Team Highlights
This collection includes several Vikings seasonal summaries in 30-40 minute video Team Yearbook formats. The highlights are produced by NFL Films, or by local entities to promote the upcoming Vikings season.

1961: The First Year

• On Sunday September 17th, 1961 the the Vikings played their first game against the Chicago Bears at Metropolitan Stadium. The Bears were a cornerstone franchise that was one of the NFL's original teams. However, it was the upstarts who looked like the season Vets. Fresh off an NFL Championship as the QB of the Philly Birds, coac Norm Van Brocklin put in a game plan that allowed rookie QB Fran Tarkenton to pass for 250 yards and the Vikes stunned the Bears 37-13. However, the expansion Vikings would come back to earth losing their next 7 games on the way to finishing in last place with a 3-11 record. Noteable players on the first team included Fran Tarkenton, Jerry Reichow, and Hugh McElhenny.

1962: The Second Year

• Vikes finished 2-11-1 under Coach Norm Van Brocklin. Players included Fran Tarkenton & Tommy Mason In their 2nd season the Vikings would stumble out of the gate losing their first 5 games, on the way to a horrid 2-11-1 season. Second year QB Fran Tarkenton had a solid season despite 25 interceptions. However, the Vikings defense would get rolled over at the tune of 410 points on the season.

1963: The Third Season (Available)

• Vikes finished 5-8-1 under Coach Norm Van Brocklin. Players on the team included Fran Tarkenton, Tommy Mason and Paul Flatley. The Vikings show flashes of brilliance while amassing a 5-8-1 record, in their 3rd year of existence. Following the season the Vikings would hire GM Jim Finks,who had successful tenure with Calgary Stampede in the CFL , to turn the Vikings into contenders.

1964: The Fourth Season

• Vikes finished 8-5-1 under Coach Norm Van Brocklin. Key players on this squad included Fran Tarkenton and Bill Brown. The Vikings go unbeaten in their final 4 games to finish with an 8-5-1 record as Fran Tarkenton throws 22 TD passes. In earning their first ever-winning season the Vikings finished in a tie for 2nd Place with the Green Bay Packers.

1965: "The Versatile & The Violent" (Available)

• Vikes finished 7-7 under Coach Norm Van Brocklin. Key players on this squad included Fran Tarkenton, Paul Flatley and Bill Brown. The Vikings appeared to be heading to another solid season before a backbreaking 4-game losing streak ended any playoff hopes. The Vikings would go on to win their final 2 games to finish with a 7-7 record.

1966: "The Name Of The Game" (Available)

• Vikes finished 4-9-1 in Coach Norm Van Brocklin's last season. Key players on this squad included Fran Tarkenton, Paul Flatley and Bill Brown. The Vikings stumble out of the gate going winless through their first 4 games,on the way to a disappointing 4-9-1 record, which landed them in last place in the West. Following the disappointing season Coach Norm Van Brocklin resigns, and QB Fran Tarkenton is traded to the New York Giants for several draft picks.

1967: "The Seventh Season" (Available)

• Vikes finish 3-8-3 under new coach Bud Grant. The team is led by Joe Kapp, Dave Osborne and Gene Washington The Vikings go up north again this time hiring Coach Bud Grant who led the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to 4 Grey Cup Titles in 10 seasons. However, Grant would have trouble at the start losing his first 4 games as an NFL coach before the Vikings stunned the Packers in Green Bay 10-7. However the Vikings would still go on to finish in last place in the Central Division with a 3-8-3 record.

1968: "The 8th Season" (Available)

• Vikes finish 8-6 under coach Bud Grant. The team is led by Joe Kapp, Bill Brown and Gene Washington. The Vikings get off to a solid start winning 3 of their first 4 games. However,stormy weather would arise, as the Vikings would lose their next 3 games. The Vikings would recover by winning their next 3 games. After losing their next 2 the Vikings sat at 6-6., but with Green Bay Packers losing several key players and coach Vince Lombardi the entire Central Division was weakened, and the Vikings would take advantage by winning their final 2 games to win their first Division Title with an 8-6 record. In the Divisional Playoffs at Baltimore the Vikings trailed the Colts 21-0 before a 4th Quarter rally fell short in a 24-14 loss.

