History of Minnesota Vikings in Timeline
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, competing in the NFL as part of the NFC North division. Founded in 1960 and beginning play in 1961, they are named after the Vikings to reflect Minnesota's Scandinavian American heritage. The team's home stadium is U.S. Bank Stadium located in downtown Minneapolis.
January 1960: Minnesota awarded NFL franchise
In January 1960, the ownership group reneged on its agreement with the AFL and was awarded the National Football League's 14th franchise.
1961: Vikings win first regular-season game
In 1961, the Minnesota Vikings won their first regular-season game, defeating the Chicago Bears 37–13 on Opening Day.
1961: Vikings-Bears Rivalry Begins
In 1961, the Vikings and Chicago Bears rivalry began when the Vikings entered the league as an expansion team, with the Vikings upsetting the Bears in their first game.
1962: Purple Pants Debut
From 1962 to 1964, the Vikings wore purple pants with their white jerseys.
October 11, 1964: Vikings Wear All-Purple
On October 11, 1964, the Vikings wore all-purple for the first time during a home game against the Detroit Lions after a uniform mix-up.
1964: Purple Pants
From 1962 to 1964, the Vikings wore purple pants with their white jerseys.
1965: Max Winter serves as team's president
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. The complex was named "Winter Park" after Max Winter, one of the Vikings' founders, who served as the team's president from 1965 to 1987.
March 7, 1967: Fran Tarkenton traded to the New York Giants
On March 7, 1967, quarterback Fran Tarkenton was traded to the New York Giants.
1969: Alternate Purple Jersey
From 1969 through 1973, the Vikings had an alternate purple jersey without stripes for warm-weather games.
1969: NFL 50th Anniversary Patch
In 1969, the Vikings, like other teams, wore NFL 50th-anniversary patches.
1969: New White Uniform Design
In 1969, the design for the Vikings' white uniforms changed to a different stripe pattern over the shoulders. These stripes were first worn the year they went to their first Super Bowl.
1969: Vikings make draft choices
In 1969, with the picks from the trade with the New York Giants, Minnesota selected Ed White.
1969: Vikings and Rams playoff matchups
In 1978, there was no more playoff magic as the Rams finally defeated the Vikings after having lost in their previous playoff matchups in 1969, '74, '76 and '77.
January 4, 1970: Vikings win NFL Championship Game
On January 4, 1970, the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Cleveland Browns 27–7 in the last pre-merger NFL Championship Game, becoming the first modern NFL expansion team to win an NFL Championship Game.
1970: Hub Meeds as Mascot
From 1970 to 1992, truck driver Hub Meeds dressed as a Viking and served as the team mascot.
1970: Merger of NFL and AFL
In 1970, the NFL merged with the American Football League (AFL).
1970: Vikings and Lions move to NFC Central
In 1970, the 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, becoming the first defensive player to win the award.
February 19, 1973: Bill Boyer dies
On February 19, 1973, co-owner Bill Boyer died and was replaced on the team's board of directors by his son-in-law Jack Steele.
1973: Alternate Purple Jersey
From 1969 through 1973, the Vikings had an alternate purple jersey without stripes for warm-weather games.
1973: Vikings advance to Super Bowl VIII
In 1973, the Minnesota Vikings won their first nine games and finished the season with a 12–2 record, advancing to Super Bowl VIII.
January 12, 1975: Vikings lose Super Bowl IX
On January 12, 1975, the Minnesota Vikings played in Super Bowl IX and lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 16–6.
1975: Controversial playoff loss to Cowboys
In 1975, the Minnesota Vikings lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs, 17–14, on a controversial touchdown pass that became known as the Hail Mary.
January 9, 1977: Vikings lose Super Bowl XI
On January 9, 1977, the Minnesota Vikings played in Super Bowl XI and lost 32–14 against the Oakland Raiders.
1977: Vikings win Central Division but lose NFC Championship
In 1977, the Minnesota Vikings won the Central Division but were defeated by the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game.
1978: Black Armbands for Jack Nelson
In 1978, the Vikings wore black armbands for the last four games in memory of assistant coach Jack "Jocko" Nelson.
December 1979: Ground broken for Metrodome construction
In December 1979, ground was broken for the construction of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis.
1980: Face Mask Color Change
In 1980, the color of the Vikings' face mask changed from gray to white.
1982: Vikings move to Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
In 1982, the Minnesota Vikings played their home games at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis.
1982: Krazy George Henderson
Krazy George Henderson was employed as a cheerleader from 1982 to 1985.
1983: Black Shoes
In 2006, the team returned to black shoes for the first time since the 1983 season.
