Profiles of History

From the list below, select a topic to learn about the Viking greats from years past and other noteworthy events.

The 1960s:
The franchise is founded, Fran Tarkenton begins his career only to leave, and Bud Grant and other great Vikings begin to arrive.
The 1970s:
Fran Tarkenton returns and leads the Vikings to three Super Bowls, the "Purple People Eaters," and the downfall from greatness.
The 1980s:
Bud Grant coaches his last game, long time assistant Jerry Burns finally gets the helm, and playoff thrills and spills.
The 1990s:
Dennis Green takes the coaching helms early, and Red McCombs takes the ownership reigns later in an offensively productive decade.

Super Bowl IV:
On January 11, 1970, the Vikings played against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Super Bowl VIII:
On January 13, 1974, the Vikings played against the Miami Dolphins.
Super Bowl IX:
On January 12, 1975, the Vikings played against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Super Bowl XI:
On January 9, 1977, the Vikings played against the Oakland Raiders.

The Purple People-Eaters:
Those fearsome warriors of the 70's of Jim Marshall, Alan Page, Carl Eller, and Gary Larsen.
Fran Tarkenton:
Hall of Fame quarterback who scrambled his way into our hearts and memories.
Paul Krause:
Hall of Fame safety who stole our hearts away.
Bud Grant:
Hall of Fame head coach who symbolized the Vikings spanning three decades.

The Dallas Hail Mary Pass:
The famous pass that destroyed the 1975 season.
The Cleveland Hail Mary Pass:
Two-Minute Tommy and Ahmad Rashad save the 1980 season.
The Wrong Way Run:
It happened, the unthinkable.
The Herschel Walker Trade:
The details of the largest trade in NFL history.
The Get Karlis Plot:
Kicker Rich Karlis becomes the hapless target of the offensive linemen.