History of Minnesota Vikings in Timeline
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, competing in the NFL's NFC North division. Founded in 1960 and beginning play in 1961, the team is named after the Vikings of medieval Scandinavia, reflecting the area's Scandinavian American culture. They play their home games at U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis.
1960: Vikings Founded
In 1960, the Minnesota Vikings were founded as an expansion team in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They would begin play the following year. They are named after the Vikings of medieval Scandinavia, reflecting the prominent Scandinavian American culture of Minnesota.
1961: Vikings Draft Tommy Mason and Fran Tarkenton
In 1961, the Vikings had the first overall selection in the NFL draft, picking Tommy Mason, and also drafted Fran Tarkenton in the third round. They also won their first regular-season game, defeating the Chicago Bears 37–13 on Opening Day 1961.
1961: Vikings-Lions Rivalry Begins
The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions have played twice annually since the Vikings entered the league's Western Conference in 1961.
1962: Only Season with Less Than Three Wins
As of 2022, the Vikings have won at least three games in every season except in 1962.
October 11, 1964: First Time Wearing All-Purple
On October 11, 1964, the Minnesota Vikings wore their road uniform of white jerseys and purple pants for a home game against the Detroit Lions. Due to the Lions mistakenly only bringing their white jerseys, the Vikings changed into their purple jerseys in the second quarter but kept their purple pants, resulting in the first time the Vikings wore all-purple for a game.
1964: First Tuesday NFL Game Since 1964
Due to blizzard conditions, the Vikings game versus the Eagles on December 28, 2010, became the first NFL game played on a Tuesday since 1964.
1964: Vikings Had Winning Season
The Vikings had one winning season in their first seven seasons, with a record of 8–5–1 in 1964.
February 11, 1967: Van Brocklin Resigns
On February 11, 1967, Van Brocklin resigned as head coach.
March 7, 1967: Fran Tarkenton Traded to New York Giants
On March 7, 1967, quarterback Fran Tarkenton was traded to the New York Giants for draft picks.
1968: Vikings Earn First Playoff Berth
In 1968, the Vikings' defense earned the team their first Central Division title and their first playoff berth.
1969: Vikings Achieve 12-2 Record and Winning Streak
In 1969, the Vikings secured a 12–2 record and achieved a 12-game regular-season winning streak.
1969: Vikings Playoff Matchups
The Rams finally defeated the Vikings, 34–10 in Los Angeles after having lost in their previous four playoff matchups (in 1969, '74, '76 and '77).
January 4, 1970: Vikings Win NFL Championship
On January 4, 1970, the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Cleveland Browns 27–7 in the last pre-merger NFL Championship Game, earning a berth in Super Bowl IV.
1970: Hub Meeds Becomes Mascot
From 1970 to 1992, truck driver Hub Meeds dressed as a Viking and served as the team mascot.
1970: Teams Move to NFC Central
In 1970, the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions moved to the NFC Central after the AFL-NFL merger.
1971: Alan Page Wins NFL MVP Award
In 1971, Alan Page won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award, the first defensive player to win the award.
January 27, 1972: Fran Tarkenton Reacquired
On January 27, 1972, the Vikings traded to reacquire Fran Tarkenton.
February 19, 1973: Bill Boyer Dies
Co-owner Bill Boyer died on February 19, 1973 and was replaced on the team's board of directors by his son-in-law Jack Steele.
1973: Vikings Advance to Super Bowl VIII
In 1973, the Vikings finished the season with a 12–2 record and advanced to Super Bowl VIII against the Miami Dolphins.
1974: Vikings Win Central Division
The Vikings won the Central Division again in 1974 with a 10–4 record.
January 12, 1975: Vikings Lost Super Bowl IX
On January 12, 1975, The Vikings played in Super Bowl IX, losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 16–6.
1975: Vikings Win Another Division Title
In 1975, the Vikings got off to a 10–0 start and easily won another division title.
January 9, 1977: Vikings Lose Super Bowl XI
On January 9, 1977, the Vikings played in Super Bowl XI against the Oakland Raiders and lost 32–14.
1977: Vikings Win Central Division and Advance to NFC Championship
In 1977, the Vikings again won the Central Division with a 9–5 record and advanced to their 4th NFC Championship Game in 5 years.
1978: Fran Tarkenton Retired
In 1978, quarterback Fran Tarkenton retired following the season holding league passer records.
1978: NFC Championship Game Appearances
The Vikings have lost in their last six NFC Championship Game appearances, stretching back to 1978.
December 1979: Ground Broken for the Metrodome
In December 1979, ground was broken for construction of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis.
May 15, 1981: Vikings Move to Winter Park
On May 15, 1981, the Vikings moved into a new facility in suburban Eden Prairie that housed the team's offices, locker room and practice fields.