1969: "40 for 60" (Available)

• An NFL Championship for the young Vikings under coach Bud Grant. The team finishes 12-2 and defeats Cleveland for the NFL World Title, but loses the NFL/AFL Championship game to the Kansas City Chiefs. This game would later be called the 4th Super Bowl. The team is led by MVP Joe Kapp, Bill Brown, Dave Osborne and Gene Washington.

  With the slogan 40 men for 60 minutes the Vikings overcome a 1-point season opening loss to the Giants in New York by winning their next 12 games to win their 2nd straight division title win a 12-2 record. Leading the way for the Vikings is a ferocious defense known as the Purple People Eaters that holds opponents to just 133 points on the season. In the first playoff game ever at Metropolitan Stadium the Vikings found themselves in a hole trailing the Los Angeles Rams 17-7 at halftime. By the start of the 4th Quarter they had cut the lead to 20-14, where the Vikings defense took over and claimed a 23-20 victory. A week later in the final NFL Championship Game before the merger, the Vikings dominated the Cleveland Browns all day before allowing a meaningless TD late in the 4th Quarter in a convincing 27-7 win.

  Super Bowl IV: In the final AFL-NFL Super Bowl the Vikings were playing for NFL pride facing the Kansas City Chiefs on a damp day in New Orleans. However early on it was clearly not the Vikings day as they fell behind 16-0 at halftime. The Vikings would get on the scoreboard with a Dave Osborn TD run late in the 3rd Quarter. However the Chiefs would quickly answer with a long TD pass that sealed the Vikings fate, as the Chiefs went on to a convincing 23-7 victory.

1970: "The First Ten Years" (Available)

• 12-2 under Bud Grant. QB was Gary Cuozzo, RB Dave Osborne and WR Gene Washington. Despite making the Super Bowl the Vikings traded QB Joe Kapp prior to the start of the season. His replacement Gary Cuozzo would struggle all year only connecting on 7 TD passes. However, the Vikings defense dominates again allowing just 143 points as the Vikings win the NFC Central win an impressive 12-2 record. However, the Vikings season would end quickly with a 17-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers at Metropolitan Stadium in the Divisional Playoffs.

1971: "Something Extra" (Available)

• 11-3 under Bud Grant. QB was Gary Cuozzo, RB Clint Jones and WR Bob Grim. Led by DT Alan Page who wins the NFL MVP the Vikings Purple people Eaters continue to swallow up opposing offenses allowing just 139 points as the Vikings win their 4th straight Division Title with an 11-3 record. The Defense would need to be strong as the offense led by QB Gary Cuozzo struggled and only managed to score 245 points. However, their struggles would catch up with them in a 20-12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Playoffs at The Met. Following the season the Vikings would reacquire original QB Fran Tarkenton form the New York Giants for a couple of draft picks.

1972: "The Year That Got Away" (Available)

• 7-7 under Bud Grant. Fran Tarkenton returned from the New York Giants and was joined by Oscar Reed, and John Gilliam. Despite a solid 2,651-yard passing season from Fran Tarkenton the Vikings play mediocre football all season finishing with a 7-7 record, while posting a 1-5 record against playoff bound teams in one of the toughest schedules in the league.

1973: "NFC Champions" (Available)

• 12-2 under Bud Grant. QB was Fran Tarkenton, RB Chuck Foreman and WR John Gilliam. The addition of RB Chick Foreman who wins both Offensive Rookie and Player of the Year honors is just the spark the Vikings offense needs, as the Vikings rebound off a sub par year by winning their first 9 games, on the way to reclaiming the NFC Central with a 12-2 record. In the Divisional Playoffs the Vikings would beat the Washington Redskins 27-20 in an exciting game at The Met. Playing in Dallas for the NFC Championship the Vikings Defense would smother the Cowboysall day in a convincing 27-10 win that earned the Vikings a trip to the Super Bowl.

