Early Years and the Formation of the Franchise
The Minnesota Vikings were established in 1960 as a member of the NFL's Eastern Conference. In their early years, the team struggled to find a consistent starting quarterback. The franchise's first-ever quarterback was George Shaw, who had a brief stint before the Vikings found their footing with other players.
1960s: The Beginning
1. George Shaw (1961): Shaw was the first quarterback in Vikings history but did not find success and was replaced quickly.
2. Fran Tarkenton (1961-1966, 1972-1978): Tarkenton, who would later become a Hall of Famer, is undoubtedly the franchise's most iconic quarterback. Known for his improvisational skills and ability to extend plays, Tarkenton led the Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances during the 1970s and set multiple passing records during his career.
Achievements of Fran Tarkenton
- Super Bowl Appearances: Tarkenton led the Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances (IV, VIII, IX).
- MVP Awards: He was named NFL MVP in 1976.
- Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986, Tarkenton is remembered as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
The 1970s: Continued Growth and Challenges
The Vikings enjoyed a successful decade in the 1970s, largely due to the talents of Tarkenton. However, backup quarterbacks also played significant roles during this period.
Key Quarterbacks of the 1970s
- Joe Kapp (1967-1970): Known for his toughness and leadership, Kapp led the Vikings to their first Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl IV.
- Tarkenton's Second Stint: Tarkenton returned to the Vikings in 1972, further solidifying his legacy.
1980s: A Shift in Dynamics
The 1980s brought changes to the Vikings' quarterback landscape, with a mix of promising young talents and established veterans.
Quarterback Carousel
1. Tommy Kramer (1977-1989): Kramer became the starting quarterback and enjoyed moderate success, leading the team to playoff appearances. He was known for his strong arm and ability to perform in clutch situations.
2. Wade Wilson (1981-1989): Wilson served as both a starter and backup during his time with the Vikings. He had a few seasons where he showcased his talent and potential.
Notable Moments
- 1987 Playoffs: Tommy Kramer led the Vikings to a thrilling playoff victory against the San Francisco 49ers, a game that featured a dramatic last-minute touchdown.
- Quarterback Controversy: The late 1980s saw various controversies and competition for the starting position, as the Vikings sought stability.
1990s: The Rise of Randall Cunningham
As the 1990s approached, the Vikings sought to revitalize their offense with a mix of veteran leadership and fresh talent.
Randall Cunningham Era
- Randall Cunningham (1997-1999): After a successful career with the Philadelphia Eagles, Cunningham joined the Vikings and revitalized his career. In 1998, he led the Vikings to a record-setting offensive season, culminating in a trip to the NFC Championship Game.
Achievements of Randall Cunningham
- 1998 Season: Cunningham threw for over 3,700 yards and 34 touchdowns, leading the Vikings to a 15-1 record.
- Pro Bowl Selection: His performance earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl, showcasing his remarkable skills.
2000s: The Post-Cunningham Era
Following Cunningham's departure, the Vikings faced challenges in finding a consistent quarterback. The decade was marked by instability and experimentation.
Key Players of the 2000s
- Daunte Culpepper (1999-2005): Culpepper emerged as one of the league's top quarterbacks in the early 2000s. He had a breakout season in 2004, throwing for 4,717 yards and 39 touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl honors.
- Brad Johnson (2005): Johnson, a seasoned veteran, played a key role in leading the Vikings to the playoffs during his time with the team.
Highlights of Daunte Culpepper’s Career
- 2004 Season: Culpepper's stellar season included a 110.9 passer rating and a league-leading touchdown total.
- Pro Bowl Appearances: He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2000, 2003, and 2004, solidifying his reputation as one of the best quarterbacks of his era.
2010s: The Search for Stability
The 2010s were characterized by continued struggles at the quarterback position, with several players trying to fill the void left by the franchise greats.
Notable Quarterbacks of the 2010s
1. Brett Favre (2009-2010): The legendary quarterback had a memorable two-year stint with the Vikings, leading them to the NFC Championship Game in 2009.
2. Christian Ponder (2011-2014): Selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Ponder had a rocky start, showing flashes of potential but ultimately failing to secure the starting job long-term.
3. Teddy Bridgewater (2014-2016): Bridgewater provided hope for the franchise, showcasing promise early in his career before a devastating injury derailed his trajectory.
Impact of Brett Favre
- 2009 Season: Favre threw for 4,202 yards and 33 touchdowns, making a significant impact on the team's offense.
- NFC Championship Game: Favre's leadership led the Vikings to the brink of a Super Bowl appearance, but they fell short against the New Orleans Saints in a dramatic overtime loss.
2020s: A New Era
The current decade has seen a shift towards a new generation of quarterbacks, with the Vikings continuing their quest for a franchise quarterback.
Current Quarterbacks
1. Kirk Cousins (2018-Present): Cousins has been a steady presence for the Vikings, known for his passing accuracy and leadership. He has led the team to multiple playoff appearances and continues to be a key figure in the franchise's future.
2. Development of Young Talent: The Vikings have invested in developing young quarterbacks to secure their long-term future.
Challenges and Achievements
- Playoff Appearances: Cousins has helped lead the Vikings to the playoffs, including a remarkable victory over the New Orleans Saints in the 2019 playoffs.
- Statistical Success: Cousins has consistently put up impressive numbers, including multiple seasons with over 4,000 passing yards.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings quarterback history is a reflection of the trials and triumphs experienced by the franchise. From the legendary Fran Tarkenton to the current leadership of Kirk Cousins, each quarterback has left an indelible mark on the team and its fans. As the Vikings continue to pursue their ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl, the legacy of their quarterbacks will remain a focal point in the team's narrative, reminding fans of the great moments and the ongoing quest for greatness. The future looks bright as the franchise builds on its storied past, seeking to find the next great quarterback to lead them to the pinnacle of success in the NFL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the Minnesota Vikings' first starting quarterback?
The first starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings was Fran Tarkenton, who played for the team from 1961 to 1966 and then again from 1972 to 1978.
Which quarterback led the Vikings to their first Super Bowl appearance?
Fran Tarkenton led the Minnesota Vikings to their first Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl IV in 1970.
What notable achievement did Randall Cunningham accomplish during his time with the Vikings?
Randall Cunningham, during the 1998 season with the Vikings, led the team to a 15-1 record and was named the NFL MVP.
Who was the Vikings' starting quarterback during their famous 1998 season?
The starting quarterback for the Vikings during their famous 1998 season was Randall Cunningham.
Which quarterback helped the Vikings reach the NFC Championship game in 2009?
Brett Favre helped the Minnesota Vikings reach the NFC Championship game in the 2009 season.
What was the outcome of the Vikings' 2009 NFC Championship game with Brett Favre as quarterback?
The Vikings lost the 2009 NFC Championship game to the New Orleans Saints in overtime, with a score of 31-28.
Who succeeded Teddy Bridgewater as the starting quarterback for the Vikings?
Sam Bradford succeeded Teddy Bridgewater as the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in 2016 after Bridgewater's injury.
What impact has Kirk Cousins had on the Vikings since joining the team?
Since joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2018, Kirk Cousins has consistently been a top performer, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and setting franchise records for passing yards and touchdowns.