1981: Vikings Last Season at Metropolitan Stadium
In 1981, was the team's last season at Metropolitan Stadium.
1982: Vikings Moved to the Metrodome
In 1982, the Minnesota Vikings played their home games at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis.
1984: Tied for Second-Worst Record in Franchise History
In 2011, the Vikings finished with a 3-13 record, tying with the 1984 Vikings for the second-worst record in franchise history.
1984: Defense Nears Franchise Worst
In 2013, the Vikings defense came within four points of matching the franchise's worst record of points allowed set in 1984.
January 7, 1986: Jerry Burns Named Head Coach
On January 7, 1986, Jerry Burns was named the fourth head coach in team history, after serving as the Vikings' offensive coordinator since 1968.
January 17, 1988: Vikings lose NFC Championship Game
On January 17, 1988, the Vikings played the Washington Redskins in the NFC Championship Game and lost after failing to score on fourth down near the goal line.
October 12, 1989: Vikings Acquire Herschel Walker
On October 12, 1989, the Vikings acquired Herschel Walker from Dallas in exchange for multiple players and draft picks.
1990: First Last Place Finish Since 1990
The 2010 season marked the first time since 1990 that the Vikings finished in last place in the NFC North.
December 3, 1991: Jerry Burns Announces Retirement
On December 3, 1991, Jerry Burns announced his retirement effective at the end of the 1991 season after coaching the Vikings for six seasons.
1992: Hub Meeds Leaves Mascot Duty
From 1970 to 1992, truck driver Hub Meeds dressed as a Viking and served as the team mascot.
1994: Ragnar Becomes Mascot
From 1994 to 2015, the team mascot was Ragnar (played by Joseph Juranitch) and was based on the legendary Viking Ragnar Lodbrok.
1994: Bears Win Wild Card Round
In 1994, the Vikings and Bears met once in the postseason, a 35–18 Bears win in the Wild Card Round.
1995: 35 Years Patch
2000: Vikings Lose NFC Championship Game to Giants
In 2000, after an 11-5 season, the Vikings were defeated by the New York Giants 41-0 in the NFC Championship Game.
2000: 40 Years Patch
2000: Retirement of Vikadontis Rex
Vikadontis Rex was retired starting with the 2000 season.
2001: Vikings post a 5-11 record
In 2001, The Vikings struggled by posting a 5–11 record.
2001: Dennis Green's contract is bought out
In 2001, after a disappointing 5–11 season, the Vikings bought out the contract of Dennis Green.
2002: Paul Allen Becomes Play-by-Play Announcer
In 2002, Paul Allen became the play-by-play announcer for the Vikings and has been in the role since.
2002: Teams Move to NFC North
In 2002, the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions moved to the NFC North after the NFL's realignment.
2003: Vikings miss playoffs after game-winning touchdown by Cardinals
During the 2003 season, the Vikings missed the playoffs after the Arizona Cardinals completed a game-winning touchdown on 4th-and-28 with 0:00 left.
2003: Jamal Lewis breaks record for single-game rushing
In 2003, Jamal Lewis broke record for single-game rushing.
2004: Mike Tice coaches the Vikings back to playoffs
In 2004, Mike Tice lead the Vikings back to the playoffs.
2004: Vikings make the playoffs
In 2004, The Vikings made the playoffs again
2004: Vikings lose to Eagles in divisional round
In 2004, the Vikings defeated the rival Green Bay Packers in their first-ever playoff meeting, 31–17. In the divisional round, the Vikings were defeated by the eventual NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles.
March 2, 2005: Randy Moss traded to the Oakland Raiders
On March 2, 2005, Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss was traded to the Oakland Raiders for linebacker Napoleon Harris and the Raiders' first-round draft pick.
2005: Mike Tice Fired, Brad Childress Hired
In 2005, Mike Tice was fired by owner Zygi Wilf and was replaced by Brad Childress.
2005: 45 Years Patch
2006: Vikings select Adrian Peterson in the NFL draft
In 2006, the Vikings finished the year at 6–10, receiving the 7th pick in the NFL draft; with it, the Vikings selected Adrian Peterson out of the University of Oklahoma.
2006: Vikings had strong run defense
Since 2006, the Vikings have been known especially for their strong run defense (#1 in the NFL in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
December 17, 2007: All-Purple Uniforms Intentionally Worn
On December 17, 2007, the Minnesota Vikings intentionally wore all-purple uniforms (purple jerseys and purple pants) for the first time during a Monday Night Football game against the Chicago Bears.
2007: Peterson's Debut
Adrian Peterson's time with the Vikings ended in 2017. He debuted with the team in 2007.
2007: Pete Bercich Joins as Analyst
In 2007, Pete Bercich began his first season as an analyst, joining Paul Allen in the broadcast booth.
