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The Minnesota Vikings are one of the most recognizable NFL football teams that fans around the world know for its exciting and often dramatic landmarks in the world of football. Ever since their formation in 1960, the Vikings have developed their distinguished persona in the NFL through their tough and sturdy defenses, the color purple and gold -which is not common in  NFL teams– and an enormous fanbase and environment during home games. Read on as we guide you through a historical journey of the Minnesota Vikings team, some of its milestones, individuals, and its effects on American football as well as the state of Minnesota.

The Birth of the Vikings: Formation and Early Struggles

The Minnesota Vikings were founded in 1960 as an expansion team for the NFL becoming the league’s 14th team. The team was named after the Nordic sea kings because a significant number of the first settlement’s residents in Minnesota were from Scandinavia. The Vikings’ initial campaign in 1961 featured immense difficulties owing to which they came out with a paltry 3-11 win-loss sheen under head coach Norm Van Brocklin. However, the growth for future seasons was established and Quarterback Fran Tarkenton came out to be the budding talent.

The Arrival of Fran Tarkenton

Fran Tarkenton became the poster boy of the franchise. He was a scrambling force and a playmaker on the field. However, the team was mainly poor throughout the season; nevertheless, the appearance of Tarkenton also injected new energy into the Vikings. His technique of the game and verbally expressed qualities would help determine the overall behavior and strategies of the team in the future.

Super Bowl Appearances

The Viking was started under head coach Bud Grant with a success of four Super Bowl Championships in the 1970s (Super Bowl IV, VIII, IX, and XI). Although the club has regularly performed well in the regular season they have lost their Super Bowl matches in the past. These losses, though regrettable helped establish them as a team that is always in the running for the championship.

Fran Tarkenton’s Return

The New York Giants were next on Fran Tarkenton’s list. After a brief period with them, he rejoined the Vikings in 1972. The Vikings worked hard all decade, and with him as their player-coach, they made three of their four Super Bowl bids. Tarkenton made great sacrifices for the Vikings team and retired as the NFL’s all-time pass leader in yards and pass TDs at that time.

The Post-Tarkenton Era

The first couple of years of the 1980s were somewhat of a transition for the Vikings after the retirement of Fran Tarkenton the year before. They never seemed to discover a stable back mandate for throwing a football and experienced a couple of rough years on the field. However, the Vikings contend to be eligible under head coaches Les Steckel and Bud Grant, as the latter returned in the 1985 season.

Welcome Jerry Burns and Playoff Triumph

In 1986, Jerry Burns became the team’s head coach, making it to the playoffs in 1987, 1988, and 1989. The performance of the team stepped up in 1987 when the Vikings got to the NFC Championship Game season. Although they were the underdogs, they managed to beat the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers; the following season, they lost to the Washington Redskins by only a close margin.

The 1998 Season: One of the Most Memorable

The 1998 football season is perhaps one of the most memorable in the history of the Minnesota Vikings. The team’s satiating offense broke the NFL record for scoring points in a single season thanks to quarterback Randall Cunningham and fellow receivers Cris Carter and rookie Randy Moss. The team was listed at 15-1 and was expected to play in the Super Bowl. However, their bid for the Super Bowl was cut short by a painful defeat to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game.

Randy Moss’s Impact

Antoine Winfield  became a starter in 1998, the same year that Randy Moss joined the Vikings, making the team quite exciting and talented at the same time. Having made a name for himself for being swift and a great contender at catching the ball, Moss rose to be one of the best receivers in the NFL. Ever since his arrival, he revitalized the team’s offense and made a huge impact on the franchise to this day.

The Adrian Peterson Era

The Vikings drafted Adrian Peterson in 2007 and quickly became one of NFL history’s most dangerous running backs. His exuberating running skills coupled with his blending of the athlete of the year featured him as the NFL MVP in the year 2012. Fortunately, Peterson’s arrival seemed to more than fill that need for many years for the Vikings.

New Stadium, New Hopes

To that extent, the beginning of the period of this analysis goes to the period of the transition to the new U. S. Bank Stadium in 2016. The modern stadium proved to be a place that gave additional energy, and the fans reacted positively to the changes. Leading up to the 2017 season the Minnesota Vikings reached the NFC Championship game thanks to the now legendary Minneapolis Miracle when Case Keenum hit Stefon Diggs for a touchdown as time expired on the New Orleans Saints in the divisional game. As the team looks to the future, the goal remains clear: the A.F.C championship that is needed to bring the first Super Bowl championship to Minnesota.

Summary

The Minnesota Vikings have had many epic seasons in their franchise history, accompanied by exceptional players, amazing games, and dedicated fans. From the team fight years, through the dominance of the Purple People Eaters, to the moment of triumph in 1998 and until the fluctuations of the modern epoch, the Vikings have assured a vital influence in the NFL.