MINNEAPOLIS — The Vikings were proud to host the family of the late Dennis Green on Sunday and honor the former head coach's impact on the franchise, the community and the NFL.
Green passed away in California on July 22 at the age of 67.
Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf and Cardinals President Michael Bidwell presented Green's widow, Marie, his daughters, Patti and Vanessa, and son, Zachary, with a game ball on the field before Minnesota hosted Arizona.
The Vikings also presented the family with a framed portrait of Green, who in 1992, became the second African-American head coach in the modern NFL and third overall.
Marie said her family appreciated the opportunity to return to Minnesota, where Green coached from 1992-2001. He also led Arizona from 2004-06.
"The family and I are fairly private people, but we felt it was really important to be part of this tribute to Dennis," Marie said. "When the Vikings invited us, we didn't hesitate for a moment because we know that Dennis deserves this honor, and it's perfect that it's the Vikings and the Cardinals. It's one of those perfect things coming together."
Green totaled 97 regular-season wins against 62 losses (.610 winning percentage) in 10 seasons with Minnesota, ranking second only to Hall of Famer Bud Grant. Green led Minnesota to eight playoff appearances, four division titles and two NFC Championship game appearances.
He is one of seven coaches to lead a team to 15 or more wins in one season, joining Bill Walsh (1984), Mike Ditka (1985), Bill Cowher (2004), Bill Belichick (2007), Mike McCarthy (2011) and Ron Rivera (2015).
The 1998 Vikings team scored 556 points (34.8 per game) during its 15-1 season, breaking a record established by Washington in 1983. It was later passed by New England in 2007.
Green's impact went beyond the gridiron. He founded the Vikings Community Tuesday initiative through which players use their day off during the regular season to make positive differences around the community. It's a lasting legacy that's been adopted around the league.
Marie said her family tries to honor Green's memory by helping others.
"That's something that the kids and I talk about every day: it is our duty to honor Dennis and through our deep love and honor for him that we should be the best we can be and help people around us grow and really be better," said Marie, who owns a salon in Southern California. "In my business, one of my 10 core values is 'always be growing.' We want people to always be growing. You know that you can be better. Let's be your best."
Marie said her husband took pride in creating opportunities for others. Tony Dungy, the Vikings defensive coordinator from 1992-96 who became the first African-American head coach to win a Super Bowl is just one example.
"Having such a talented staff that he put together, just knowing there are so many guys that he could go on and reach their potential as coaches, he was very adamant about getting his guys opportunities," Marie said. "He would always say it's about opportunities, and the more opportunities the better. He always knew that he was going to be driven and do his best and was super-determined to be successful, but he helped everybody around him be more successful and reach their potential."
Standing on the new turf of U.S. Bank Stadium where the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome once stood brought back years of memories for the Green family.
"It's a little overwhelming, but I'm so glad to be here and be part of this tribute to my husband because he's so humble," Marie said. "I know he would say, 'Oh, y'all don't need to make a fuss over me.' You know what I mean? But he deserves this tribute and honor because he put his heart and soul into the Vikings and did his very best to make it part of the team that it is today."
