NFL team season (inaugural)
The 1961 season was the Minnesota Vikings ' first in the National Football League (NFL) after being created as an expansion franchise to become the league's fourteenth team. Their inaugural regular season game was a 37–13 victory at home to the Chicago Bears ; rookie quarterback Fran Tarkenton came off the bench to toss four touchdown passes and run for another.[1] Norm Van Brocklin , the Vikings won just two of their remaining 13 games, including a seven-game losing streak, and finished the season with a 3–11 record.
The Vikings' defense surrendered 5.41 rushing yards per attempt in 1961, the fifth-most of all time.[2]
Offseason [ ] Although the NFL originally had no interest in expanding, after Max Winter and Bill Boyer agreed to start an American Football League (AFL) franchise in Minnesota, the NFL approached them to change leagues. The "Vikings" name was given to the team by Ole Haugsrud , who had been given a 10% stake in the franchise as a result of having sold the Duluth Eskimos back to the league in the 1920s.[3]
1961 Draft [ ] Main article: 1961 NFL draft
1961 Expansion Draft [ ] Roster [ ]
1961 Minnesota Vikings final roster
Quarterbacks
14 George Shaw 10 Fran Tarkenton Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
Offensive linemen
Defensive linemen
Linebackers
Defensive backs
Special teams
Reserve lists
Practice squad
Rookies in italics , 5 practice squad
Preseason [ ] Regular season [ ] Schedule [ ]
Week
Date
Opponent
Result
Record
Venue
Attendance
1
September 17
Chicago Bears W 37–13
1–0
Metropolitan Stadium
32,236
2
September 24
at Dallas Cowboys
L 7–21
1–1
Cotton Bowl
20,500
3
October 1
at Baltimore Colts
L 33–34
1–2
Memorial Stadium
54,259
4
October 8
Dallas Cowboys L 0–28
1–3
Metropolitan Stadium
33,070
5
October 15
San Francisco 49ers L 24–38
1–4
Metropolitan Stadium
34,415
6
October 22
Green Bay Packers L 7–33
1–5
Metropolitan Stadium
42,007
7
October 29
at Green Bay Packers
L 10–28
1–6
Milwaukee County Stadium
44,112
8
November 5
at Los Angeles Rams
L 17–31
1–7
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
38,594
9
November 12
Baltimore Colts W 28–20
2–7
Metropolitan Stadium
38,010
10
November 19
Detroit Lions L 10–37
2–8
Metropolitan Stadium
32,296
11
November 26
at San Francisco 49ers
L 28–38
2–9
Kezar Stadium
43,905
12
December 3
Los Angeles Rams W 42–21
3–9
Metropolitan Stadium
30,068
13
December 10
at Detroit Lions
L 7–13
3–10
Tiger Stadium
42,655
14
December 17
at Chicago Bears
L 35–52
3–11
Wrigley Field
34,539
Game summaries [ ] Week 1: vs. Chicago Bears [ ]
Week 1: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Bears
0
6
0 7 13
Vikings 3
7
14 13 37
at Metropolitan Stadium , Bloomington, Minnesota
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
MIN – Bob Schnelker 14-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 10–0.
CHI – Rick Casares 3-yard run (kick failed). Vikings 10–6. Third quarter
MIN – Jerry Reichow 29-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 17–6.
MIN – Hugh McElhenny 2-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 24–6. Fourth quarter
MIN – Fran Tarkenton 2-yard run (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 31–6.
MIN – Dave Middleton 2-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (kick failed). Vikings 37–6.
CHI – Willie Galimore 10-yard pass from Bill Wade (Roger LeClerc kick). Vikings 37–13.
Top passers
CHI – Bill Wade – 6/10, 109 yards, TD
MIN – Fran Tarkenton – 17/23, 250 yards, 4 TD Top rushers
CHI – Willie Galimore – 12 rushes, 47 yards
MIN – Mel Triplett – 8 rushes, 26 yards Top receivers
CHI – Johnny Morris – 4 receptions, 92 yards
MIN – Jerry Reichow – 3 receptions, 103 yards, TD
This was the first regular season game in Vikings history. George Shaw started the game at quarterback for the Vikings, but he was soon replaced by rookie quarterback Fran Tarkenton . Tarkenton threw four touchdown passes and ran for another as the Vikings won 37–13.[1] 2002 Houston Texans .
