgiving game for the first time and shut out Detroit 27-0 at Tiger Stadium to clinch the franchise's second division title. The victory over the Lions was the 10th of a 12-game win streak, the longest in the NFL in 35 years. Minnesota finished the season with the NFL's best record (12-2) that season.
FIRST PLAYOFF WIN — On Dec. 27, 1969, in the first NFL playoff game in Minnesota, the Vikings came from behind to defeat the L.A. Rams 23-20 in the Western Conference Championship Game. Minnesota overcame deficits of 17-7 at halftime and 20-14 in the fourth quarter for the franchise's first postseason win.
FIRST NFL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME — The Vikings defeated the Browns 27-7 in the NFL Championship Game on Jan. 4, 1970, at Metropolitan Stadium. Minnesota became the first modern NFL expansion team to win an NFL Championship Game. The Vikings dominated the game, leading 27-0 through three quarters.
FIRST SUPER BOWL — On Jan. 11, 1970, the Vikings lost to Kansas City 23-7 in Super Bowl IV at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans.
THIRD DIVISION TITLE — On Dec. 5, 1970, the Vikings defeated the Bears 16-13 at Metropolitan Stadium to clinch their third straight division title. Minnesota hosted San Francisco in a divisional playoff game but lost 17-14. For the second consecutive season, the Vikings had the league's best record with a 12-2 mark.
FOURTH DIVISION TITLE — On Dec. 11, 1971, the Vikings defeated the Lions 29-10 at Metropolitan Stadium to clinch their fourth straight division title. Minnesota finished the year with an 11-3 record but fell to Dallas in the Divisional Round.
PAGE NAMED NFL'S MVP — In 1971 Alan Page became the first defensive player to be named the Most Valuable Player of the National Football League by The Associated Press. Page headed a Vikings defense that held opponents to fewer than 10 points a game to lead the league in scoring defense for the third consecutive year.
VIKINGS RE-ACQUIRE TARKENTON — In 1972 the Vikings traded Norm Snead, Bob Grim, Vince Clements and first-round choices in 1972 and 1973 to the New York Giants for Fran Tarkenton.
BOYER DIES — In 1972 E. William Boyer, one of the team's five original owners, passed away. He was one of the prime forces in the drive to bring an NFL franchise to Minnesota. Boyer was president of the Vikings from 1960-64 and sat on the Board of Directors for the first 12 years of the team's existence. He was replaced on the team's Board of Directors by his son-in-law Jack Steele.
FIFTH DIVISION TITLE — The Vikings began the 1973 season with nine straight victories and clinched the NFC Central championship before they even lost a game. Minnesota clinched the division crown by defeating Detroit 28-7 at Metropolitan Stadium on Nov. 11, 1973. The Vikings finished with a 12-2 mark, which tied for the best record in the league that year.
SECOND SUPER BOWL — On Jan. 13, 1974, the Vikings played in the second Super Bowl in franchise history, facing the Miami Dolphins at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Dolphins prevailed 24-7. Minnesota earned the trip to Super Bowl VIII by defeating Dallas 27-10 in the NFC Championship Game, the first road playoff win in team history.
FINKS RESIGNS — After the 1973 season, Executive Vice President and General Manager Jim Finks resigned. Under Finks, who was hired in 1964, the Vikings won five division titles and appeared in two Super Bowls. He also hired Bud Grant as head coach in 1967.
SIXTH DIVISION TITLE — On Dec. 1, 1974, the Vikings clinched the NFC Central crown by defeating the Saints 29-9 at Metropolitan Stadium. Minnesota tied for the best record in the NFC with a 10-4 mark.
THIRD SUPER BOWL — The Vikings played in their second consecutive Super Bowl, losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers 16-6 at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans on Jan. 12, 1975. Minnesota earned a trip to Super Bowl IX by defeating the Los Angeles Rams 14-10 at Metropolitan Stadium on Dec. 29, 1974.
FRONT OFFICE CHANGES — In the spring of 1975, Max Winter, one of the team's founders and its president since 1965, took over active management of the franchise. In addition, Mike Lynn, who was hired as an assistant to the president on Aug. 15, 1974, was named the team's general manager.
SEVENTH DIVISION TITLE — The Vikings clinched their third consecutive NFC Central title and their seventh division championship in eight years on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27, 1975) when the Lions lost to the Rams. Minnesota won 10 consecutive games to start the season and finished the year with the best record (12-2) in the NFL. The Vikings were upset 17-14 in the Divisional Round of the NFC Playoffs at Metropolitan Stadium on Dec. 28, 1975, when the Dallas Cowboys scored on a 50-yard touchdown pass with 24 seconds remaining. Cowboys QB Roger Staubach uttered "Hail Mary" after the game, making it the first usage of the phrase to describe a desperation pass.
TARKENTON NAMED LEAGUE MVP — Quarterback Fran Tarkenton was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player for 1975 after leading the Vikings to the league's best record (12- 2). He led the NFC and finished second in the NFL with a 91.7 passer rating. He completed 273 of 425 passes for 2,994 yards and 25 touchdowns with 13 interceptions.
HAUGSRUD DIES — Ole Haugsrud, one of the five original owners, passed away in March 1976. He was one of the prime forces in the drive to bring an NFL franchise to Minnesota. Haugsrud sat on the Board of Directors for 16 years of the team's existence. He was replaced on the team's Board of Directors by his widow Margaret Haugsrud.