  Super Bowl VII: Facing the defending Super Bowl Champion Miami Dolphins in Houston the Vikings hopes for a Lombardi Trophy were dashed quickly as the Dolphins jumped out to a 14-0 lead behind the powerful running of Larry Csonka. Trailing 24-0 the Vikings would score on 4-yard Fran Tarkenton bootleg, to avoid the shutout at 24-17.

1974: "NFC Champions" (Available)

• 10-4 under Bud Grant. QB was Fran Tarkenton, RB Chuck Foreman and WR Jim Lash. The Vikings get off to another fantastic start winning their first 5 games, on the way to another NFC Central Division Championship with a 10-4 record. In the Divisional Playoffs the Vikings would slaughter the St. Louis Cardinals by a score of 30-14 in Minnesota. In the NFC Championship Game at the Met the Vikingsheld off the Los Angeles Rams to advance to the Super Bowl for the 2nd straight year with a 14-10 win.

  Super Bowl IX: In the Super Bowl for the 2nd year in a row, and the 3rd time overall the Vikings were still seeking their first Lombardi Trophy against the Pittsburgh Steelers on a cold and rainy day in New Orleans. The first half was a complete defensive stale mate, as neither offense could muster anything. However, when QB Fran Tarkenton is sacked in the endzone the Steelers go to halftime with a 2-0 lead.

  The Vikings would make a costly mistake when the 2nd half began by fumbling the kick off which led to a Steelers TD. The Vikings would finally get on the board when Terry Brown fell on a blocked punt in the endzone. However the extra point was missed, and the Vikings still could not get anything going, and would lose on Super Sunday for the 3rd time by a score of 16-6.

1975: "...And Still Counting" (Available)

• 12-2 under Bud Grant. QB was Fran Tarkenton, RB Chuck Foreman and WR John Gilliam. Led by QB Fran Tarkenton who wins both the Offensive Player of the Year and NFL MVP, the Vikings jump out to a 10-0 start, cruising to their 7th Division Title in 8 years with a 12-2 record. In the Divisional Playoffs the Vikings appeared on the way to another Championship Game leading the Dallas Cowboys 14-10 in the final minute at The Met. However, a stunning Hail Mary pass by Roger Staubach found Preston Pearson by the endzone as the Cowboys stunned the Vikings 17-14

1976: "National Conference Champions" (Available)

• 11-2-1 under Bud Grant. QB was Fran Tarkenton, RB Chuck Foreman and WR Sammie White. The Vikings continued to be the top team in the NFC going unbeaten in heir first 7 games, on the way to easily winning their 8th Divisional Title in 9 years, and 4th in a row. In the Divisional Playoffs at Metropolitan Stadium the Vikings offense was firing on all cylinders in a convincing 35-20 victory over the Washington Redskins. The Met was the sight again a week later as the Vikings beat the Los Angeles Rams 24-13 in the NFC Championship Game.

  Super Bowl XI: In the Super Bowl for the 3rd time in 4 years the aging Vikings new time was growing short as they tried to win their first Lombardi Trophy in 4 trips playing the Oakland Raiders in Pasadena. The Vikings squandered an early opportunity when Brent McClanahan fumbled at the goaline after Fred McNeill blocked and recovered a punt on the Raiders 2-yard line. The fumble would end up becoming a back breaker as the Raiders scored 16 unanswered points in the 2nd Quarter, on the way to a convincing 32-14 victory. Although the Vikings were the first team to play in 4 Super Bowls, the thought that they were never in any of the games while going 0-4 would forever tarnish their reputation.

1977: "Team For All Seasons" (Available)

• 9-5 under Bud Grant. QB was Fran Tarkenton, RB Chuck Foreman and WR Sammie White. Despite several players show signs of age with sub par seasons the Vikings are able to win their 9th Division Title in 10 years, and 5th straight with a 9-5 record. In the Divisional Playoffs the Vikings would show they had a little left in the tank when they beat the Rams 14-7 in Los Angeles. However, a week later their season would come to a crashing end with a 23-6 loss to the Cowboys in the NFC Championship game at Dallas.

