The Age of the Purple People Eaters: Vikings Football in the 70s

06/06/23 • 12 min

4 Listeners

Ready for a blast from the past? Join us as we reminisce about the Minnesota Vikings' unforgettable decade of the 1970s. Discover how head coach Bud Grant transformed the team into a powerhouse, and dive into the storied history of the legendary Purple People Eater defense. Learn about the impact of iconic players like Alan Page on the team's performance, and relive some of the most memorable moments in Vikings history, including the controversial Hail Mary against the Dallas Cowboys.
Throughout this captivating episode, we'll guide you through the impressive 1973 season with a 12-2 record, the Vikings' participation in four NFC championship games in just five years, and the beginning of their search for a new stadium that led to the construction of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. Whether you're a die-hard Vikings fan or a football enthusiast looking to learn more about one of the most dominant teams of the 70s, this episode is a must-listen trip down memory lane. Don't miss out!

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Previous Episode

History of the Minnesota Vikings: The 60s

3 Recommendations

Hello everyone and welcome to another amazing episode of the Steven Gervais and Friends Podcasts. Today, I talk about the Minnesota Vikings and the origins of the team all the way up to their first Super Bowl loss in Super Bowl 4 to the Kansas City Chiefs. First, we talk about the background of the sport of football in Minnesota starting with the Minnesota Marines and the Duluth Eskimos. Second, I talk about the team's ties with the AFL before they left to get an NFL expansion team in 1960. But the Vikings although granted an NFL expansion franchise in 1960 would not start playing until 1961 which in my opinion they should have stayed with the AFL. Third, I talk about how the Vikings almost got future Vikings head coach Bud Grant who was coaching in Canada at the time to be the first coach but being a wise man he turned it down. After Norm Van Brocklin made life hell for Fran Tarkenton who would later ask and be granted a trade. Norm would quit the team for the second time and then the Vikings went and hired Bud Grant who instilled a different mindset into the Vikings which was led by Joe Kapp on offense and the Purple People Eaters on defense made a run to Super Bowl 4 although they were heavily favored they would lose to the Kansas City Chiefs.

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Next Episode

The Minnesota Vikings: A Nostalgic Journey through the 1980s - Triumphs, Struggles, and Legends

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Can you believe it's been over three decades since the unforgettable Miracle at the Met and the opening of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome? Join us as we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting the rollercoaster decade of the 1980s for the Minnesota Vikings. We'll explore the team's successes, including 12 playoff appearances, 11 division titles, and four Super Bowl runs, as well as the legendary coaches who shaped the Vikings during this era - Fran Tarkington, Jim Marshall, Bud Grant, and Les Steckel. And who can forget the quarterbacks who played through the ups and downs, like Tommy Kramer and Wade Wilson? Plus, we'll discuss the Global Cup, the first American football game played at London's Wembley Stadium.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Vikings in the '80s. We'll delve into the coaching struggles that plagued the team, including Les Steckel's military-style approach that led to the dismal 3-13 season in 1984. Discover how Jerry Burns emerged as the coach the Vikings needed after Bud Grant's departure, and hear about the statement game they played against all odds. We'll also touch on the Minnesota Twins' '87 season success and the Vikings' heartbreaking loss against the Washington Redskins in the NFC Championship Game. And as a bonus, after listening to our episode, be sure to check out the Deluxe Edition Network and the podcast of the year winner, Bev's Video Kingdom!

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