Since the late 1960s, the Vikings have been one of the most consistently successful franchises in the NFL. During the 1970s head coach Bud Grant steered the team to four Super Bowls. Quarterback Fran Tarkenton, who spent much of his career with the Vikings, became the most prolific passer in NFL history, compiling the most career yards, completions, and touchdown passes during his 15 years in the league. (Tarkenton’s records were broken by Dan Marino of the Miami Dolphins in 1995.) Grant also assembled one of the fiercest defenses in NFL history. Known collectively as the Purple People Eaters, players such as linemen Carl Eller, Jim Marshall, and Alan Page “devoured” opposing offenses. The Vikings joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1961 and selected Fran Tarkenton in the NFL draft. The franchise got off to a slow start, producing only one winning record in its first seven seasons. In 1967 Minnesota traded Tarkenton to the New York Giants for the rights to four draft picks. These picks yielded several talented rookies, including Alan Page.

Metrodome Stadium