Vikings in the Playoffs - by Rick Bowman (Paperback)

About the Book

""This work tells the story of the Minnesota Vikings capturing the hearts of fans during an unprecedented run in the 10-year period from 1968 to 1977. It all started at Philadelphia's historic Franklin Field, where in December of 1968 the Vikings secured their first playoff berth. Like Roger Kahn's beloved Brooklyn Dodgers of the 1950s, a collection of players known as the "Boys of Summer," the Vikings were always on the precipice of a championship, but could only break through once, in 1969. While the Dodgers were tormented by the dreaded New York Yankees, it was the likes of the Dallas Cowboys who broke the hearts of Vikings fans some 20 years later. Yet, it was during this time the Purple and Gold birthed a vehement and long-suffering horde of followers who, despite the club's many disappointments, remain steadfast today. As Kahn so aptly said in "The Boys of Summer," his classic narrative of growing up a Dodgers fan and covering the team for the Herald Tribune: "Losing after great striving is the story of man, who was born to sorrow, whose sweetest songs tell the saddest thought." The book will detail specific and unknown aspects of the team's triumphs and disappointments of this special era, largely focusing on the Vikings' nine playoff victories, with valuable insights by those who were there, including many players they lined up against."-Provided by publisher"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

In December 1968 at Philadelphia's historic Franklin Field, the Minnesota Vikings secured their first playoff berth despite chilly conditions and cranky Eagles spectators, capturing the hearts of fans of the Purple and Gold. Although the Vikings reached four Super Bowls from the late 1960s into the late 1970s, they seemed always on the precipice of a major championship--breaking through only once, in 1969--and were the cause of anguish for their loyal followers when they fell to the Dallas Cowboys nearly 10 years later.

This book details the team's triumphs and disappointments from 1968 to 1977, with special attention to the Vikings' nine playoff victories and valuable insights by those who were there, including many opposing players.

Review Quotes

"Excellent points and interesting facts ... exceptional research ... an in-depth analysis of the winning years of the Vikings... Bowman added personal memories to his book that adds depth to its content. ...historical and complete in its coverage of the games, players, coaches who made up the team. I highly recommend this book for your football library especially if you are a Vikings fan."-Gridiron Greats Magazine

About the Author

Rick Bowman served as the sports editor for Record Publishing, a newspaper chain in Northeast Ohio, for 10 years. He lives in Akron, Ohio.