1978: "The Year Of 10" (Available)

• 8-7-1 under Bud Grant. QB was Fran Tarkenton, RB Chuck Foreman and WR Ahmad Rashad. Despite a mediocre 8-7-1 season the Vikings win their 6th consecutive NFC Central Title, and 10th in 11 years, as QB Fran Tarkenton has a solid season passing for 3,466 yards and 25 TD passes. However, the Vikings would come to earth with a 34-10 loss to the Rams in Los Angeles in what would end up being Sir Francis' last game. Following the season Fran Tarkenton would retire ending a stellar career that saw him hold several key career passing record. Tarkenton's records would stand nearly 20 years, before being broken by Dan Marino in 1995.

1979: "Make Way For Tomorrow" (Available)

• 7-9 under Bud Grant. QB was Tommy Kramer, RB Rickey Young and WR Ahmad Rashad. Despite a stellar season from Fran Tarkenton's replacement Tommy Kramer the Vikings suffer their first losing season in 12 years with a 7-9 record, as Jim Marshall,the last original Viking, who set a record with consecutive games played in retires after a stellar 19-year career.

1980: "A Tale Of Two Seasons" (Available)

• 9-7 under Bud Grant. QB was Tommy Kramer, RB Ted Brown and WR Ahmad Rashad. The Vikings get off to a slow start and sit at 3-5 through the midway point in the season. However, the Vikings would rally winning 5 6 of their next 7 games, which was capped by a dramatic Hail Mary TD pass from Tommy Kramer to Ahmad Rashad that beat the Cleveland Browns 28-23 at The Met on the game's final play. Despite losing their final game of the season the Vikings won the NFC Central with a 9-7 record. However their season would end quickly with a 31-16 loss to the Eagles in Philadelphia in the Divisional Playoffs.

1981: "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" (Available)

• 7-9 under Bud Grant. QB was Tommy Kramer, RB Ted Brown and WR Ahmad Rashad, Joe Senser. In the final season at Metropolitan Stadium the Vikings appear to be on the way to the playoffs again leading the mediocre NFC Central with a 7-4 record. However, the Vikings would lose their final 5 games to finish with a 7-9 record. The losing streak included a 10-6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the final game at the Met on December 20th. Metropolitan Stadium would be torn down, and over it would be built the largest mall in the United States.

1982: "Once More With Feeling" (Available)

• 5-4 a strike year under Bud Grant. QB was Tommy Kramer, RB Ted Brown and WR Ahmad Rashad, WR Sammie White. On September 12th, the Vikings opened the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in style with a 17-10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, their 2nd game at the Metrodome ended up being delayed as the NFL endured a 2-month player's strike. When the players returned the Vikings continued to alternate wins and losses. However, by beating the Dallas Cowboys 31-27 in the final game of the season at the Metrodome the Vikings were able to earn a home playoff game. In the first playoff game at the Metrodome the Vikings defeated the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 in the first round of the NFC Super Bowl tournament. However, their season would end a week later with a 21-7 loss to the Redskins in Washington.

1983: "Bud Grant; The Legend and The Legacy" (Available)

• 8-8 under Bud Grant. QB was Steve Dils, Tommy Kramer, RB Darrin Nelson. The Vikings get off to a solid start winning 7 of their first 9 games. However, the Vikings would lose their next 6 games as their playoff hopes fizzled under a rash of injuries. The Vikings would win their final game against Cincinnati Bengals 20-14 at the Metrodome. Following the season Coach Bud grant would retire, he would be replace by Les Setckel.

1984: "Let The Circle Be Unbroken" (Available)

• 3-10 under Les Steckel. QB was Tommy Kramer, RB Darrin Nelson, Alfred Anderson, WR Leo Lewis. TE Steve Jordan. New Coach Les Steckel ends up being a bust right away as the Vikings lose 11 of their last 12 games to finish with a franchise worst 3-13 record. Following the season the Vikings would coax Bud Grant out of retirement as he reassumed his coaching duties from Steckel.