EIGHTH DIVISION TITLE — The Vikings clinched their fourth consecutive NFC Central championship and their eighth division title in nine years by defeating the Packers 17-10 at Milwaukee County Stadium on Nov. 21, 1976. Minnesota finished the season with the best record in the NFC at 11-2-1.
FOURTH SUPER BOWL — The Vikings played in their third Super Bowl in four years, facing the Oakland Raiders at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Jan. 9, 1977. Minnesota lost 32-14. The Vikings earned a trip to Super Bowl XI by defeating the Rams 24-13 at Metropolitan Stadium on Dec. 26, 1976, in what ended up being the last Vikings playoff game at the Met.
KAPLAN NAMED TO BOARD — In 1977, team attorney Sheldon Kaplan was named to the Vikings Board of Directors. He replaced Bernard H. Ridder, Jr., who was one of the team's five founders.
NINTH DIVISION TITLE — The Vikings clinched the NFC Central crown on the season's final weekend by defeating the Lions 30-21 in Detroit on Dec. 17, 1977. Minnesota wrapped up its fifth consecutive NFC Central title and its ninth division crown in 10 seasons.
FOURTH NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME — On Jan. 1, 1978, the Vikings played in their fourth NFC Championship in five years, visiting Dallas at Texas Stadium. Minnesota lost 23-6 to the eventual Super Bowl Champs.
CHANGES ON BOARD — John Skoglund and Vikings General Manager Mike Lynn were named to the team's Board of Directors, replacing Margaret Haugsrud and H.P. Skoglund, who was one of the team's founders. Haugsrud joined the board in 1976, replacing her husband Ole, who passed away.
10TH DIVISION TITLE — Despite losing 27-20 in the regular-season finale to the Raiders on Dec. 17, 1978, at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, the Vikings captured the NFC Central title when the Packers, who played at the same time as Minnesota, lost 31-14 to the Rams at the L.A. Coliseum. It was the Vikings sixth consecutive NFC Central crown and Minnesota's 10th division championship in 11 years.
METRODOME GROUNDBREAKING — In December 1979, ground was broken for construction of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis. The stadium that housed the Vikings and Twins opened in April 1982.
MARSHALL RETIRES — Jim Marshall, who joined Minnesota just before the Vikings first season in 1961, retired at the end of the 1979 season. He started all 270 regular-season contests and 19 postseason games for the Vikings.
11TH DIVISION TITLE — Minnesota clinched its seventh NFC Central title in eight years by defeating the Browns 28-23 at Met Stadium on Dec. 14, 1980, thanks to the Miracle at the Met pass by Tommy Kramer to Ahmad Rashad. The play secured the Vikings 11th division title in 13 seasons. Minnesota lost to the NFC Champion Eagles 31-16 at Veterans Stadium on Jan. 3, 1981, in the Divisional Round.
WINTER PARK OPENS — On May 15, 1981, the Vikings moved into a new facility in Eden Prairie that housed the team's offices, locker room and practice fields through the 2017 season. The complex was named Winter Park after Max Winter, one of the Vikings founders who served as the team's president from 1965-87.
FAREWELL, MET — On Dec. 20, 1981, the Vikings hosted the Chiefs in Minnesota's final game at Metropolitan Stadium. The Vikings lost 10-6. The final points at the stadium were scored on a 33-yard field goal by Minnesota kicker Rick Danmeier. The last Vikings touchdown at Met Stadium was scored on a 6-yard run by Ted Brown against Green Bay on Nov. 29, 1981.
METRODOME OPENS — The Vikings played their first game at the Metrodome in a preseason matchup against Seattle on Aug. 21, 1982. Minnesota prevailed 7-3. The first touchdown in the new facility was scored by Joe Senser on an 11-yard pass from Tommy Kramer. The first regular-season game in the Metrodome was the 1982 season opener on Sept. 12, when the Vikings defeated Tampa Bay 17-10. Rickey Young scored the first regular-season touchdown in the facility on a 3-yard run in the second quarter.
12TH PLAYOFF APPEARANCE — In a strike-shortened-nine-game 1982 season, the Vikings won three of their final four regular-season games to earn a postseason berth.
FIRST DOME PLAYOFF GAME — On Jan. 9, 1983, the Vikings defeated Atlanta 30-24 in a first-round game that was the first playoff matchup in the Metrodome. Minnesota lost to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Redskins 21-7 in the NFC semifinals at RFK Stadium on Jan. 15, 1983.
GRANT RETIRES — On Jan. 27, 1984, Bud Grant retired as head coach of the Vikings. In 17 seasons, Grant led Minnesota to 12 playoff appearances, 11 division titles and four Super Bowls. His career regular-season record was 151-87-5 (.632).
STECKEL HIRED — Les Steckel, who was an offensive assistant with the Vikings for five seasons, was named the third head coach in franchise history on Jan. 29, 1984. Steckel, who came to the Vikings in 1979 after working as an assistant with the 49ers, was the youngest head coach in the NFL in 1984 at age 38.
GRANT RETURNS — On Dec. 18, 1984, Bud Grant was re-hired as the head coach of the Vikings. He replaced Les Steckel, who guided the team in 1984 after Grant's first retirement.
GRANT RE-RETIRES — On Jan. 6, 1986, following the 1985 season, Bud Grant retired as head coach of the Vikings. He originally retired after the 1983 season but returned in '85. At the time of his retirement, he ranked sixth in NFL history with 168 career wins, including playoffs. In 18 seasons, Grant led the team to a 158-96-5 regular-season record.