Week 2: at Dallas Cowboys [ ]
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
0
7
0 0 7
Cowboys 7
7
0 7 21
at Cotton Bowl , Dallas , Texas
Game information
First quarter
DAL – Amos Marsh 6-yard run (Allen Green kick). Cowboys 7–0. Second quarter
DAL – Don Meredith 20-yard run (Allen Green kick). Cowboys 14–0.
MIN – Tommy Mason 4-yard run (Mike Mercer kick). Cowboys 14–7. Third quarter
Fourth quarter
DAL – Amos Marsh 20-yard pass from Don Meredith (Allen Green kick). Cowboys 21–7.
Top passers
MIN – Fran Tarkenton – 8/24, 117 yards
DAL – Don Meredith – 12/22, 163 yards, TD Top rushers
MIN – Mel Triplett – 9 rushes, 57 yards
DAL – Don Perkins – 17 rushes, 108 yards Top receivers
MIN – A. D. Williams – 4 receptions, 78 yards
DAL – Don Perkins – 5 receptions, 61 yards
Week 3: at Baltimore Colts [ ]
Week 3: Minnesota Vikings at Baltimore Colts – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
3
10
10 10 33
Colts 7
7
7 13 34
at Memorial Stadium , Baltimore , Maryland
Game information
First quarter
MIN – Mike Mercer 20-yard field goal. Vikings 3–0.
BAL – Lenny Moore 72-yard pass from Johnny Unitas (Steve Myhra kick). Colts 7–3. Second quarter
MIN – A. D. Williams 7-yard pass from George Shaw (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 10–7.
BAL – Lenny Moore 4-yard run (Steve Myhra kick). Colts 14–10.
MIN – Mike Mercer 26-yard field goal. Colts 14–13. Third quarter
BAL – Lenny Morre 17-yard pass from Lamar McHan (Steve Myhra kick). Colts 21–13.
MIN – Mike Mercer 10-yard field goal. Colts 21–16.
MIN – Jerry Reichow 23-yard pass from George Shaw (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 23–21. Fourth quarter
BAL – Lenny Morre 23-yard pass from Johnny Unitas (Steve Myhra kick). Colts 28–23.
MIN – Ray Hayes 4-yard run (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 30–28.
BAL – Steve Myhra 37-yard field goal. Colts 31–30.
MIN – Mike Mercer 29-yard field goal. Vikings 33–31.
BAL – Steve Myhra 52-yard field goal. Colts 34–33.
Top passers
MIN – George Shaw – 17/30, 208 yards, 2 TD
BAL – Johnny Unitas – 13/27, 284 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
MIN – Tommy Mason – 10 rushes, 45 yards
BAL – Johnny Unitas – 2 rushes, 26 yards Top receivers
MIN – Ray Hayes – 4 receptions, 69 yards
BAL – Lenny Moore – 5 receptions, 143 yards, 3 TD
Week 4: vs. Dallas Cowboys [ ]
Week 4: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Cowboys 7
7
7 7 28
Vikings
0
0
0 0 0
at Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington, Minnesota
Game information
First quarter
DAL – Billy Howton 12-yard pass from Don Meredith (Allen Green kick). Cowboys 7–0. Second quarter
DAL – Don Perkins 3-yard run (Allen Green kick). Cowboys 14–0' Third quarter
DAL – Frank Clarke 23-yard pass from Eddie LeBaron (Allen Green kick). Cowboys 21–0. Fourth quarter
DAL – Frank Clarke 52-yard pass from Don Meredith (Allen Green kick). Cowboys 28–0.
