Vikings and Mascot Ragnar Part Ways After Failure to Reach New Agreement

Somehow, the Minnesota Vikings managed to beat the Detroit Lions on Sunday for their first win of the 2015 season without the services of Ragnar the Viking.

As Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press noted, the mascot who was supposed to lead the team from the tunnel on a motorcycle in a horned helmet and furs was not at the stadium for the home opener because of contract negotiations.

Per Krawczynski, the team announced Monday “that they have not been able to reach a new contract agreement with Joe Juranitch, the man who played Ragnar for the last 21 years and was looking for quite a raise.”

In fact, Ragnar reportedly asked for $20,000 per game for the next 10 years. That would mean $2 million over the course of the contract if preseason games are included.

For real.

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reacted to the news:

For context, Krawczynski’s report said Ragnar made about $1,500 a game last year and split the mascot spotlight with Viktor, the team’s official mascot, since 2007. Ragnar was an independent contractor rather than an official member of the Vikings. 

While he wasn’t in the stadium, the mascot made his voice heard during Sunday’s game when he posted a message on Facebook while wearing his full outfit (via Krawczynski):

"

It doesn’t feel right sitting at home. This is not by my choice. I don’t make those decisions. At this point it was made for me. I miss all my fans and your support. Let’s all stay positive as we move forward.

"

The Vikings responded with a message of their own and suggested they had “multiple conversations” with Juranitch. The team was also appreciative of Ragnar’s years in Minnesota (via Krawczynski):

"

The Vikings greatly appreciate what Ragnar has meant to the organization and to the fans over the last two decades. We intend to honor his 21 seasons on the field during a 2015 Vikings home game and we will welcome him to future ceremonial events. We will always consider Ragnar an important part of Vikings history.

"

His time with the Vikings will likely remain only a part of history if he continues to demand such a large raise.