BURNS HIRED — Longtime Vikings assistant coach Jerry Burns was named the fourth head coach in team history on Jan. 7, 1986. He served as the Vikings offensive coordinator from 1968-85, when the team won 11 division titles and played in 4 Super Bowls.
TARKENTON ENSHRINED — On Aug. 2, 1986, Fran Tarkenton became the first player who spent the majority of his career with the Vikings to be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He retired following the 1978 season with NFL career records for passing yards (47,003), completions (3,686) and touchdown passes (342). He led the team to six NFC Central titles, four NFC Championship Games and three Super Bowls.
13TH PLAYOFF APPEARANCE — Despite a strike replacement unit that saddled the Vikings with three losses in as many games, the team made the playoffs as a Wild Card entrant with an 8-7 record in 1987. It was the team's first postseason appearance under Jerry Burns, who was in his second season as the Vikings head coach.
FIFTH NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME — The Vikings played the Redskins in the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 17, 1988, at RFK Stadium. Trailing 17-10, the Vikings drove to Washington's 6-yard line with a little over a minute left in the game but failed to get the ball into the end zone. Minnesota upset New Orleans 44-10 at the Superdome and San Francisco 36-24 at Candlestick Park in the first two rounds of the playoffs to earn a trip to the conference title game.
BOARD ADDS MEMBERS — Four people were added to the Vikings Board of Directors in 1988. Wheelock Whitney, Jaye Dyer, Irwin Jacobs and Carl Pohlad joined Max Winter, John Skoglund, Jack Steele, Sheldon Kaplan and Mike Lynn.
PAGE ENSHRINED — On July 30, 1988, Alan Page became the second player who spent the majority of his career with the Vikings to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Drafted by Minnesota in the first round in 1967, Page made the Pro Bowl nine times. In 1971, he became the first defensive player to be named the NFL's Most Valuable Player by The Associated Press. Page played on teams that won 10 NFC Central titles and played in four Super Bowls.
14TH PLAYOFF APPEARANCE — The Vikings won six of their final seven games in 1988 to earn a Wild Card berth into the playoffs. Minnesota finished with an 11-5 record, then defeated the Rams 28-17 on Dec. 26 in a first-round playoff game at the Metrodome. The Vikings fell 34-9 the following week to eventual Super Bowl Champion San Francisco at Candlestick Park.
REMAINING FOUNDER LEAVES BOARD — In 1989, Max Winter, the last of the original five Vikings founders on the team's Board of Directors, left the board. He was replaced on the board by Gerald Schwalbach.
WALKER ACQUIRED — On Oct. 12, 1989, the Vikings acquired Herschel Walker from Dallas for Issiac Holt, David Howard, Darrin Nelson, Jesse Solomon, Alex Stewart, a first-round choice in 1992, conditional first-round choices in 1990 and 1991, conditional second-round choices in 1990, 1991 and 1992, and a conditional third-round choice in 1992. The final result of the trade gave the Vikings Walker, a third (Mike Jones), fifth (Reggie Thornton) and 10th-round choice (Pat Newman) in 1990 and a third-round choice in 1991 (Jake Reed), while Dallas received all five players, a first-, second- and sixth-round choice in 1990, a first- and second-round choice in 1991 and a first-, second- and third-round choice in 1992.
FRANCHISE RECORD FOR SACKS — The Vikings set a team record for sacks in a season (officially recorded since 1982) with 71 in 1989. The starting defensive line of Chris Doleman (21), Keith Millard (18), Al Noga (11.5) and Henry Thomas (9.0) combined for 59.5.
12TH DIVISION TITLE — The Vikings captured their 12th division title since 1968 by defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 29-21 at the Metrodome in a Monday night game on Christmas Day 1989. It also was Minnesota's 15th postseason appearance in the past 22 years. The Vikings finished the season with a 10-6 record but lost to eventual Super Bowl Champion San Francisco 41-13 at Candlestick Park in the Divisional Round on Jan. 6, 1990.
HEADRICK NAMED TEAM PRESIDENT — On Jan. 1, 1991, Roger Headrick became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Vikings. He replaced Mike Lynn as the person in charge of day-to-day operations of the club. In addition, Headrick and Philip Maas replaced Jack Steele and Sheldon Kaplan on the board of directors.
BURNS RETIRES — On Dec. 3, 1991, Jerry Burns announced his retirement, effective at the end of the season. In six seasons as head coach of the Vikings, Burns compiled a career record of 52-43 (.547). He also led Minnesota to three playoff appearances, a division title and an NFC Championship Game appearance.
CHANGES ON BOARD — On Dec. 16, 1991, the team's ownership structure was reorganized. Irwin Jacobs and Carl Pohlad sold their shares to a group consisting of Vikings President/CEO Roger Headrick, John Skoglund, Jaye Dyer, Philip Maas, Mike Lynn, Wheelock Whitney, James Binger, Bud Grossman, Elizabeth MacMillan and Carol Sperry.
GREEN NAMED HEAD COACH — On Jan. 10, 1992, Dennis Green was named the fifth head coach in team history. He came to Minnesota after turning around a struggling Stanford University football program as head coach there from 1989-91.
13TH DIVISION TITLE — On Dec. 20, 1992, the Vikings defeated the Steelers 6-3 at Three Rivers Stadium to earn the franchise's 13th division title. It also was Minnesota's 16th playoff season since 1968. Dennis Green posted the most victories (11) and the first division title by a first-year head coach in team history. The Vikings lost to Washington, the defending Super Bowl champion, in a first-round playoff game at the Metrodome on Jan. 2, 1993.