1984: Switch to White Shoes
The Vikings switched from black to white shoes in 1984 under head coach Les Steckel, making them the last NFL team to do so.
1985: 25 Years Patch
In 1985, the Vikings wore a 25 years patch on their jerseys.
1985: Face Mask Color Change to Purple
In 1985, the Vikings' face mask color changed to purple.
1985: Krazy George Henderson
Krazy George Henderson was employed as a cheerleader from 1982 to 1985.
January 7, 1986: Jerry Burns Named Vikings Head Coach
On January 7, 1986, Jerry Burns was named the fourth head coach in team history, after being the Vikings' offensive coordinator from 1968 to 1985.
1987: Max Winter serves as team's president until 1987
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. The complex was named "Winter Park" after Max Winter, one of the Vikings' founders, who served as the team's president from 1965 to 1987.
January 17, 1988: Vikings Lose NFC Championship Game to Redskins
On January 17, 1988, the Vikings lost the NFC Championship Game to the Washington Redskins 17-10 at RFK Stadium after failing to score on fourth down from the Redskins' 6-yard line with just over a minute left.
October 12, 1989: Vikings Acquire Herschel Walker from Dallas
On October 12, 1989, the Vikings acquired Herschel Walker from Dallas in a trade that ultimately favored the Cowboys, who used the draft picks to build a Super Bowl-winning team.
1989: "40 for 60" Patch
In 1989, the Vikings wore a "40 for 60" patch honoring the 1969 NFL championship team.
December 3, 1991: Jerry Burns Announces Retirement
On December 3, 1991, Jerry Burns announced his retirement, effective at the end of the 1991 season. In six seasons as head coach of the Vikings, Burns compiled a career record of 52–43.
1992: Hub Meeds as Mascot
From 1970 to 1992, truck driver Hub Meeds dressed as a Viking and served as the team mascot.
1994: Ragnar as Mascot
From 1994 to 2015, the team mascot was Ragnar (played by Joseph Juranitch) and was based on the legendary Viking Ragnar Lodbrok.
1994: Vikings-Bears Postseason Meeting
In 1994, the Vikings and Bears met in the postseason for the first time, with the Bears winning 35-18 in the Wild Card Round.
1994: NFL 75th Anniversary Patch
In 1994, the Vikings, like other teams, wore NFL 75th-anniversary patches.
1995: Uniforms Remained the Same
From the team's debut in 1961 to 1995, the Vikings' logos and uniforms essentially remained the same.
1995: 35 Years Patch
In 1995, the Vikings wore a 35 years patch on their jerseys.
1996: Norseman Logo Added to Sleeves
In 1996, the Norseman logo was added to the Vikings' sleeves, and the purple jersey stripes were toned down.
1999: Chip Myers Patch
In 1999, the Vikings wore patches for assistant coach Chip Myers who died in the offseason.
2000: Vikings Lose NFC Championship Game to Giants
In 2000, the Vikings went 11–5, made the playoffs for the fifth straight year, but were defeated 41–0 by the New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game. Robert Smith retired at the end of the year.
2000: 40 Years Patch
In 2000, the Vikings wore a 40 years patch on their jerseys.
2000: Vikadontis Rex Retired
Vikadontis Rex was retired starting with the 2000 season. The team also had an NFL Huddles mascot in the mid-1980s (somewhat similar to Viktor the Viking).
2001: Vikings Buy Out Dennis Green's Contract
In 2001, after a disappointing 5–11 season, the Vikings bought out the contract of Dennis Green. Mike Tice coached the final game of 2001.
2001: Korey Stringer Patch
In 2001, the Vikings wore patches for Korey Stringer.
2002: Vikings and Lions in NFC North
In 2002, after the NFL's realignment, the Vikings and Detroit Lions became part of the NFC North.
2002: Paul Allen Becomes Play-by-Play Announcer
Since the 2002 NFL season, Paul Allen has been the play-by-play announcer for the Vikings.
2003: Vikings Miss Playoffs after Cardinals Game-Winning Touchdown
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, knocking the Vikings out of the playoffs.
2004: Culpepper's MVP-Like Stats and Playoff Win Against Packers
In 2004, Daunte Culpepper had MVP-like statistics. The Vikings defeated the Green Bay Packers in their first-ever playoff meeting. They were later defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles.
2004: Tice Leads Vikings Back to the Playoffs
In 2004, Mike Tice, permanent coach after Dennis Green, led the Vikings back to the playoffs.
March 2, 2005: Randy Moss Traded to Raiders
On March 2, 2005, Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss was traded to the Oakland Raiders. Vikings also lost Daunte Culpepper to a season-ending knee injury.