Top passers
DAL – Don Meredith – 8/16, 124 yards, 2 TD
MIN – Fran Tarkenton – 10/21, 151 yards Top rushers
DAL – Don Perkins – 19 rushes, 73 yards, TD
MIN – Mel Triplett – 9 rushes, 44 yards Top receivers
DAL – Franklin Clarke – 3 receptions, 91 yards, 2 TD
MIN – Jerry Reichow – 4 receptions, 74 yards
Week 5: vs. San Francisco 49ers [ ]
Week 5: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
49ers 7
7
10 14 38
Vikings
7
10
7 0 24
at Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington, Minnesota
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
MIN – Jerry Reichow 42-yard pass from George Shaw (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 14–7.
MIN – Mike Mercer 24-yard field goal. Vikings 17–7.
SF – Billy Kilmer 1-yard run (Tommy Davis kick). Vikings 17–14. Third quarter
SF – Billy Kilmer 2-yard run (Tommy Davis kick). 49ers 21–17.
MIN – Hugh McElhenny 32-yard run (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 24–21.
SF – Tommy Davis 12-yard field goal. Tied 24–24. Fourth quarter
SF – Billy Kilmer 5-yard run (Tommy Davis kick). 49ers 31–24.
SF – Billy Kilmer 20-yard run (Tommy Davis kick). 49ers 38–24.
Top passers
SF – John Brodie – 11/14, 209 yards
MIN – George Shaw – 7/17, 85 yards, TD Top rushers
SF – Billy Kilmer – 20 rushes, 115 yards, 4 TD
MIN – Hugh McElhenny – 10 rushes, 81 yards Top receivers
SF – Monty Stickles – 5 receptions, 102 yards
MIN – Jerry Reichow – 2 receptions, 54 yards, TD
Week 6: vs. Green Bay Packers [ ]
Week 6: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Packers 10
3
3 17 33
Vikings
0
7
0 0 7
at Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington, Minnesota
Game information
First quarter
GB – Boyd Dowler 78-yard pass from Bart Starr (Paul Hornung kick). Packers 7–0'
GB – Paul Hornung 14-yard field goal. Packers 10–0. Second quarter
MIN – Fran Tarkenton 1-yard run (Mike Mercer kick). Packers 10–7.
GB – Paul Hornung 18-yard field goal. Packers 13–7. Third quarter
GB – Paul Hornung 13-yard field goal. Packers 16–7. Fourth quarter
GB – Paul Hornung 16-yard field goal. Packers 19–7.
GB – Jim Taylor 3-yard run (Paul Hornung kick). Packers 26–7.
GB – Dan Currie 21-yard interception return (Paul Hornung kick). Packers 33–7.
Top passers
GB – Bart Starr – 9/19, 206 yards, TD
MIN – Fran Tarkenton – 15/24, 130 yards Top rushers
GB – Tom Moore – 16 rushes, 159 yards
MIN – Hugh McElhenny – 11 rushes, 57 yards Top receivers
GB – Boyd Dowler – 2 receptions, 100 yards, TD
MIN – Jerry Reichow – 5 receptions, 50 yards
Week 7: at Green Bay Packers [ ]
Week 7: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
0
7
3 0 10
Packers 14
7
0 7 28
at Milwaukee County Stadium , Milwaukee , Wisconsin
Game information
First quarter
GB – Paul Hornung 1-yard run (Paul Hornung kick). Packers 7–0.
GB – Ron Kramer 10-yard pass from Paul Hornung (Paul Hornung kick). Packers 14–0. Second quarter
GB – Jim Taylor 8-yard pass from Bart Starr (Paul Hornung kick). Packers 21–0.
MIN – Jerry Reichow 19-yard pass from George Shaw (Mike Mercer kick). Packers 21–7. Third quarter
MIN – Mike Mercer 13-yard field goal. Packers 21–10. Fourth quarter
GB – Max McGee 23-yard pass from Bart Starr (Paul Hornung kick). Packers 28–10.