17TH PLAYOFF APPEARANCE — For the first time since 1974, the Vikings won their final three regular-season games to earn a Wild Card playoff berth. It was the team's 17th postseason appearance since 1968. Minnesota lost 17-10 at the New York Giants in a first-round playoff game on Jan. 9, 1994.
MOON ACQUIRED — On April 14, 1994, the Vikings traded a fourth-round draft choice in 1994 and a third-round draft choice in 1995 to the Houston Oilers for quarterback Warren Moon. He set team season records for passing yards (4,264) in 1994 and for completions (377) and touchdown passes (33) in 1995.
GRANT ENSHRINED — On July 30, 1994, Bud Grant was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He coached the Vikings from 1967-83 then again in 1985. During his tenure, Minnesota made the playoffs 12 times, won 11 division titles and played in four Super Bowls. Grant became the first person to be elected to both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame.
14TH DIVISION TITLE — On the final day of the 1994 regular season, the Vikings defeated the 49ers 21-14 in a Monday Night Football game to earn their second NFC Central title in three seasons and their third straight playoff berth. It also was Minnesota's 14th division title and 18th postseason appearance since 1968. Dennis Green became the seventh NFL coach to lead his team to the playoffs in his first three seasons.
FINKS ENSHRINED — Former Vikings General Manager Jim Finks was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on July 25, 1995. During his decade with Minnesota, the team won five division titles and appeared in two Super Bowls. Finks passed away on May 8, 1994, and was inducted posthumously, represented by his family.
WINTER PASSES AWAY — Max Winter, who served as the Owner and President of the Vikings from 1965-87, passed away on July 26, 1996. He was one of the prime forces in bringing an NFL franchise to Minnesota and was a big factor in the building of the Metrodome.
19TH PLAYOFF APPEARANCE — On Dec. 15, 1996, the Vikings defeated the Buccaneers 21-10 in the Metrodome. After a Washington loss to Arizona later that day, Minnesota was guaranteed a playoff berth for the 19th time since 1968 and its fourth in five seasons under Dennis Green. The Vikings lost 40-15 to the Dallas Cowboys in a first-round game at Texas Stadium on Dec. 28, 1996.
20TH PLAYOFF APPEARANCE — On Dec. 21, 1997, the Vikings defeated the Colts in the regular season finale to reach the playoffs for the 20th time in team history and the fifth time in six seasons under Dennis Green. The Vikings went on the road and came back from a 16-point deficit to defeat the New York Giants 23-22 at the Meadowlands on Dec. 27, 1997. It was the biggest comeback win in team playoff history and the fifth biggest postseason comeback in NFL history. The following week the Vikings lost 38-22 to the San Francisco 49ers at 3Com Park in the Divisional Playoffs on Jan. 3, 1998.
KRAUSE ENSHRINED — On Aug. 1, 1998, Paul Krause was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Krause played free safety with the Vikings from 1968-79 and for Washington from 1964-67. He holds the NFL record for career interceptions with 81. Krause was selected to eight Pro Bowls in his 15-year career.
BOARD AGREES TO SELL — On July 3, 1998, the Minnesota Vikings 10 owners voted unanimously to accept the bid of Texas businessman B.J. "Red" McCombs to purchase the Vikings. The NFL approved McCombs' purchase on July 28, 1998.
GREEN CONTRACT EXTENDED — Head Coach Dennis Green received a three-year contract extension on Sept. 5, the day before the 1998 opener vs. Tampa Bay.
VIKINGS WIN FRANCHISE-BEST 15 GAMES — The Vikings won their 15th NFC Central Division title and became only the third team in NFL history to go 15-1 through the regular season with their 26-16 win at Tennessee in the regular-season finale. The Vikings also established a new NFL scoring record with 556 points, breaking the old mark of 541 set by the 1983 Washington Redskins. It was the 21st playoff appearance in franchise history.
SIXTH NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME — The Vikings hosted Atlanta in the sixth NFC Championship Game in franchise history with a berth in Super Bowl XXXIII on the line. The teams played to a 27-27 deadlock during regulation, forcing the game into overtime where the Falcons claimed a 30-27 win. It was the only NFC Championship Game played in the Metrodome.
22ND PLAYOFF APPEARANCE — The Vikings turned their 1999 season around, winning eight of the final 10 games to finish 10-6 and host a first-round playoff game vs. Dallas. Robert Smith set a team postseason record with 140 rushing yards in the 27-10 win over the Cowboys. The Vikings fell 49-37 to eventual Super Bowl XXXIV Champion St. Louis in the Divisional Round at the TWA Dome.
CARTER NAMED MAN OF THE YEAR — Cris Carter was honored as the first recipient of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for civic involvement, charity work and displaying high character on Jan. 29, 2000, in a ceremony during Super Bowl week in Atlanta. The award was re-named after Payton, a Hall of Fame running back who died in 1999.
SMITH BREAKS TEAM RUSHING RECORD — Robert Smith surpassed Chuck Foreman's 20-year-old career rushing record in the team's 28-16 win at Chicago on Oct. 15, 2000. Smith ended his career with 6,818 yards. He also established a new team record with 1,521 rushing yards on the season.
40TH ANNIVERSARY TEAM ANNOUNCED — The Vikings celebrated their 40th season of NFL football in 2000, highlighted by a luncheon on Nov. 30 to introduce the Vikings 40th Anniversary Team. That night, the Vikings topped Detroit 24-17 and Cris Carter caught his 1,000th reception on a 4-yard TD from Daunte Culpepper. Carter became the second player in NFL history to record 1,000 career receptions.
