65 Years Ago Today
September 17, 1961#VIKINGS' FIRST GAME AND VICTORY

Minnesota triumphs in its first regular season game in franchise history — a stunning 37-13 rout of the Bears at The Met in Bloomington.

In his NFL debut, rookie quarterback Fran Tarkenton comes off the… pic.twitter.com/6M87LwQHIQ

— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) September 17, 2026

Cricket wrote:

https://www.vikings.com/news/lunchbreak-fran-tarkenton-2026-bud-grant-distinguished-minnesotan-awardFran Tarkenton to Receive 2026 Bud Grant Distinguished Minnesotan AwardSix-plus decades ago, Fran Tarkenton boldly introduced himself to the NFL on this day.His legacy will never fade, and it continues to grow. On Wednesday, Tarkenton, 86, was announced by the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation as the 2026 recipient of the Bud Grant Distinguished Minnesotan Award, a fitting recognition for one of Grant's most iconic players."We couldn't be more excited to honor Fran Tarkenton for the lasting impact he has made not only on the Minnesota Vikings, but also the state of Minnesota and our entire football community," Todd Fultz, the President of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation, said in a release."Fran created so many special memories that Vikings fans will remember and treasure forever," Fultz added. "When you think of the Minnesota Vikings, Fran Tarkenton is one of the first names that comes to mind. His elusive, scrambling style changed the way the quarterback position is played. Our entire chapter would like to thank Fran for everything he has done for Minnesota football over the years."Tarkenton was drafted by the Vikings in the third round (29th overall) ahead of the franchise's inaugural season in 1961. He was heroic in his NFL debut, throwing four touchdown passes off the bench against Chicago in Minnesota's first game 65 years ago today. He also rushed for a score.Nicknamed "The Scrambler" for his daringness, Tarkenton earned consecutive Pro Bowl selections in 1964-65 and three in a row with the Vikings from 1974-76 after he returned to the Purple in 1972, following a stint with the New York Giants from 1967-71 that included four Pro Bowls in five seasons.Tarkenton reached three Super Bowls with the Vikings and won the NFL MVP honors from The Associated Press in 1975, at 35, when he clipped a career-high 64.2% of his passes for 2,994 yards, 25 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also rushed for two scores, and he matched the '73 season with a 12-2 record.Tarkenton ultimately put up gaudy numbers for his era, retiring as the league's career leader in completions (3,686; 21st now), attempts (6,467; 17th), passing yards (47,003; 15th) and passing TDs (342; 13th). But the impact of his style surpassed box scores — it changed football forever; he modernized the position, effectively creating a premium for passers who can throw on the run and extend plays.A member of the Vikings Ring of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Tarkenton compiled a 91-73-6 record over 13 seasons with Minnesota, and an overall mark of 124-109-6. Additionally, he is tied for 11th all-time in fourth-quarter comebacks (29) and ranks eighth for QBs with 3,674 rushing yards.Here are the previous winners of the Bud Grant Distinguished Minnesotan Award:2014: Tom Moe2015: David and Janis Larson2016: Stan Nelson2017: Morrie Lanning2018: Mark Dienhart2019: Dick Ames2021: Randall and Marianne McDaniel2022: Paul Wiggin2024: Scott Studwell2025: Tom MooreTarkenton will be celebrated during the Minnesota Football Honors show, which will premiere on YouTube at 7 p.m. (CT) on Sept. 22.

Tom Moore? Is that the Tom Moore we know from previous message boards?

greediron wrote:

Tom Moore? Is that the Tom Moore we know from previous message boards?

No ~ The coach.

He was born in Owatonna, Mn.

4 Time S. B. champion

@greediron ~ Speaking of Tom, I sure do miss his content here. His articles, interviews, & knowledge of Vikings' history were always interesting. (To me, anyway) I may be wrong, but I do think that he's the one behind VikeFans on X.

Cricket wrote:

@greediron ~ Speaking of Tom, I sure do miss his content here. His articles, interviews, & knowledge of Vikings' history were always interesting. (To me, anyway) I may be wrong, but I do think that he's the one behind VikeFans on X.

I believe he does, or at least was the one that created it on X.

Yeah, I always enjoyed his content.