Top passers
MIN – George Shaw – 9/18, 119 yards, TD
GB – Bart Starr – 18/24, 311 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
MIN – Hugh McElhenny – 12 rushes, 99 yards
GB – Paul Hornung – 12 rushes, 70 yards, TD Top receivers
MIN – Jerry Reichow ��� 4 receptions, 52 yards, TD
GB – Boyd Dowler – 5 receptions, 121 yards
Week 8: at Los Angeles Rams [ ]
Week 8: Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
7
3
7 0 17
Rams 14
3
0 14 31
at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum , Los Angeles , California
Game information
First quarter
LA – Jon Arnett 3-yard run (Danny Villanueva kick). Rams 7–0.
LA – Ollie Matson 15-yard run (Danny Villanueva kick). Rams 14–0.
MIN – Gordie Smith 29-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). Rams 14–7. Second quarter
LA – Danny Villanueva 16-yard field goal. Rams 17–7.
MIN – Mike Mercer 34-yard field goal. Rams 17–10. Third quarter
MIN – Fran Tarkenton 52-yard run (Mike Mercer kick). Tied 17–17. Fourth quarter
LA – Tommy Wilson 14-yard run (Danny Villanueva kick). Rams 24–17.
LA – Joe Marconi 7-yard run (Danny Villanueva kick). Rams 31–17.
Top passers
MIN – Fran Tarkenton – 12/19, 156 yards, TD
LA – Frank Ryan – 6/16, 59 yards Top rushers
MIN – Fran Tarkenton – 11 rushes, 99 yards, TD
LA – Ollie Matson – 8 rushes, 64 yards, TD Top receivers
MIN – Gordie Smith – 2 receptions, 49 yards, TD
LA – Jon Arnett – 2 receptions, 36 yards
Week 9: vs. Baltimore Colts [ ]
Week 9: Baltimore Colts at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Colts
0
14
3 3 20
Vikings 7
7
7 7 28
at Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington, Minnesota
Game information
First quarter
MIN – Mel Triplett 1-yard run (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 7–0. Second quarter
BAL – Alex Hawkins 2-yard run (Steve Myhra kick). Tied 7–7.
MIN – Hugh McElhenny 1-yard run (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 14–7.
BAL – Lenny Moore 3-yard run (Steve Myhra kick). Tied 14–14. Third quarter
BAL – Steve Myhra 37-yard field goal. Colts 17–14.
MIN – Dave Middleton 57-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 21–17. Fourth quarter
BAL – Steve Myhra 38-yard field goal. Vikings 21–20.
MIN – Fran Tarkenton 1-yard run (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 28–20.
Top passers
BAL – Johnny Unitas – 14/31, 138 yards
MIN – Fran Tarkenton – 11/18, 179 yards, TD Top rushers
BAL – Joe Perry – 19 rushes, 100 yards
MIN – Fran Tarkenton – 11 rushes, 58 yards, TD Top receivers
BAL – Raymond Berry – 8 receptions, 86 yards
MIN – Dave Middleton – 3 receptions, 76 yards, TD
Week 10: vs. Detroit Lions [ ]
Week 10: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Lions 0
14
9 14 37
Vikings
10
0
0 0 10
at Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington, Minnesota
Game information
First quarter
MIN – Mike Mercer 13-yard field goal. Vikings 3–0.
MIN – Jerry Reichow 23-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 10–0. Second quarter
DET – Nick Pietrosante 1-yard run (Jim Martin kick). Vikings 10–7.
DET – Terry Barr 18-yard pass from Earl Morrall (Jim Martin kick). Lions 14–10. Third quarter
DET – Jim Martin 15-yard field goal. Lions 17–10.
DET – Gail Cogdill 37-yard pass from Earl Morrall (kick failed). Lions 23–10. Fourth quarter
DET – Terry Barr 9-yard pass from Earl Morrall (Jim Martin kick). Lions 30–10.
DET – Joe Schmidt 8-yard interception return (Jim Martin kick). Lions 37–10.