15TH DIVISION TITLE — The Vikings overcame critics' expectations in 2000 to post an 11-5 regular-season record, win the franchise's 15th NFC Central title and make the 23rd playoff appearance in team history, which ended at Giants Stadium in the franchise's seventh NFC Championship Game.
YARY ENSHRINED — On Aug. 4, 2000, Ron Yary was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Yary played 14 seasons with Minnesota and played in four Super Bowls and seven Pro Bowls during his career.
TICE REPLACES GREEN — On Jan. 4, 2002, Mike Tice replaced Dennis Green on the sideline for the Vikings. Tice coached the 2001 regular season finale at Baltimore. Green assembled a 97-62 regular-season record at the helm of the Vikings. Green led the team to four NFC Central Division titles and twice coached in the NFC Championship Game. Green's teams made the playoffs in eight of his 10 seasons.
TICE NAMED HEAD COACH — On Jan. 10, 2002, Mike Tice was named the sixth head coach in Vikings history. Tice was the third of the first six Vikings head coaches to be promoted from within the team's coaching ranks and the first who had played for the Vikings.
NFL REALIGNS — The 2002 season marked the realignment of the NFL as the league expanded to 32 teams when the Houston Texans joined as an expansion franchise. The NFL realigned into eight divisions of four teams each. The Vikings moved into the newly formed NFC North after years in the NFC Central.
VIKINGS LEAD NFL IN RUSHING — The 2002 Vikings led the NFL in rushing for the first time in team history with 2,507 yards for the season, an average of 156.7 yards per game. Second-year RB Michael Bennett ranked recorded 1,296 rushing yards and earned a berth in the Pro Bowl. The Vikings set team records for rushing TDs (26), average yards per carry (5.3) and total first downs (350). The team also became the first in the NFL to make a successful 2-point conversion to win a game when Daunte Culpepper scored on a run with 0:05 remaining. It gave the Vikings a 32-31 win at New Orleans on Dec. 15, 2002. Culpepper proved to be a dangerous runner himself in 2002, setting team records for attempts (106), yards (609) and rushing TDs (10) by a QB.
VIKINGS OFFENSE RANKS NO. 1 — The 2003 Vikings became the first squad in franchise history to finish the season with the top-ranked offense in the NFL, averaging 393.4 yards per game and scoring an average of 26.0 points per game.
ELLER ENSHRINED — On Aug. 8, 2004, Carl Eller was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Eller, the Vikings career sacks leader, was a member of the vaunted Purple People Eaters defense.
WILF FAMILY TAKES OWNERSHIP — An investment group led by brothers Zygi and Mark Wilf was unanimously approved as the new owners of the Vikings by fellow NFL owners on May 25, 2005. The Wilfs, owners of a real estate development company in New Jersey, took ownership in mid-June from former owner Red McCombs, who had overseen the club since 1998. Zygi and Mark were joined in the purchase by their cousin Leonard Wilf, Reggie Fowler, David Mandelbaum and Alan Landis.
CHILDRESS TAKES THE HELM — The Vikings named Brad Childress the seventh head coach in franchise history on Jan. 6, 2006. Childress joined the Vikings after seven seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent the 2002-05 seasons as offensive coordinator. The Eagles won NFC East titles from 2001-04 and represented the NFC in Super Bowl XXXIX against New England. During his tenure with the Eagles, Childress was instrumental in the development of five-time Pro Bowl QB Donovan McNabb. Childress began his coaching career at the University of Illinois from 1978-84 and tutored the Wisconsin Badgers offense from 1991-98.
VIKINGS UNVEIL NEW UNIFORMS — The franchise made the most dramatic change to its uniforms in the history of the team during the 2006 offseason. The team unveiled the new uniforms before an enthusiastic crowd at Mall of America on April 27, 2006.
VIKINGS SEND 4 LINEMEN TO PRO BOWL — The 2006 Vikings strong play along the defensive and offensive lines was recognized league-wide as C Matt Birk, G Steve Hutchinson, DT Kevin Williams and DT Pat Williams all earned Pro Bowl honors.
ROOKIE RUNS TO RECORDS — In only his fifth NFL game, rookie RB Adrian Peterson broke the team record for rushing yards in a game with 224 at Chicago (Oct. 14, 2007). Three weeks later, he topped that by setting the NFL single-game rushing record with 296 yards against the Chargers (Nov. 4, 2007). He went on to lead the NFC in rushing with 1,341 yards, was named All-Pro, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, started in the Pro Bowl and took home game MVP honors.
7 EARN PRO BOWL TRIPS — The 2007 Vikings sent seven players to Hawai'i for the Pro Bowl, the most to earn the honor since the 2000 season. The team was represented by C Matt Birk, G Steve Hutchinson, S Darren Sharper, FB Tony Richardson, DT Kevin Williams, DT Pat Williams and RB Adrian Peterson.
BLOCKBUSTER TRADE LANDS ALLEN — The Vikings struck a deal with Kansas City to acquire 2007 NFL sacks leader Jared Allen in exchange for Minnesota's first-round (No. 17) pick in the 2008 Draft, a pair of third-round picks in 2008 and a swap of sixth-round choices. Allen was introduced to a boisterous crowd of fans at the Winter Park facility as part of the Vikings Draft Party days after the trade.