1985: "A Silver Season...And A New Generation" (Available)

• 7-9 under a returning Bud Grant. QB was Tommy Kramer, RB Darrin Nelson, Alfred Anderson, WR Anthony Carter. 12 Rookies. The Vikings seem recharged by the return of Bid Grant as they win 3 of their first 4 games. However, the Vikings would only play mediocre football over the next 9 weeks as they stood on the fringe of eth Playoff chase with a 7-6 record. However, the Vikings would run out of gas losing their final 3 games including a 37-35 shootout to the Philadelphia Eagles at the Metrodome in their final game. Following the season Coach Bud Grant would retire again, this time it would be permanently.

1986: "Back On The Attack" (Available)

• 9-7 under Jerry Burns QB was Tommy Kramer, RB Darrin Nelson, TE Steve Jordan, WR Anthony Carter. To replace Bud Grant the Vikings tabbed long time assistant Jerry Burns, who had served as Offensive Cooridnator since 1968. Under Bruns the Vikings get off to a solid start winning 5 of tehir first 7 games. However, teh Vikings playoff hopes are spoiled by a stretch in which they won just once in 5 games. The Vikings would recover by winning 3 of tehir last 4 games to finsih with a 9-7 record.

1987: "Making A Move" (Available)

• 8-7 under Jerry Burns QB was Wade Wilson, RB Darrin Nelson, TE Steve Jordan, WR Anthony Carter. The Vikings get off to a solid start winning their first 2 games. However, a player's strike disrupts the Vikings momentum as the Vikings replacements lose all 3 games. When the regulars returned they continued to play strong football winning 4 out of 5 games to find themselves in the thick of the playoff chase.

  The Vikings would go on to make the playoffs for the first time in 5 years with an 8-7 record, despite losses in 3 of their last 4 games. In the Wild Card Game the Vikings were heavy underdogs in New Orleans. However, the Vikings would fire on cylinders in a 44-10 romp of the Saints. A week later in the Divisional Playoffs,WR Anthony Carter had the game of his life in a stunning 36-24 upset of the 49ers in San Francisco. Playing their best football of the season the Vikings traveled to Washington with the NFC Championship on the line. The game was close throughout as the Redskins took a 17-10 lead late in the 4th Quarter. The Vikings would not quit as they drove down to the Redskins 6 yard line. However, the Vikings would fail to get the ball in the endzone as their Championship hopes died.

1988: "The Time To Step Forward" (Available)

• 11-5 under Jerry Burns QB was Wade Wilson, RB Darrin Nelson, TE Steve Jordan, WR Anthony Carter. With Wade Wilson seeing a bulk of the time at Quarterback, the Vikings use a 5-game winning streak in the 2nd half to make the playoffs as a Wild Card for the 2nd straight season with a solid 11-5 record. In the Wild Card Game at the Metrodome the Vikings would defeat the Los Angeles Rams by a score of 28-17. However a week later their season is ended in San Francisco as the 49ers get revenge with a convincing 34-9 win over the Vikings in the Divisional Playoffs.

1989: "Division Champions...Again" (Available)

• 10-6 under Jerry Burns QB was Wade Wilson, RB Herschel Walker, WR Anthony Carter. The Vikings get off to a 3-2 start before pulling off the biggest deal in NFL history.The Vikings would acquire RB Herschel Walker from the Dallas Cowboys for 5 players, and several draft picks. The Vikings would win 3 of their first 4 games with Walker, on the way to winning their first NFC Central title in 9 years with a 10-6 record. However, their season would end quickly with a 41-13 loss to the 49ers in San Francisco during the Divisional Playoffs.

1990: "Detour" (Available)

• 6-10 under Jerry Burns QB was Rich Gannon, RB Herschel Walker, WR Anthony Carter. Injuries to the defense and a lackluster season from Herschel Walker contribute to a terrible 1-6 start. The Vikings would bounce back and make a run by winning 5 straight games to even their record at 6-6. However, the Vikings early season struggles would pop up again in a devastating season ending 4-game losing streak that dropped them into last place with a disappointing 6-10 record.