2007: Vikings had strong run defense
Since 2006, the Vikings have been known especially for their strong run defense (#1 in the NFL in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
2008: Vikings win a divisional title
In 2008, The Vikings did not win a divisional title again until 2008.
2008: Favre's Investigation
In 2010, Brett Favre faced an NFL investigation for allegedly sending inappropriate text messages to a Jets employee in 2008.
2008: Longest play in franchise history
In Week 13 of the 2008 season against the Bears, Gus Frerotte hooked up with Bernard Berrian and set the record for longest play in franchise history with a 99-yard touchdown pass.
2008: Vikings had strong run defense
Since 2006, the Vikings have been known especially for their strong run defense (#1 in the NFL in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
January 4, 2009: Vikings lose to Eagles in Wild-Card Round
On January 4, 2009, the Vikings hosted the Philadelphia Eagles for the wild-card round and lost 26–14.
August 18, 2009: Brett Favre Signs with Vikings
On August 18, 2009, Brett Favre signed a two-year deal with the Vikings after months of speculation.
October 5, 2009: Favre Defeats Former Team, Packers
On October 5, 2009, Brett Favre became the first quarterback in NFL history to defeat all 32 current teams as a starter, as the Vikings defeated the Green Bay Packers.
2009: Adrian Peterson led the NFL with 1760 rushing yards
In the 2009 season, Adrian Peterson led the NFL with 1760 rushing yards, breaking the franchise record.
2009: 2009 NFC Championship Game
The 2009 NFC Championship Game was held between the Vikings and Saints.
2009: First NFC North Title Since 2009
The Vikings won the NFC North for the first time since 2009 on January 3, 2016.
January 17, 2010: Vikings advance to NFC Championship game
On January 17, 2010, the Vikings played the Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round and won the game by a score of 34–3, advancing the Vikings to the NFC Championship game, the ninth in franchise history.
November 7, 2010: All-Purple Uniforms Intentionally Worn
On November 7, 2010, the Minnesota Vikings intentionally wore all-purple uniforms (purple jerseys and purple pants) for a home game against the Arizona Cardinals.
December 28, 2010: Vikings Upset Eagles after Game Postponement on December 28, 2010
On December 28, 2010, after multiple venue and date changes due to weather, the Vikings upset the Philadelphia Eagles 24-14 with rookie Joe Webb as quarterback.
2010: "Purple and Gold" Recorded
In 2010, Minneapolis native Prince recorded the song "Purple and Gold" to be used as a fight song for the Minnesota Vikings.
2010: Mixed Results and Randy Moss Trade in 2010
In 2010, the Vikings experienced mixed results, including losses to the Saints and Dolphins, a win against the Lions, the acquisition of Randy Moss, and a Week 9 win against the Cardinals where Favre threw for 446 yards.
2010: Difficult 2010 Season
The 2010 season was challenging for the Vikings, marked by a 6-10 record, distractions like the Randy Moss trade and waiving, Favre's investigation, the Metrodome collapse, and the firing of coach Childress.
January 3, 2011: Leslie Frazier Named Head Coach on January 3, 2011
On January 3, 2011, Leslie Frazier was officially named the head coach of the Vikings after serving as interim coach.
2011: KFAN Format Flip
In 2011, KFXN-FM (100.3), rebranded as "KFAN", following a format flip with 1130 AM, which became KTLK but continued broadcasting game play-by-play.
2012: Playoff Appearance and Peterson's MVP Award in 2012
In 2012, the Vikings drafted Matt Kalil and Harrison Smith, reached the playoffs as the NFC's sixth seed, and Adrian Peterson was named league MVP after rushing for 2,097 yards.
December 29, 2013: Vikings Played Final Game at Metrodome
On December 29, 2013, the Minnesota Vikings played their last game at the Metrodome, defeating the Detroit Lions 14–13 to end the season.
2013: Improvement after the 2013 Season
After the 2013 season, the Vikings performed better overall in the regular season, despite limited playoff success and quarterback inconsistency.
2013: Fan Vote for Best Players at the Metrodome
In 2013, the Vikings held a fan vote to determine the best players at each position during their time at the Metrodome, naming 12 offensive players, 11 defensive players, 4 special teams players, and a head coach.
2013: Poor Season in 2013
The Vikings finished the 2013 season with five wins, ten losses, and one tie, and the defense allowed a league-worst 480 points. It was the last season played at the Metrodome.
January 16, 2014: Mike Zimmer Hired as Head Coach on January 16, 2014
On January 16, 2014, Mike Zimmer was hired to replace Leslie Frazier as head coach.
2014: First Losing Season Since 2014
The 2020 Vikings season was the first losing season since 2014.
April 16, 2015: Peterson's Reinstatement Announced on April 16, 2015
On April 16, 2015, the NFL announced Adrian Peterson's reinstatement would occur the following day.
April 17, 2015: Peterson's Reinstatement
Adrian Peterson was reinstated into the NFL on April 17, 2015.