VIKINGS CLAIM FIRST NFC NORTH TITLE — The Vikings rattled off nine wins in their final 12 games of 2008 to capture their first division title since 2000 and the team's first NFC North Championship since the division was created from the former NFC Central in 2002. The Vikings hosted a playoff game for the first time since 2000.
PETERSON LEADS NFL IN RUSHING — Second-year RB Adrian Peterson set a team record with 1,760 yards rushing to become the first Viking to lead the NFL in rushing in a season. Peterson broke the 100-yard barrier 10 times during the season and became the fifth player in NFL history to rush for more than 3,000 yards in his first two seasons (3,101).
RUSHING DEFENSE DYNASTY — The 2006-08 Vikings become the first defense since the 1970 merger to rank No. 1 in the NFL against the run for three consecutive years. Minnesota gave up just 76.9 yards per game to lead the league.
VIKINGS LOSE FOUNDING FATHER — One of the Vikings original stockholders and most-adamant supporters, Don McNeely, passed away in March of 2009. In addition to his role in helping build the Vikings tradition, McNeely was revered as one of Minnesota's great philanthropists. McNeely was an ardent supporter of the arts and also donated large gifts to the Minnesota State Fair, St. John's University, the Warner Nature Center and the Como Conservatory.
McDANIEL ENSHRINED — G Randall McDaniel was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 8, 2009. McDaniel started 12 consecutive Pro Bowls (1989-2000), started 202 consecutive games and missed only two games his entire career after being a first-round pick by the Vikings in 1988.
FAVRE SIGNS WITH VIKINGS — Longtime nemesis Brett Favre signed with the Vikings on Aug. 18, 2009. Favre went on to have the best statistical season of his career, throwing for 4,202 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions with a 107.2 passer rating. He also set the NFL record for consecutive games started, a mark formerly held by Vikings Legend Jim Marshall.
BACK-TO-BACK DIVISION TITLES — The Vikings finished the regular season with a 12-4 mark to capture its second consecutive NFC North title. It marked the first time Minnesota achieved the feat since 1977-78.
HARVIN NAMED ROOKIE OF THE YEAR — Rookie WR/KR Percy Harvin burst on the scene and earned Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year and was also named Pro Football Weekly/PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year. Harvin set team records with 2,081 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns on kick returns, while sharing the NFL rookie lead with 60 receptions for 790 yards. He earned a Pro Bowl berth as a return man.
NFL-BEST 10 VIKINGS EARN PRO BOWL BERTHS — The Vikings led the NFL and tied a team record with 10 players earning Pro Bowl honors. The unit featured four players who made their first Pro Bowl — Heath Farwell, Bryant McKinnie, Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin. They were joined by Brett Favre, Steve Hutchinson, Adrian Peterson, Jared Allen, Kevin Williams and Antoine Winfield.
EIGHTH NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME — The Vikings traveled to New Orleans in the eighth NFC Championship game in franchise history for a chance to play in Super Bowl XLIV in South Florida. The teams played to a 28-28 tie in regulation, forcing the game into OT where the Saints hit a 40-yard FG in the extra period to claim a 31-28 victory.
RANDLE ENSHRINED — DT John Randle was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 7, 2010, following a 14-season career, including 11s as a Viking (1990-2000). He was named to the NFL Team of the Decade for the 1990s and led or tied for the team lead in sacks nine times.
FRAZIER REPLACES CHILDRESS — Defensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach Leslie Frazier took over coaching the team after 10 games in 2010, replacing Brad Childress. Frazier won his first game as interim head coach on Nov. 28, 2010, at Washington.
ROOF COLLAPSE CAUSES CHAOTIC END TO 2010 — Heavy snows and inclement weather caused the Metrodome roof to collapse in the early morning hours of Dec. 12, 2010, forcing the final two home games of the 2010 season to be moved from the facility. The Vikings played host to the New York Giants in Detroit at Ford Field on Dec. 13, and the club's final home game was played at the University of Minnesota, a Monday Night Football contest against Chicago on Dec. 20. The team also had a road game against Philadelphia postponed due to weather from Sunday night, Dec. 26 to Tuesday night Dec. 28.
50 GREATEST VIKINGS CAPS 50TH SEASON CELEBRATION— Vikings Legends reunited for a celebration of the storied history of the Vikings franchise during a weekend of activities leading up to the Monday Night Football game versus Chicago on Dec. 20, 2010. The team unveiled the 50 Greatest Vikings, and the selections were introduced to fans at halftime of the snowy game at the University of Minnesota. The atmosphere was fitting and marked the first outdoor home game for the Vikings since the 1981 Met Stadium finale on Dec. 20, 1981, 30 years to the day.
FRAZIER NAMED HEAD COACH — After serving as interim head coach for the final six games of the 2010 season, Leslie Frazier was named the head coach on Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, the day after the 2010 regular-season finale. Frazier posted a 3-3 record in the interim role and directed the club during trying times as the team lost its home field due to a weather-related collapse of the Metrodome's roof.
ALLEN BREAKS TEAM SACKS RECORD — DE Jared Allen had one of the best seasons for a pass rusher in NFL history in 2011. Recording 22 sacks, Allen broke Chris Doleman's team record of 21 sacks in a season and fell just one-half sack short of the NFL's single-season sacks record set by Michael Strahan in 2001.
SPIELMAN NAMED GENERAL MANAGER — On Jan. 3, 2012, Rick Spielman was named the team's general manager. He had previously been the Vikings Vice President of Player Personnel from 2006-2011.