2005: Mike Tice Fired, Brad Childress Hired
After the 2005 season, Mike Tice was fired by owner Zygi Wilf and was replaced by Brad Childress.
2005: 45 Years Patch
In 2005, the Vikings wore a 45 years patch on their jerseys.
2006: Horn Logo Revised
In 2006, the Vikings' horn logo was slightly revised, and the team returned to wearing black shoes for the first time since 1983.
2006: Vikings Draft Adrian Peterson
Minnesota Vikings began the 2006 season 4-2 but finished 6-10. They drafted Adrian Peterson out of the University of Oklahoma with the 7th pick in the NFL draft.
2006: Vikings Have Strongest 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 Intentionally
On December 17, 2007, the Vikings wore both purple jerseys and purple pants intentionally for the first time against the Chicago Bears during Monday Night Football.
2007: Viktor the Viking Introduced
During the 2007 Vikings' season, Viktor the Viking was introduced as the official team mascot.
2007: Pete Bercich Becomes Analyst
In 2007, Pete Bercich began his first season as the analyst for the Vikings' radio broadcasts.
2007: Purple Pants Usage
Purple pants have not been regularly used since 2007, but resurfaced twice in 2010.
2007: Vikings Have Strongest 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: 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 Have Strongest 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 Wild-Card Round to Eagles
On January 4, 2009, the Vikings hosted the Philadelphia Eagles for the wild-card round, and they were defeated 26–14.
August 18, 2009: Brett Favre Signs with Vikings
On August 18, 2009, Brett Favre signed a two-year, $25 million deal with the Vikings after playing 16 years for the Green Bay Packers.
2009: Vikings-Saints NFC Championship Game
In 2009, the Vikings played the New Orleans Saints in a notable NFC Championship Game.
2009: Vikings Clinch NFC North Championship
In the 2009 season, Adrian Peterson led the NFL with 1760 rushing yards, breaking the franchise record. The Vikings clinched the NFC North championship for the first time after defeating the New York Giants 20–19 in Week 17.
November 7, 2010: All-Purple Again
On November 7, 2010, the Vikings wore all-purple again for a home game against the Arizona Cardinals.
December 19, 2010: Vikings Announce Top 50 Players
On December 19, 2010, in connection with the team's 50th anniversary, the Vikings announced a group of 50 top players.
December 28, 2010: Vikings game postponed due to blizzard
On December 28, 2010, the NFL announced that the Vikings game versus the Philadelphia Eagles was being postponed because of blizzard conditions. This marked the third consecutive venue or date change for a Vikings game and was the first NFL game played on a Tuesday since 1964.
2010: Purple Pants Resurfaced
In 2010 the purple pants resurfaced twice. The purple pants have not been regularly used since 2007.
2010: "Purple and Gold" Recorded
In 2010, "Purple and Gold" was recorded by Minneapolis native Prince to be used as a fight song for the Minnesota Vikings.
January 3, 2011: Leslie Frazier named head coach
On January 3, 2011, Leslie Frazier was officially named the head coach of the Vikings after serving as the interim head coach for the final six games of the previous season, signing a three-year contract.
2011: KFXN-FM Format Flip
In 2011, the Vikings' flagship radio station, KFXN-FM (100.3), which uses the branding "KFAN", underwent a format flip with 1130 AM, though 1130 AM continues to broadcast game play-by-play as KTLK.
February 14, 2013: Norseman Logo Tweaked
On February 14, 2013, the Vikings tweaked their Norseman logo.
December 29, 2013: Vikings play last game at Metrodome
On December 29, 2013, the Minnesota Vikings played their last game at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, defeating the Detroit Lions 14–13.
2013: Vikings Name Best Metrodome Players
In 2013, in recognition of their final season at the Metrodome, the Vikings organized a fan vote to determine the best players at each position to play for the team in their time at the stadium and named 12 players on offense, 11 on defense, four special teams players and a head coach.
January 16, 2014: Mike Zimmer hired as head coach
On January 16, 2014, the Vikings hired former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to replace Leslie Frazier as head coach.
April 16, 2015: Roger Goodell places Peterson on the Commissioner's Exempt List indefinitely.
On April 16, 2015, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell placed Adrian Peterson on the Commissioner's Exempt List indefinitely due to his ongoing child abuse trial.
April 17, 2015: Peterson's reinstatement to NFL
On April 17, 2015, the NFL released a statement issuing Adrian Peterson's reinstatement.
2015: Ragnar Released
In 2015, the Vikings announced that they were not able to reach a new contract agreement with Juranitch and released him.