1991: "The New Frontier" (Available)

• NFL Films Official Video, "A New Frontier" This video introduces Dennis Green and sums up an 8-8 under Jerry Burns QB was Rich Gannon, RB Herschel Walker, WR Cris Carter. The Vikings play mediocre football all season on the way to an 8-8 record, as Herschel Walker struggles again. Walker would be released following the season,failing to reach 1,000 yards rushing in each of his 2 full seasons in Minnesota. The trade would end up being a big bust for the Vikings as the Dallas Cowboys used the draft picks to build a team that won 3 Super Bowls. In addition to the release of Walker, Coach Jerry Burns called it a career after over 20 years with the organization.

1992: "Winning Attitude" (Available)

• NFL Films Official Video, "Winning Attitude". 11-5 under Dennis Green QB was Rich Gannon, RB Terry Allen, WR Cris Carter. Now led by Dennis Green the Vikings get off to a furious start winning 5 of their first 6 games on the way to winning the NFC Central with a 10-6 record. Helping to pace the Vikings was RB Terry Allen who rushed 1,201 yards while scoring 15 TDs. Playing without a first round bye the Vikings faced the 6th seeded Washington Redskins in the Wild Card round at the Metrodome. The Vikings never even seemed in the game losing by a score of 24-7 to the defending Super Bowl Champions.

1993: "Battling Back" (Available)

• NFL Films Official Video, "Battling Back". 9-7 under Dennis Green QB was Jim McMahon, RB Scottie Graham WR Cris Carter. After playing mediocre football all season the Vikings win their final 3 games to qualify for the playoffs with a 9-7 record. However, their season would end quickly with a 17-10 loss to the Giants in New York. Following the season the Vikings would pull off a blockbuster deal acquiring QB Warren Moon from the Houston Oilers.

1994: "True Champions" (Available)

• 10-6 under Dennis Green QB was Warren Moon, RB Terry Allen, WR Cris Carter. Newly acquired QB Warren Moon provides an instant spark as the Vikings win 7 of their first 9 games. However, a midseason 3-game losing streak threatened to derail their playoff hopes. The Vikings would recover to win 3 of their final 4 games to clinch the NFC Central with a 10-6 record, as Moon passes for 4,264 yards. Failing to earn a bye the Vikings are forced to play the Wild Card Round against the Chicago Bears. Once again the Vikings would fail in the postseason losing right away for the 3rd year in a row by a score of 35-18 at the Metrodome.

1995: "Big Time Players, Big Time Performances" (Available)

• 8-8 under Dennis Green QB was Warren Moon, RB Robert Smith, WR Cris Carter. Despite another stellar season from Warren Moon who passes for 4,228 yards the Vikings only manage to play mediocre football all season finishing with a disappointing 8-8 record.

1996: "Generation Next" (Available)

• 9-7 under Dennis Green QB was Brad Johnson, RB Robert Smith, WR Jake Reed & Cris Carter. With Warren Moon injured the Vikings get off to a 4-0 start under backup Brad Johnson. However, Johnson too would get hurt and the Vikings would struggle even after the return of Moon. However, by winning 3 of their final 4 games the Vikings would sneak into the playoffs with a 9-7 record. In the Wild Card Game the Vikings would be slaughtered losing the Cowboys by a score of 40-15 in Dallas.

1997: "Unfinished Business" (Available)

• 9-7 under Dennis Green QB was Brad Johnson, RB Robert Smith, WR Jake Reed & Cris Carter. With the departure of Warren Moon, Brad Johnson becomes the full time QB and leads the Vikings off to a terrific 8-2 start. However, a 5-game losing streak would put their playoff hopes in jeopardy as rumors of Coach Dennis Green's firing began to fly around. Despite the slump the Vikings would still make the playoffs by beating the Indianapolis Colts in the final game of the season at the Metrodome. In the Wild Card Round the Vikings faced another first round exit trailing the Giants late in the 4th Quarter by a score 22-13 on a snowy day at the Meadowlands. Facing 4th and long the Vikings appeared to be giving up when the punted. However, the Vikings defense would get the ball back quickly and would take advantage of a poor punt by the Giants to score on a Johnson to Jake Reed TD pass. With hope still dwindling the Vikings recovered an on-side kick, and would connect on Eddie Murray FG to stun the Giants by a score of 23-22. However a week later the Vikings season would end with a 38-22 loss to the 49ers in San Francisco.

