The Minnesota Vikings who currently play in the NFC North Division of the NFL were the 14th member of the National Football League having been awarded the franchise in 1961. Although their early career was less than spectacular since 1968 they have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL, although they still await that first Super Bowl win having lost in their four final appearances.
The years to 1968 are probably only remembered for their spectacular opening game on September 17, 1961 when rookie Quarter Back Fran Tarkenton made a spectacular debut coming off the bench to throw four touchdown passes and run in a fifth as the Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 37-13. Tarkenton became the first Vikings player to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame although he didn’t spend his entire career there; having several seasons with the New York Giants in between.
In 1968 the Vikings made the playoffs for the first time after winning the Central Division but were beaten by the Baltimore Colts but this was the start of a great run for the franchise as they won the Division 11 times in the 13 seasons to 1982 and were unfortunate enough to lose in four Super Bowl finals during this time.
Four Barren seasons followed before Minnesota got back to their winning ways since they have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFC made the post season 14 times in the following 22 seasons. Unfortunately for Vikings fans they have not made it to the Super Bowl since those early appearance with their closest attempts being the overtime losses in the NFC Championship games to Atlanta in 1998 and New Orleans in 2009.
Minnesota Vikings Honours
League champions
- NFL Champions 1969
Conference champions
- NFL Western: 1969
- NFC: 1973, 1974, 1976
Division champions (18)
- NFL Central: 1968, 1969
- NFC Central: 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1998, 2000
- NFC North: 2008, 2009
Playoff appearances (26)
- NFL: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2009