January 3, 2016: Vikings win NFC North
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: Skol Chant Popularized
In 2016, the Skol Chant, a cheer used in U.S. Bank Stadium for Minnesota Vikings games, was popularized by Iceland supporters at UEFA Euro 2016. The chant involves fans clapping and yelling "Skol".
February 28, 2017: Vikings decline Adrian Peterson's contract option
On February 28, 2017, the Vikings announced they would not exercise Adrian Peterson's 2017 contract option, which would have owed him $18 million for the 2017 season, making him a free agent.
April 25, 2017: Adrian Peterson signed by the New Orleans Saints
On April 25, 2017, Adrian Peterson signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the New Orleans Saints, ending his tenure with the Vikings since his debut in 2007.
2017: Vikings-Saints NFC Divisional Round Game
In 2017, the Vikings played the New Orleans Saints in a notable NFC Divisional Round game.
March 15, 2018: Kirk Cousins signs with the Vikings
On March 15, 2018, Kirk Cousins signed a three-year fully guaranteed $84 million contract with the Vikings, making him the highest paid football player at the time.
2018: "Color Rush" Program Discontinued
In 2018, the NFL discontinued the "Color Rush" program; the Vikings' "Color Rush" uniforms became known as "Primetime Purple."
2018: "TS" Decals for Tony Sparano
In the 2018 NFL season, the Vikings wore "TS" decals on their helmets in memory of Tony Sparano, their offensive-line coach who died before the season started.
September 22, 2019: Vikings achieve 500th franchise win
On September 22, 2019, the Vikings defeated the Oakland Raiders for their 500th win as a franchise, achieving an overall record of 500–427–11.
2019: "Primetime Purple" Debut
In 2019, the Vikings wore the "Primetime Purple" uniforms for the first time during a game against the Washington Redskins. Also, the Vikings wore all purple again in the team's Wild Card game against the New Orleans Saints; however, instead of the regular alternates, they wore the regular home uniforms with the away purple pants.
2020: Purple Pants
Following the Vikings' win in the 2019 Wild card game, they have worn the same combo in two subsequent games against the Saints, which took place in 2020 and 2022.
2020: Vikings' 2020 Season
In 2020, the Vikings drafted Justin Jefferson, were eliminated from the playoffs after losing to the Saints on Christmas Day, and finished the season with a 7-9 record, marking their first losing season since 2014.
2020: "Primetime Purple" Appearance
In 2020, the Vikings wore the "Primetime Purple" uniforms for a late-afternoon game against the Cowboys, despite not having a Thursday Night game scheduled.
2021: Vikings Miss Playoffs
In 2021, the Vikings missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season after losing to the Green Bay Packers in Week 17.
January 10, 2022: Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman Fired
On January 10, 2022, the Vikings fired head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman after finishing the 2021 season with an 8-9 record.
January 26, 2022: Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Hired as General Manager
On January 26, 2022, the Vikings hired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as their new general manager.
February 13, 2022: Rams Win Super Bowl LVI
The Los Angeles Rams won Super Bowl LVI on February 13, 2022.
December 24, 2022: All-White Uniforms at Home
On December 24, 2022, the Vikings wore all-white uniforms at home in the regular season for the first time, as part of the "Winter Whiteout" event. They played a Week 16 game against the New York Giants.
2022: Purple Pants
Following the Vikings' win in the 2019 Wild card game, they have worn the same combo in two subsequent games against the Saints, which took place in 2020 and 2022.
2022: "Primetime Purple" Appearance
In 2022, the "Primetime Purple" uniforms were worn again for a Thanksgiving Day game against the New England Patriots.
December 24, 2023: All-White Uniforms at Home Against Lions
On December 24, 2023, the Vikings again wore the all-white uniforms at home against the Detroit Lions.
2023: Vikings' 2023 Season
In 2023, Kirk Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, and the Vikings finished with a 7-10 record using multiple quarterbacks.
2023: Throwback Uniforms Unveiled
In 2023, the Vikings unveiled throwback uniforms based on the 1960s purple uniforms, which had gold trim on the numbers. However, the current matte purple helmet would be used, with gray facemasks and throwback horn decals.
June 6, 2024: Winter Warrior Uniform Unveiled
On June 6, 2024, the Vikings unveiled a new alternate "Winter Warrior" uniform, which is all-white with purple and silver stripes and a new Vikings wordmark. The uniform is paired with an alternate white helmet, featuring a silver middle stripe and the traditional horn decal in silver trimmed in purple.
2024: Vikings Draft J.J. McCarthy
In the 2024 NFL draft, the Vikings selected J. J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick after Kirk Cousins departed for the Atlanta Falcons in the offseason.
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