Why Vikings Are the Unluckiest Team in NFL History
The Minnesota Vikings have a long and storied NFL history, but it’s one riddled with misfortune. From Super Bowl defeats to devastating injuries, the team has faced one heartbreak after another. Despite this, their loyal fan base continues to hope that one day, their team’s fortunes will finally change. Here are 15 reasons why many believe the Vikings are the unluckiest franchise in NFL history.
Four Super Bowl Defeats
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The Vikings reached four Super Bowls (IV, VIII, IX, and XI) but lost every single one. Despite their talent and competitive seasons, they couldn’t secure the championship. This record ties them with the Buffalo Bills for the most Super Bowl appearances without a victory, leaving fans with years of disappointment.
1998 NFC Championship Missed Kick
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In 1998, the Vikings dominated the regular season with a 15-1 record and a record-breaking offense. Gary Anderson, who hadn’t missed a field goal all year, missed a critical one in the NFC Championship. The Falcons capitalized on the opportunity, defeating the Vikings in overtime and shattering their Super Bowl dreams.
Minneapolis Miracle’s Bitter Aftermath
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In 2018, the “Minneapolis Miracle” gave fans one of the most thrilling moments in NFL history. However, the joy faded quickly when the Vikings suffered a crushing 38-7 loss to the Eagles in the NFC Championship the following week. The dramatic swing left fans questioning if their team was cursed.
1987 NFC Championship Drop
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The Vikings, on the brink of a Super Bowl appearance in 1987, lost to Washington due to a dropped pass in the end zone during the final moments. That single mistake sealed their 17-10 loss and added another chapter to their history of falling short in crucial games.
Blair Walsh’s 2015 Playoff Miss
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In the 2015 Wild Card game, Blair Walsh missed a 27-yard field goal with seconds remaining, costing the Vikings a win over the Seahawks. The kick, attempted in freezing temperatures, was one of the most shocking misses in NFL history and added to the team’s infamous playoff heartbreaks.
Quarterback Injuries
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The Vikings’ quarterback struggles include Teddy Bridgewater’s devastating knee injury in 2016, Kirk Cousins’ Achilles injury in 2023, and JJ McCarthy’s season-ending knee injury in 2024. These setbacks derailed seasons filled with promise and left the team searching for answers in critical moments.
Fran Tarkenton’s Super Bowl Struggles
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Fran Tarkenton, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, led the Vikings to three Super Bowls in the 1970s but failed to secure a championship. Despite his incredible skills and leadership, the team couldn’t overcome their opponents on football’s biggest stage, leaving fans longing for a win.
2009 NFC Championship Penalty
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In the 2009 NFC Championship, the Vikings set up for a game-winning field goal against the Saints. A “12 men in the huddle” penalty moved them back, and Brett Favre threw a costly interception. The Saints won in overtime, denying the Vikings another shot at Super Bowl glory.
Herschel Walker Trade Disaster
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The Vikings traded away multiple draft picks and players in 1989 for Herschel Walker, expecting him to lead them to a championship. Instead, Walker underperformed, and the Cowboys used those picks to build a dynasty. The trade remains one of the most lopsided in NFL history.
The 1975 Hail Mary Controversy
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In the 1975 NFC Divisional Round, Roger Staubach’s “Hail Mary” pass led the Cowboys to a victory over the Vikings. Many believe the play involved offensive pass interference, but no penalty was called. This controversial loss remains one of the most painful moments in franchise history.
The Dome Collapse in 2010
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In December 2010, heavy snow caused the Metrodome roof to collapse, forcing the Vikings to relocate their final home game to Detroit. The incident disrupted their season and became another bizarre setback for a franchise already known for its misfortune.
Adrian Peterson’s 2011 Injury
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Adrian Peterson, a future Hall of Famer, tore his ACL in 2011, cutting short a promising season. Although he returned in 2012 to win MVP, the injury derailed the team’s playoff aspirations that year and added another what-if scenario to the Vikings’ long list of setbacks.
A History of Kicking Woes
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The Vikings’ history is riddled with missed field goals during pivotal games, from Gary Anderson’s infamous miss in 1998 to Blair Walsh’s playoff miss in 2015. These failures have cost them playoff victories and deepened the belief that fortune never favors their kickers.
Sam Darnold’s Uncertain Future
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After JJ McCarthy’s injury, Sam Darnold stepped in and led the Vikings to a 10-2 record in 2024. Despite his success, the team hasn’t committed to a long-term deal, leaving fans uncertain about its direction as they head into another critical offseason.
No Super Bowl Wins Despite Success
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The Vikings have won 21 division titles and reached the playoffs 31 times, yet they’ve never won a Super Bowl. This rare combination of consistent competitiveness without ultimate success underscores their place as one of the NFL’s most snakebitten franchises.