Top passers
DET – Earl Morrall – 13/17, 154 yards, 3 TD
MIN – Fran Tarkenton – 13/24, 116 yards, TD Top rushers
DET – Earl Morrall – 7 rushes, 62 yards
MIN – Tommy Mason – 3 rushes, 36 yards Top receivers
DET – Terry Barr – 8 receptions, 97 yards, 2 TD
MIN – Dave Middleton – 3 receptions, 60 yards
Week 11: at San Francisco 49ers [ ]
Week 11: Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
0
14
7 7 28
49ers 14
10
7 7 38
at Kezar Stadium , San Francisco , California
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
SF – C. R. Roberts 1-yard run (Tommy Davis kick). 49ers 21–0.
MIN – Tommy Mason 9-yard run (Mike Mercer kick). 49ers 21–7.
SF – Tommy Davis 42-yard field goal. 49ers 24–7.
MIN – Jerry Reichow 17-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). 49ers 24–14. Third quarter
SF – J. D. Smith 15-yard run (Tommy Davis kick). 49ers 31–14.
MIN – Gordie Smith 71-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). 49ers 31–21. Fourth quarter
SF – John Brodie 16-yard run (Tommy Davis kick). 49ers 38–21.
MIN – Fran Tarkenton 1-yard run (Mike Mercer kick). 49ers 38–28.
Top passers
MIN – Fran Tarkenton – 16/24, 277 yards, 2 TD
SF – John Brodie – 14/24, 246 yards, TD Top rushers
MIN – Tommy Mason – 14 rushes, 62 yards, TD
SF – J. D. Smith – 28 rushes, 168 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
MIN – Gordie Smith – 3 receptions, 123 yards, TD
SF – R. C. Owens – 5 receptions, 138 yards, TD
Week 12: vs. Los Angeles Rams [ ]
Week 12: Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Rams
0
14
7 0 21
Vikings 7
14
14 7 42
at Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington, Minnesota
Game information
First quarter
MIN – Hugh McElhenny 17-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 7–0. Second quarter
MIN – Tommy Mason 1-yard run (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 14–0.
LA – Ollie Matson 69-yard run (Danny Villanueva kick). Vikings 14–7.
MIN – Jerry Reichow 51-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 21–7.
LA – Red Phillips 10-yard pass from Zeke Bratkowski (Danny Villanueva kick). Vikings 21–14. Third quarter
LA – Dick Bass 73-yard run (Danny Villanueva kick). Tied 21–21.
MIN – Jerry Reichow 9-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 28–21.
MIN – Ray Hayes 2-yard run (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 35–21. Fourth quarter
MIN – Gordie Smith 12-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 42–21.
Top passers
LA – Zeke Bratkowski – 12/23, 153 yards, TD
MIN – Fran Tarkenton – 21/30, 252 yards, 4 TD Top rushers
LA – Dick Bass – 8 rushes, 113 yards, TD
MIN – Ray Hayes – 18 rushes, 123 yards, TD Top receivers
LA – Ollie Matson – 4 receptions, 75 yards
MIN – Jerry Reichow – 6 receptions, 112 yards, 2 TD
Week 13: at Detroit Lions [ ]
Week 13: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
0
0
7 0 7
Lions 0
7
3 3 13
at Tiger Stadium , Detroit , Michigan
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
MIN – Hugh McElhenny 2-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). Tied 7–7.
DET – Jim Martin 43-yard field goal. Lions 10–7. Fourth quarter
DET – Jim Martin 23-yard field goal. Lions 13–7.
Top passers
MIN – Fran Tarkenton – 15/34, 141 yards, TD
DET – Jim Ninowski – 8/20, 157 yards Top rushers
MIN – Mel Triplett – 7 rushes, 53 yards
DET – Dan Lewis – 12 rushes, 52 yards Top receivers
MIN – Jerry Reichow – 4 receptions, 69 yards
DET – Jim Gibbons – 6 receptions, 84 yards
Week 14: at Chicago Bears [ ]
Week 14: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1
2
3 4 Total
Vikings
14
7
7 7 35
Bears 7
14
24 7 52
at Wrigley Field , Chicago , Illinois
Game information
First quarter
MIN – Hugh McElhenny 81-yard punt return (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 7–0.