1998: "Purple Pride Restored"(Available)

• NFL Films Official Video. 15-1 under Dennis Green QB was Randall Cunningham RB Robert Smith, WR Randy Moss, Jake Reed & Cris Carter. The Vikings start a new era as the team is sold to Red McCombs. In the draft the Vikings would select troubled WR Randy Moss, after several teams passed on him. Moss would combine with established star Cris Carter and become the most potent 1-2 receiving combo in the NFL. Even with a season ending injury to QB Brad Johnson, the Vikings score a NFL record 556 points under back up Randall Cunningham. Moss would become an instant sensation winning the Offensive Rookie f the year while racking up 1,313 yards and 17 TDs, as the Vikings won the NFC Central by posting a franchise best record of 15-1. In the Divisional Playoffs the Vikings would easily beat the Arizona Cardinals by a score of 41-21. In the NFC Championship the Vikings dominated the Atlanta Falcons all game but could not pull away at the Metrodome. Leading 27-20 late in the 4th Quarter the Vikings seemed set to seal the game, but PK Gary Anderson missed his first kick al year, as the Falcons forced overtime. In OT the Falcons would stun the Vikings 30-27 when Morten Andersen nailed a game winning FG.

1999: "Never Surrender" (Available)

• 10-6 under Dennis Green QB was Jeff George RB Robert Smith, WR Randy Moss, & Cris Carter. (also X-Ref to 2000 Vikings game Week 7 vs. Bears) The Vikings offense continues to be one of the strongest units in the NFL despite another change in Quarterbacks as Jeff George takes over for an ineffective Randall Cunningham who was given the job after Brad Johnson was lost to free agency. Receivers Randy Moss and Cris Carter continued to burn NFL secondaries combining for 2,654 yards and 24 TD catches, as the Vikings finished with a solid 10-6 record, which was good enough for a Wild Card berth. In the Wild Card Game at the Metrodome it was the running of Robert Smith that won the day as the Vikings rushed collected 140 yards in a convincing 27-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys. However, a week later the Vikings would lose the Rams 49-37 in a battle of super passing offenses at St. Louis.

2000: "Magic In The New Millenium" (Available)

• 11-5 under Dennis Green QB was Daunte Culpepper, RB Robert Smith, WR Randy Moss, & Cris Carter. The Vikings begin a new era with a new QB turning to 2nd year Daunte Culpepper after failing to resign Jeff George and Randall Cunningham. Culpepper would have a stellar season passing for 3,937 yards as Vikings won their first 7 and 11 of their first 13, on the way to an 11-2 start. The Vikings would struggle down the stretch losing their final 3 games to finish with an 11-5 record. The Vikings would lose Home Field, but would still hold on to a precious playoff bye. In the Divisional Playoffs the Vikings would end their slide by beating the New Orleans Saints 34-16 at the Metrodome. However, in the NFC Championship Game in New York against the Giants the Vikings were knocked out quickly trailing 14-0 after just a few minutes into the game, as the Giants white washed the Vikings by a score of 41-13. The loss would see several players bickering at each other, pointing fingers for the late collapse. In addition RB Robert Smith who rushed 1,521 suddenly retired after a knee injury in the playoffs.

