Minnesota Vikings Unveil New Uniform and Helmet

The Minnesota Vikings have revealed their official 2013 uniform and helmet, via Nike.com.

The design of the uniform combines the history of the ancient Vikings with the Minnesota football team. The contours of the uniform represent the curves on the bow of a Viking ship. The design lines can also be found on the matte purple helmets.

You will also notice that the ends of the numbers on the uniforms curve like the bow of a Viking ship.

Another enhancement: There is extra padding in the "hit zones" of the uniforms. 

The new design is sleek, yet historic. It's a nice touch. The Vikings have managed to tap into the old-school Vikings without looking old school. That's not always an easy thing to do.

The new uniforms also don't appear to overdo it. So often you will see new uniforms with bright colors or outlandish designs that make them look more like an elaborate costume than football wear.  

Nike did it right for the Vikings in 2013. This is a uniform that would make any pro football player feel proud. I can see it now...Adrian Peterson bursting for an 80-yard touchdown in the stylish new threads, or new receiver Greg Jennings catching a touchdown pass in the corner from young quarterback Christian Ponder.

The Vikings have two first-round picks in the draft this year courtesy of a trade that sent former receiver Percy Harvin to the Seattle Seahawks. They come off a surprising 10-6 season that saw them make the playoffs following a 3-13 campaign in 2011.