MIN – Jerry Reichow 30-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). Vikings 14–0.
CHI – Angelo Coia 62-yard pass from Billy Wade (Roger LeClerc kick). Vikings 14–7. Second quarter
CHI – Willie Galimore 8-yard run (Roger LeClerc kick). Tied 14–14.
CHI – Mike Ditka 2-yard pass from Billy Wade (Roger LeClerc kick). Bears 21–14.
MIN – Jerry Reichow 11-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). Tied 21–21. Third quarter
CHI – Angelo Coia 16-yard pass from Billy Wade (Roger LeClerc kick). Bears 28–21.
CHI – Roger LeClerc 17-yard field goal. Bears 31–21.
CHI – Mike Ditka 30-yard pass from Billy Wade (Roger LeClerc kick). Bears 38–21.
MIN – Gordie Smith 10-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). Bears 38–28.
CHI – Charlie Bivins 30-yard run (Roger LeClerc kick). Bears 45–28. Fourth quarter
MIN – Jerry Reichow 24-yard pass from Fran Tarkenton (Mike Mercer kick). Bears 45–35.
CHI – Willie Galimore 60-yard run (Roger LeClerc kick). Bears 52–35.
Top passers
MIN – Fran Tarkenton – 12/22, 161 yards, 4 TD
CHI – Bill Wade – 23/34, 355 yards, 4 TD Top rushers
MIN – Mel Triplett – 15 rushes, 121 yards
CHI – Willie Galimore – 13 rushes, 97 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
MIN – Jerry Reichow – 6 receptions, 90 yards, 3 TD
CHI – Mike Ditka – 8 receptions, 102 yards, 2 TD
Standings [ ] Note: Tie games were not officially counted in the standings until 1972.
Postseason [ ] Both halfback Hugh McElhenny and receiver (end) Jerry Reichow were voted to the East–West Pro Bowl game, played January 14, 1962, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum . The coach for the West squad was Vikings head coach Norm Van Brocklin . McElhenny scored a third-quarter touchdown on a 10-yard pass from Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr , and the West won the game 31–30.[4]
Statistics [ ] Team leaders [ ]
Category
Player(s)
Value
Passing yards
Fran Tarkenton 1,997
Passing touchdowns
Fran Tarkenton 18
Rushing yards
Hugh McElhenny 570
Rushing touchdowns
Fran Tarkenton 5
Receiving yards
Jerry Reichow 859
Receiving touchdowns
Jerry Reichow 11
Points
Jerry Reichow 66
Kickoff return yards
Tommy Mason 603
Punt return yards
Hugh McElhenny 155
Interceptions
Rip Hawkins 5
League rankings [ ]
Category
Total yards
Yards per game
NFL rank(out of 14)
Passing offense
1,989
142.1
13th
Rushing offense
1,897
135.5
6th
Total offense
3,886
277.6
12th
Passing defense
2,926
209.0
13th
Rushing defense
2,667
190.5
14th
Total defense
5,593
399.5
14th
References [ ]
^ a b "Vikings, 49ers, Colts, Eagles win openers" . Eugene Register-Guard . (Oregon). Associated Press. September 18, 1961. p. 3B.^ "Cold Hard Football Facts: The 5.0 Club: run defense in '11 lit up like hippies in '69" . Archived from the original on May 14, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2012 .^ Gruver, The American Football League , pp. 22–23.
^ "Unitas' last-second pass nips East; 31–30" . Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Associated Press . January 15, 1962. p. 23. Retrieved January 23, 2012 .
Minnesota Vikings
Founded in 1961
Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Headquartered in Eagan, Minnesota Franchise Stadiums Culture Lore Rivalries Division championships (20) Conference championships (4) League championships (1) Retired numbers Current league affiliations
Bold indicates
NFL Championship (1920–69) or
Super Bowl (1966–) victory
Italics indicates
Super Bowl (1966–) appearance