1961 Minnesota Vikings season

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1961 Minnesota Vikings season

The Vikings’ first NFL season, created as an expansion team in Minnesota. General manager Bert Rose and head coach Norm Van Brocklin led the team at Metropolitan Stadium.

They finished 3–11, placing 7th in the NFL Western Division and missing the playoffs. Their defense allowed 5.41 rushing yards per attempt, one of the highest marks in league history.

Season highlights
- In their first regular-season game, the Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 37–13 at home. Rookie quarterback Fran Tarkenton came off the bench to throw four touchdown passes and run for another score; George Shaw started at quarterback before Tarkenton saw action.
- The team struggled afterward, including a seven-game losing streak.

Pro Bowlers
- Running back Hugh McElhenny and end Jerry Reichow were selected for the East–West Pro Bowl, played January 14, 1962. The West won 31–30, with Vikings coach Norm Van Brocklin coaching the West.

Background
- The Vikings’ name was chosen by Ole Haugsrud, who had a stake in the franchise due to a 1920s deal involving the Duluth Eskimos.
- The NFL’s interest in Minnesota grew after plans for an AFL franchise in the area, and the league invited the Vikings to join as the league’s 14th team.

Trivia
- The 1961 season was the last time an expansion team won its first regular-season game until the Baltimore Ravens did so in 1996.