Divisional Playoff Game (1997) vs. Minnesota Vikings

Lore & Background

The Vikings were founded in 1960 as an expansion team and began play in 1961. They are named after the Vikings of medieval Scandinavia, reflecting the prominent Scandinavian American culture of Minnesota. The team plays its home games at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Georgia Dome was thick with anticipation, smelling of popcorn and nervous sweat. Fans wore red and black, chanting rhythms that shook the concrete floorboards. On the field, players tightened their cleats against the artificial turf, eyes locked on the opposing sideline. A single snap would decide months of preparation.

Reader's Guide

The Vikings have an all-time overall record of 537–438–11. They have won one NFL Championship, in 1969, before the merger. Since the merger, they have qualified for the playoffs 28 times. They played in Super Bowls IV, VIII, IX, and XI, but failed to win any.

Did You Know?

• The Vikings have the highest regular season and combined winning percentage among NFL franchises who have not won a Super Bowl.
• They are one of four teams to appear in a conference championship every decade since the 1970s.
• The team's first head coach was Norm Van Brocklin, hired on January 18, 1961.