January 3, 2016: NFC North Title
On January 3, 2016, the Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers 20-13 to win the NFC North for the first time since 2009.
2016: Drafting of Moritz Böhringer and Sam Bradford Trade in 2016
In 2016, the Vikings drafted Moritz Böhringer, the first European player drafted without North American experience, and traded for Sam Bradford after Teddy Bridgewater's injury.
2016: Popularization of the Skol Chant
The Skol Chant, a cheer used in U.S. Bank Stadium for Minnesota Vikings games, became popularized in 2016.
February 28, 2017: Peterson's Contract Option Declined on February 28, 2017
On February 28, 2017, the Vikings announced they would not exercise Adrian Peterson's 2017 contract option, making him a free agent.
April 25, 2017: Peterson Signs with Saints on April 25, 2017
On April 25, 2017, Adrian Peterson signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, ending his tenure with the Vikings.
2017: NFC Championship Appearance in 2017
In 2017, the Vikings made an appearance in the NFC Championship game, marking a high point in their performance during the 2010s.
2017: Minneapolis Miracle and NFC Championship Loss in 2017
In 2017, the Vikings won the NFC North and experienced the "Minneapolis Miracle" against the Saints but lost the NFC Championship to the Eagles.
2017: End of Mankato Training Camp Tradition
In the summer of 2017, Vikings ownership announced the end of the 52-year tradition of summer training camp in Mankato.
2017: 2017 NFC Divisional Round Game
The 2017 NFC Divisional Round game was held between the Vikings and Saints.
March 15, 2018: Kirk Cousins Signs with Vikings on March 15, 2018
On March 15, 2018, Kirk Cousins signed a three-year, $84 million contract with the Vikings, becoming the highest-paid football player at the time. The team missed playoffs that year.
2018: Discontinuation of Color Rush Program
After the program was discontinued in 2018, the "Color Rush" uniforms have become the team's primary alternate and are now known under the name "Primetime Purple".
2018: New Training Facility Opens
In the summer of 2018, the Vikings opened their new headquarters and training facility in Eagan for the 2018 summer training camp.
September 22, 2019: 500th Franchise Win
On September 22, 2019, the Vikings defeated the Oakland Raiders for their 500th win as a franchise.
2019: First game wearing the Primetime Purple Uniforms
In 2019, the Minnesota Vikings wore the purple uniforms under the Primetime Purple name for the first time during a game against the Washington Redskins.
2020: All-Purple with Away Purple Pants
Following the Vikings' win in a Wild Card game, the team wore the regular home uniforms with the away purple pants in the 2020 season.
2020: Drafting Justin Jefferson and Losing Season in 2020
In 2020, the Vikings drafted Justin Jefferson but finished with a 7-9 record, their first losing season since 2014.
2021: Missed Playoffs
The Vikings missed the playoffs in 2021, leading to the firing of Zimmer and Spielman in January 2022.
January 10, 2022: Firing of Zimmer and Spielman on January 10, 2022
On January 10, 2022, the Vikings fired head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman after missing the playoffs for the second straight season.
January 26, 2022: Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Hired on January 26, 2022
On January 26, 2022, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was hired as the Vikings' new general manager.
February 13, 2022: Rams Win Super Bowl LVI
After the Los Angeles Rams won Super Bowl LVI on February 13, 2022, Kevin O'Connell was named the head coach.
December 24, 2022: First All-White Uniforms at Home
On December 24, 2022, in a Week 16 game against the New York Giants, the Minnesota Vikings wore all-white uniforms at home in the regular season for the first time as part of the "Winter Whiteout" event.
2022: Vikings Winning Percentage
As of 2022, the Vikings have won at least three games in every season except in 1962, and are one of only seven NFL teams to win at least 15 games in a regular season.
2022: All-Purple with Away Purple Pants
Following the Vikings' win in a Wild Card game, the team wore the regular home uniforms with the away purple pants in the 2022 season.
2022: Primetime Purple Uniforms on Thanksgiving
In 2022, the Minnesota Vikings most recently wore the Primetime Purple uniforms during a Thanksgiving Day game against the New England Patriots.
2022: "Winter Whiteouts" games
The uniform is based on the team's decision to wear their standard white jerseys and white pants for one game in both the 2022, which the Vikings dubbed "Winter Whiteouts".
December 24, 2023: All-White Uniforms at Home vs. Detroit Lions
On December 24, 2023, the Minnesota Vikings again wore the all-white uniforms at home against the Detroit Lions.
2023: Season End
In 2023, Kirk Cousins was injured and the Vikings had a losing season, finishing 7-10.
2023: "Winter Whiteouts" games
The uniform is based on the team's decision to wear their standard white jerseys and white pants for one game in both the 2023 season, which the Vikings dubbed "Winter Whiteouts".
