| The Minnesota Vikings have been a member of | | | | on the Scandinavian culture in the state. |
| the NFL since 1961, when they joined the | | | | Throughout Minnesota Vikings history, they had |
| American Football League, which failed, allowing | | | | always had an energetic marketing program with |
| them the chance to join the NFL as an expansion | | | | home attendance meeting nearly 85% capacity at |
| team. They are now in the North Division of the | | | | the outset. |
| NFC, but originated as a member of the Western | | | | In 1969, the Minnesota Vikings history included a |
| Conference Central Division, and then moved to | | | | schedule ending at 12-2, which was the best |
| the NFC Central Division in 1970, where they | | | | record in the NFL at the time. This record |
| played until 2002. They won one NFL | | | | highlighted the longest single-season winning |
| championship prior to 1970, and have lost all four | | | | streak--12 games in a row. This hadn't happened |
| Super Bowls that they have played in since. | | | | for 35 years in the NFL. They were also the first |
| However, a significant accomplishment in | | | | expansion team to win an NFL championship, |
| Minnesota Vikings history is their number of | | | | which secured their contention in Super Bowl IV |
| division wins. They have the most division wins of | | | | (the Vikings lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.) |
| any NFL franchise, with a total of 17 division titles | | | | Through the early 70s, the team continued to do |
| throughout their 40+ year career in the NFL. | | | | well. The Minnesota Vikings roster included Alan |
| Until 1982, the Minnesota Vikings history consisted | | | | Page, who won the NFL MVP award in 1971, |
| of home games played at Metropolitan Stadium. | | | | making him only the second defensive player to |
| At this point, they began playing at Hubert H. | | | | win that award to date. They managed to make |
| Humphrey Metrodome, which is also the home of | | | | it to the Super Bowl again in 1973, which ended in |
| the Minnesota Twins baseball team. Early in NFL | | | | another lost championship. Again in 1975, they |
| history, the Minneapolis Marines/Red Jackets were | | | | earned their place in the Super Bowl game, but |
| the team of the area. They played throughout | | | | returned home empty handed. Two years later, |
| the 1920s and 1930s as such, but then were | | | | as another significant event in Minnesota Vikings |
| disbanded. In 1959, three businessmen were | | | | history, they graced the Super Bowl stage yet |
| awarded a new franchise as a part of the | | | | again against the Oakland Raiders. This Rose Bowl |
| American Football League, which was quickly | | | | game ended similarly to the previous championship |
| disbanded and teams were moved into the NFL | | | | attempts-without the winning title. By the end of |
| franchise. The Minnesota Vikings roster didn't | | | | this decade, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome |
| officially get a name until 1960, when they were | | | | was breaking ground and under construction. |
| chosen to be the Minnesota Vikings as a reflection | | | | |