10 of the Biggest Fan Favorites in Minnesota Vikings History

The Minnesota Vikings have had many great players over the years, having hosted thirteen Hall of Famers and many NFL record holders.  Whether they were a member of the Purple People Eaters or a key part of the historic 1998 season where the team went 15-1, the following players are all Minnesota Vikings who were loved by fans.  It is hard to highlight all of the fan favorites but there is no doubt that these 10 players have a special part in Viking fans hearts.

Randall Cunningham

Randall Cunningham can be remembered for his 1998 season when he lead the Minnesota Vikings to one of the most memorable seasons in franchise history when the team went 15-1, falling just short of the Super Bowl.  

That season Cunningham was name the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year and dominated the playing field throwing 34 touchdowns, many of which were caught by rookie wide receiver Randy Moss.

Randy Moss

Joining the team as a rookie, Randy Moss began his outstanding career with Minnesota Vikings.  An electric player from the jump, Moss won over the hearts of Viking fans almost immediately.  A key member of the 1998 season when the Vikings went 15-1, Moss still holds the NFL record for the most touchdown receptions by a rookie in a season with 17.

Moss made the Pro Bowl five times in his seven-year career with the Minnesota Vikings and holds the Vikings record for most 100 yard receiving games with 41.  Moss is second on the Vikings all-time receiving touchdown list, just behind Cris Carter.

A future Hall of Famer, known for his big mouth and crazy antics, Moss was hated by many but loved by Viking fans.

Cris Carter

Cris Carter had an incredible career, spending 12 seasons of it with the Minnesota Vikings.  With that said, it is no surprise that Cris Carter is on the list of Vikings' fan favorites.

The most productive receiver in Vikings history and an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, Carter left Minnesota as the Vikings career leader in receptions with 1,004, receiving yards with 12,383, and touchdowns with 110. 

Yet to be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, Carter is a member of the Vikings Ring of Fame.

Fran Tarkenton

Having lead the Minnesota Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances, Frank Tarkenton was not only a fan favorite, but probably the greatest quarterback in Vikings franchise history due to his success and time spent with the team.

Known for being a game winner, Tarkenton often used his late game heroics to lead the team down the field for a victory.  With nicknames such as the "Mad Scrambler" or "Scramblin Fran,"  Tarkenton had the unique ability to escape opposing teams rushing efforts.

Tarkenton's name is listed in the NFL record books under almost every single passing category and his No. 10 jersey is retired by the Vikings.

Alan Page

Maybe the most dominant member of the famous Purple People Eaters, Alan Page was a key part of the Vikings defense which helped Minnesota reach four Super Bowls in the 1970's.  Page was the first ever defensive player to be named the NFL's MVP.

Page recorded 148 sacks in his career and blocked an amazing 28 kicks.

Robert Smith

Robert Smith was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 1993 NFL draft.  Having spent his entire eight seasons with the Vikings and holding the record for the teams record for all-time leader in rushing yards with 6,818, Smith is a no-brainer for a fan favorite.

Known for his incredible speed, once Smith got away the chase was over, which is why he still holds the all-time NFL record for average yards per touchdown with 27.

Randall McDaniel

An NFL Hall of Famer, Randall McDaniel, is arguably one of the best offensive lineman to ever play the game.  McDaniel started 202 consecutive games in his career and started in an NFL-record 12 consecutive Pro Bowls.

He is a member of the Vikings Ring of Honor and was named to the NFL's 1990s All-Decade team.

Adrian Peterson

Known as "All Day" or the "Purple Jesus" Adrian Peterson is the Minnesota Vikings fan favorite.  Just four years into his career Adrian Peterson has already made history.  Selected as the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft, Peterson was the named the NFL Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl MVP in his first season with the Vikings. 

Peterson has not missed a Pro Bowl appearance in his career and is the NFL's fifth fastest player to reach 5,000 yards on his career.  By the time his career is over, Peterson will likely be one of the greatest of all time.

John Randle

Unrecognized and undrafted, John Randle quickly won over the hearts of Viking fans due to his underdog standing.  Entering his NFL career with a chip on his shoulder, Randle looked like a man on a mission on the defensive line.

A member of the 100 sacks club, Randle had 10 or more sacks in eight straight seasons. Randle made the Pro Bowl six times and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.

Kory Stringer

Despite a short lived career due to tragedy, Kory Stringer is an honorary member of the Vikings fan favorite list.  Although his time with Minnesota wasn't long, Stringer will live on in the hearts of Viking fans forever.  Stringer definitely made an impact during his short time in the NFL, winning  the starting position at right tackle in the second game of his rookie season and holding onto that spot until the day he passed.

An impressive run blocker, Stringer showed promise of leaving a legacy.