Minnesota football · Since 1961
Minnesota Vikings History & Minnesota's football story
Trace Minnesota football from its expansion beginnings through Bud Grant's contenders, the Metrodome's passing stars, and an unforgettable playoff finish in Minneapolis.
Start at the beginningBuilt by fans, not the franchise. This is an independent, celebratory guide—not an official team history. Every timeline item links to its source.
From the first kickoff to the Minneapolis Miracle
The Minnesota timeline
Playoff milestones are grouped with their NFL season, which can end in the following calendar year.
- 1960
Beginnings Minnesota gets its NFL team
The NFL awarded Minnesota a franchise on January 28. The Vikings name followed that September, ahead of the team's debut season.
Source: Minnesota Vikings (opens in a new tab) ↗ - 1961
First season Tarkenton makes an immediate impression
In Minnesota's regular-season debut, rookie Fran Tarkenton threw four touchdown passes and ran for another as the Vikings defeated Chicago 37–13.
Source: Pro Football Hall of Fame (opens in a new tab) ↗ - 1967
Grant era Bud Grant takes the sideline
Grant arrived from Winnipeg to lead Minnesota, beginning the coaching era that would carry the franchise into sustained contention.
Source: Pro Football Hall of Fame (opens in a new tab) ↗ - 1969
Championship season An NFL championship before the merger
Minnesota beat Cleveland 27–7 on January 4, 1970, to claim the 1969 NFL title. Kansas City then defeated the Vikings in Super Bowl IV.
Source: Minnesota Vikings (opens in a new tab) ↗ - 1971
Purple People Eaters A defensive tackle wins MVP
Alan Page became the first defensive player chosen as the Associated Press NFL MVP, earning the award for his 1971 season.
Source: Minnesota Vikings (opens in a new tab) ↗ - 1973–1976
Conference contenders Three NFC crowns in four seasons
The Vikings won the NFC in the 1973, 1974, and 1976 seasons, reaching Super Bowls VIII, IX, and XI under Grant.
Source: Pro Football Hall of Fame (opens in a new tab) ↗ - 1982
A new home Football moves under the dome
Minnesota left Metropolitan Stadium for the Metrodome, trading its outdoor home for an indoor chapter in franchise history.
Source: Pro Football Hall of Fame (opens in a new tab) ↗ - 1998
Metrodome fireworks Moss helps ignite a 15-win season
Rookie Randy Moss caught 17 touchdowns as Minnesota finished 15–1 and scored 556 points. Atlanta ended the run in the NFC Championship Game.
Source: Minnesota Vikings (opens in a new tab) ↗ - 2012
An MVP season Peterson's remarkable return
After a major knee injury the previous December, Adrian Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards and earned the NFL MVP award.
Source: Minnesota Vikings (opens in a new tab) ↗ - 2016
Stadium era U.S. Bank Stadium opens a chapter
The Vikings began playing at U.S. Bank Stadium, introducing a new home for Minnesota football in downtown Minneapolis.
Source: Pro Football Hall of Fame (opens in a new tab) ↗ - 2017
Playoff moments The Minneapolis Miracle
On January 14, 2018, Case Keenum found Stefon Diggs for a 61-yard touchdown as time expired, beating New Orleans 29–24 in the Divisional Round.
Source: Minnesota Vikings (opens in a new tab) ↗
Sounds, styles and turning points
Eras & identities
Tarkenton and the outdoor years
Metropolitan Stadium framed the early Vikings story: Tarkenton's improvisation, Grant's arrival, and a franchise learning how to contend.
Source: Pro Football Hall of Fame ↗The Purple People Eaters
Alan Page, Carl Eller, Jim Marshall, and Gary Larsen formed the defensive line associated with Minnesota's tough identity. Page's 1971 MVP season became its defining individual honor.
Source: Minnesota Vikings ↗The Metrodome passing show
Dennis Green's 1998 team paired Randall Cunningham with Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Jake Reed. Its explosive offense made a 15–1 season a lasting touchstone.
Source: Minnesota Vikings ↗A stadium's first playoff memory
U.S. Bank Stadium's first playoff game ended with Diggs racing into the end zone. The Minneapolis Miracle turned one final snap into a shared Minnesota memory.
Source: Minnesota Vikings ↗Verified franchise facts
Iconic numbers
Names across generations
Franchise players
A selection across eras for exploring the people who shaped Minnesota football.
How this page was built
Sources & method
This independent guide uses the Vikings' historical archive and Pro Football Hall of Fame records. Season labels identify the football season; January playoff dates are stated separately. The 1969 NFL championship preceded the merger and is distinct from a Super Bowl victory. Player selections span eras and are not a ranking. Send corrections through the corrections process.