2001: "Tragedy, Tribulation, and Tradition" (Available)

• 5-11 under Dennis Green, Mike Tice QB was Daunte Culpepper, RB Michael Bennett, WR Randy Moss, & Cris Carter. With the bitter aftertaste of their late season failures still in their mouth the Vikings enter training camp on shaky ground. Things would only get worse as tragedy struck during record-breaking heat in Minnesota. Korey Stringer who always seemed to have problems wit heat continued to work out despite feelings of sickness. The heat would get to Stringer as his body temperatures exceed 108 degrees killing the Vikings All-Pro OT. When the season started it seemed the Vikings still had not recovered losing 3 of their first 4 games. The Vikings would continue to struggle through out the season quickly falling out of the playoff race, as the team bickered constantly on the sidelines. Things would only get worse as it seemed every player wanted out of Minnesota. In the midst of a season ending 4-game losing streak Coach Dennis Green is fired prior to the final game, as the Vikings finish with a 5-11 record. Following the season Mike Tice who led the Vikings in the season finale was named the new head coach, as WR Cris Carter retired after the frustrating season.

2002: "Playing For Purple Pride" (Available)

• 6-10 under Mike Tice QB was Daunte Culpepper, RB Michael Bennett, WR Randy Moss. Mike Tice who coached the Vikings in their final game the previous season would take over on a full time basis and early on he looked over matched as the Vikings dropped their first 4 games blowing leads in the 4th quarter twice. The Vikings struggles would continue through out most of the season as QB Daunte Culpepper struggled all season with turnovers, as the Vikings entered the final 3 weeks of the season with a dreadful 3-10 record. However, the Vikings would finish the season on a strong note winning their final 3 games to post a 6-10 record, along the way the Vikings spoiled the playoff chances of the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins.

2003: "Down To The Wire" (Available)

• 9-7 under Mike Tice QB was Daunte Culpepper, RB Moe Williams, WR Randy Moss The Vikings started the season with a renewed purpose winning their first 6 games which included an impressive 30-25 win in Week 1 over the Green Bay Packers on the road. However the Vikings season hit rough waters as they lost to the New York Giants at home 29-17. The loss to the Giants, who would end up with a league worst 4-12 record would trigger a 4-game losing streak which included losses to the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders who would also post a 4-12 record. After ending their losing streak with 24-14 win at home over the Detroit Lions the Vikings were humiliated by the St. Louis Rams 48-17, as they saw their once seemingly insurmountable lead for first place completely vanish at 7-5. After beating the playoff bound Seattle Seahawks in Week 14 the Vikings suffered another costly loss as they were stunned by the Chicago Bears 13-10. Despite the struggles all the Vikings needed to do was win their final 2 games to win the NFC North. The Vikings got it started in style with an impressive 45-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at home, which left them needing just to beat the lowly 3-12 Arizona Cardinals in the final game of the season to sew up the division title. After a shaky first half, which saw the Vikings trailing 6-0 the Vikings appeared driving for the playoffs as they seemingly broke the game open with 10 points in the 4th Quarter to hold a 17-6 lead in the final minutes. With 2 minutes left the Cardinals cut the lead to 17-12 missing a 2-point conversion attempt, but with just 1 timeout all the Vikings had to do was recover the onside kick to run out the clock. However the Vikings special teams failed to come up with the ball as the Vikings season stood on the brink. Down the field the Cardinals drove getting to the Vikings 9-yard line. There the Vikings defense toughened up sacking Cardinals QB on two straight plays turning a 2nd and 6 from the 9 to a 4th and 25 form the 28 with just seconds left. On the final snap of the season McNown was not pressured as he threw up a prayer to Nathanial Poole in the endzone some how the ball got past Denard Walker and Brian Russell, as Poole was able to maintain possession before being pushed out of bounds for a touchdown a stunning, that brought instant heartbreak to the Vikings ending their season at 9-7 without the playoffs.

2004: "The 44th Season" (Available)

• 8-8 backed into the Playoffs. Under Mike Tice QB was Daunte Culpepper, RB Michael Bennett, Mewelde Moore, Onterrio Smityh, WR Randy Moss, Nate Burleson, Marcus Robinson, TE Jermaine Wiggins. The Injury-riddled Vikings finish the year losing to the Philadelphia Eagle at Lincoln Financial Field in the 2nd Round of the Playoffs. The Highlight of the year was the teams big 34-17 win at Lambeau Field in the Wild Card round of the NFC playoffs. Randy Moss Mooned the Packers crowd.

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