Minnesota Vikings (NFL) History

The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings compete in the National Football Conference (NFC) North division of the National Football League (NFL). Founded in 1961, the franchise has won one NFL championship, and appeared in four Super Bowls, losing each time. The Vikings are the second-oldest franchise in the NFL, after the New York Giants and trailing only the Dallas Cowboys in number of playoff appearances.

The Vikings played their first regular season game at Metropolitan Stadium on September 17, 1961. Rookie quarterback Fran Tarkenton led the Vikings to a 37-13 victory over the Chicago Bears.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS PLAY IN 1ST SUPER BOWL — On January 14, 1964, the Vikings became the 2nd team in NFL history to play in a Super Bowl, defeating the Los Angeles Rams, 21-7. RB Hugh McElhenny and TE Jerry Reichow made their Pro Bowl debuts in the win.

SHERLOCK KAPLAN NAMED TO BOARD — In 1977, team attorney Sheldon Kaplan was named to the Vikings Board of Directors, replacing Bernard H. Ridder, Jr., who was among the original 5 team founders.

VICKERS CLAIM 1ST NFC NORTH TITLE — The Vikings won 9 games during the regular season to clinch their 1st NFC North title since the league realigned into 8 divisions in 2002, finishing with a 13-3 record. The Vikings then hosted New Orleans for an NFC Divisional playoff game, the first-ever postseason matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium.

PETERSON RUNS 1ST TEAM TO ALL-PRO RECOGNITION — Despite missing 10 games with injuries, RB Adrian Peterson led the NFL in rushing yards (2,097 yards) to become the first Vikings player to earn All-Pro recognition. In addition, Peterson was the first player to rush for 100 yards in a single game since the 1970 season and broke the 1,000-yard mark twice in his rookie year.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS START AT METROPOLITAN STADIUM — The Vikings began the decade with an 11-5 record and defeated the Rams, 28-17, in a wild-card playoff game to make their 1st playoff appearance since the NFC Central was realigned in 1988. The Vikings then lost to eventual Super Bowl champion San Francisco, 34-9, at Candlestick Park.

THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS BACK TO NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME — The Vikings won their 3rd division title in a row to secure a bye week in the NFC playoffs. Led by an opportunistic offense and dominant defense, the Vikings defeated New Orleans, 20-17, in a NFC Divisional Round playoff game at the Metrodome to return to the NFC Championship game for the first time since 2000.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS CLASH WITH DENVER NUGGETS FOR NFC TITLE — The Vikings swept the Denver Broncos to win their 3rd straight NFC West title and clinch a bye in the NFC Championship game, marking their 1st appearance in the Super Bowl in head coach Mike Zimmer’s 4 seasons. The Vikings then fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 26-21, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.