DOLEMAN ENSHRINED — DE Chris Doleman was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 4, 2012, following his 15-season career, including 10 with the Vikings. His 150.5 career sacks ranked fourth all-time in the NFL at the time of his retirement.
NEW STADIUM DEAL APPROVED — In May 2012, a bill for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium was passed through the Minnesota legislature and signed by Gov. Mark Dayton. Funded by the Vikings, the State of Minnesota and the City of Minneapolis, the site for the new stadium overlapped with the Metrodome site.
PETERSON POSTS EPIC SEASON — Adrian Peterson had a season for the ages, coming back from a severe knee injury at the end of 2012 to set a franchise record and post the second-best rushing season in NFL history with 2,097 yards. Peterson broke Robert Smith's Vikings career rushing mark in the first game of the season. He became only the third Vikings player to earn Associated Press MVP honors for his efforts along with AP Offensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.
RECORD TURNAROUND EARNS PLAYOFF BERTH — The Vikings rebounded from a 3-13 mark in 2011 to go 10-6 in 2012 and earn a Wild Card playoff berth, recording the biggest single-season win improvement in team history at plus-7.
CARTER ENSHRINED — WR Cris Carter was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 4, 2013. Carter holds the Vikings career receptions, yards and touchdowns records. Carter was a four-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler during his 16 NFL seasons.
VIKINGS HOST REGULAR SEASON HOME GAME IN LONDON — The Vikings played the first regular-season game in franchise history outside of the United States on Sept. 29, 2013. Minnesota defeated Pittsburgh 34-27 at London's Wembley Stadium in the International Series. The Vikings had previously played a preseason game at Wembley in 1983 against the St. Louis Cardinals.
ROOKIE CORDARRELLE PATTERSON SETS UNBREAKABLE RECORD — In only his seventh career game, rookie WR/KR Cordarrelle Patterson tied an NFL record for the longest play in league history and set the mark for longest kickoff return with his 109-yard touchdown vs. Green Bay on Oct. 27, 2013. The only other 109-yard play came in 2007 against the Vikings at the Metrodome when Antonio Cromartie returned a Vikings missed field goal 109 yards for a score.
GROUNDBREAKING ON NEW STADIUM — Vikings ownership and management, state leaders and elected officials joined together to officially break ground on the new stadium building project on Dec. 3, 2013.
ALL MALL OF AMERICA FIELD TEAM — Fan voting on Vikings.com selected a 27-member team and head coach of Vikings alums that played most of their careers with the club at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.
LAST GAME IN THE DOME — After calling Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome home for 32 seasons, the Vikings played the final game in the stadium in the 2013 season finale. Minnesota topped Detroit 14-13 to send the stadium out on a winning note.
MIKE ZIMMER HIRED AS NINTH COACH IN TEAM HISTORY — Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer was hired as the ninth head coach in Vikings history on Jan. 15, 2014. The veteran defensive coach arrived in Minnesota with 20 seasons of NFL experience under his belt and a Super Bowl victory with Dallas.
MINNESOTA AWARDED SUPER BOWL LII — Minnesota's bid for Super Bowl LII was successful when selected on May 20, 2014, as the host community for the world-renowned event held Feb. 4, 2018.
VIKINGS RETURN TO OUTDOOR FOOTBALL — On Aug. 8, 2014, in a preseason game vs. the Oakland Raiders, the Vikings returned to the elements playing outdoors for two seasons at the University of the Minnesota. The Vikings went 5-3 at home in their first season outdoors since 1981 and 6-2 in 2015.
ZIMMER ERA BEGINS WITH WIN — On Sept. 7, 2014, Head Coach Mike Zimmer won his first game in dominating fashion, defeating the St. Louis Rams 34-6.
NEW MINNESOTA STADIUM SELECTED AS SITE FOR 2019 FINAL FOUR — Announced on Nov. 14, 2014, the iconic new Minnesota Stadium was awarded 2019 NCAA Men's Final Four to be held April 6-8, 2019. Minnesota was awarded the high-profile event after a multi-year bid process.
BUD GRANT WAY UNVEILED — At an unveiling ceremony on Dec. 1, 2014, the Vikings and the city of Minneapolis honored former Head Coach Bud Grant with a street named in his honor outside U.S. Bank Stadium.
TINGELHOFF ENSHRINED — C Mick Tingelhoff was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 8, 2015. Tingelhoff played in 240 consecutive games and didn't miss a game in his 17-year career. Tingelhoff was a seven-time All-League selection and was named to six consecutive Pro Bowls. As a part of the Tingelhoff's enshrinement, the Vikings played the Steelers in the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 9, the fourth time the Vikings participated in the Hall of Fame Game.
ZIMMER CAPTURES FIRST NFC NORTH TITLE — The Vikings closed the 2015 regular season with three straight wins, including a 20-13 victory over the Packers at Lambeau Field in the finale on Jan. 3, 2016. The road win secured Minnesota's first NFC North title since 2009 and first playoff appearance since 2012.
ADRIAN PETERSON WINS RUSHING TITLE — For the third time in his career, Adrian Peterson led the NFL in rushing yards, finishing with 1,485 in 2015.
VIKINGS PLAY COLDEST GAME IN FRANCHISE HISTORY — The Vikings hosted the Seattle Seahawks on Jan. 10, 2016, in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs during the coldest game in franchise history. The temperature at kickoff was minus-6 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of negative 25. Despite the temperatures, a capacity crowd attended the University of Minnesota in the last outdoor game hosted by the Vikings.
U.S. BANK STADIUM OPENS — Erected at the site of the Metrodome, U.S. Bank Stadium opened its doors in July of 2016. The stadium held Luke Bryan and Metallica concerts as well as an international soccer match in August of 2016.
U.S. BANK STADIUM HOSTS FIRST VIKINGS GAMES — The Vikings hosted the San Diego Chargers in a preseason contest played on Aug. 28, 2016, and the Green Bay Packers in the first regular-season game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 18, 2016. Minnesota prevailed in both contests and introduced the SKOL Chant against the Packers with help from Bud Grant and the Purple People Eaters.
NINTH NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME BERTH — The 2017 Vikings overcame key injuries early in the season to notch a 13-3 regular season and advance to the NFC Championship Game, earning the second NFC North title and second playoff berth in Head Coach Mike Zimmer's first four seasons. The Vikings hosted New Orleans for an NFC Divisional Round playoff, the first playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium, and prevailed 29-24 thanks to the Minneapolis Miracle, a 61-yard touchdown pass from Case Keenum to Stefon Diggs on the game's final play.
MINNESOTA HOSTS SUPER BOWL LII — The state hosted the Super Bowl for the second time on Feb. 4, 2018, 26 years after playing host to Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome. Philadelphia topped New England 41-33 to claim the Lombardi Trophy. Justin Timberlake performed at halftime, and P!NK sang the national anthem.
TWIN CITIES ORTHOPEDICS PERFORMANCE CENTER OPENS — State of the art TCO Performance Center opened on March 5, 2018, as the new daily home of the Minnesota Vikings in Eagan. The facility features four outdoor practice fields, an indoor field and TCO Stadium.
VIKINGS MUSEUM OPENS — As part of the TCO Performance Center complex, the team opened the Minnesota Vikings Museum on July 20, 2018, offering an interactive look at the history of the team.
NEW TRAINING CAMP TRADITION — The Vikings spent the 2018 training camp at TCO Performance Center, a first for the club after holding training camps on campuses in Bemidji (1961-65) and Mankato (1966-2017).
MOSS ENSHRINED — WR Randy Moss was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 4, 2018. Moss was Rookie of the Year in 1998 and ranks second in team history for catches, yards and receiving touchdowns. He earned three All-Pro and five Pro Bowl honors in eight seasons with the Vikings.
30TH PLAYOFF BERTH — The 2019 Vikings went 10-6 to earn a Wild Card berth and make the playoffs for the 30th time in the organization's first 59 seasons. Minnesota upset New Orleans with a 26-20 win in overtime on Jan. 5, 2020, but fell at San Francisco on Jan. 11 in the Divisional Round.
UNSETTLED OFFSEASON — The spring of 2020 was one of the most unprecedented in the history of the nation as the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to close, travel to shut down and social distancing to become the norm. The Vikings were unable to hold a normal offseason with players and coaches working on-site. The 2020 Draft was executed remotely, and the club's offseason meetings were done by video conference.
SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARENESS RISES — The aftermath of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis led to protests in the Twin Cities and across the world calling for reform and renewed emphasis on social justice. The Vikings leaned on their player-led Social Justice Committee and support from ownership to help navigate the emotional times. The team announced a $5 million donation from the Wilf family for social justice initiatives in Minnesota and across the country, as well as a scholarship funded in Floyd's name for African American students going on to post-secondary education.
HUTCHINSON ENSHRINED — G Steve Hutchinson was slated for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 8, 2020, but ceremonies were postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hutchinson played for the Vikings from 2006-11, helping Adrian Peterson set the NFL record with 296 rushing yards against the Chargers in 2007. Hutchinson was a seven-time AP All-Pro honoree and was selected to the 2000's Team of the Decade. He blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher in 11 of his 12 NFL seasons.
COVID-19 ALTERS PLANS — The 2020 NFL offseason program became a virtual experience with meetings taking place remotely. The preseason was cancelled, and crowds for home games were eliminated or severely limited. The Vikings opened their 60th season of play to an empty U.S. Bank Stadium while hosting Green Bay. The Vikings were unable to welcome fans to home games in 2020. Road stadiums also were empty or opened with strong capacity limitations. The only games in which fans attended were contests at Indianapolis, Houston, Tampa Bay and New Orleans. The season-high for a Vikings game was 16,031 fans at Tampa Bay.
ADOFO-MENSAH HIRED AS GM — The Vikings announced the hire of General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on Jan. 26, 2022. Adofo-Mensah arrived in Minnesota after working for the 49ers and Browns, previously holding the title of Executive Vice President of Football Operations with Cleveland.
O'CONNELL NAMED 10TH HEAD COACH — The Vikings named Kevin O'Connell the 10th head coach in franchise history on Feb. 16, 2022. O'Connell arrives in Minnesota quickly after helping the Los Angeles Rams win Super Bowl LVI as the team's offensive coordinator. O'Connell's squad opened 10-2 in its first 12 games, setting a record among Vikings coaches for fewest games needed to record 10 victories.
RECORD COMEBACK — The Vikings found themselves trailing 33-0 to the Colts at halftime on Dec. 17, 2022, but stormed back in the rare Saturday matchup and prevailed 39-36 in overtime. The surge broke an NFL record for the largest comeback in league history, which was previously 32 points by the Buffalo Bills against the Houston Oilers (Jan. 3, 1993). The victory secured the NFC North title for the Vikings. Kevin O'Connell finished his first season with 13 victories, setting a record for the most by a Minnesota coach in his first season.