One of the most iconic figures in Minnesota sports history is no longer with us. On Saturday, the Minnesota Vikings revealed that former head coach Bud Grant (Harry Grant Jr.) passed away at the age of 95.
While the Superior, Wisconsin native may not have been born in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, they sure adopted him as one of their own. With good reason, too, as there may not be a person who embodies the state of Minnesota more than Grant himself.
Not only did he attend the University of Minnesota, where he was a tri-sport athlete for the Golden Gophers, Grant actually took his talent to the NBA afterward, playing 96 games for the Minneapolis Lakers from 1949-51. This gave Grant a chance to play for Lakers general manager Sid Hartman, who later enjoyed a long career as a journalist for the Star Tribune, winning an NBA Championship in 1950.
But Grant was also a first-round pick in the NFL, being selected 14th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles. He became a two-way star, beginning as a defensive end, where he led the team in sacks his first season before becoming a wide receiver the next year, finishing second in the NFL in receiving yards.
After two years in the NFL, Grant joined the CFL for four years as a player before beginning his coaching career in 1957 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he spent 10 seasons. Then, finally, Grant’s legendary coaching career with the Minnesota Vikings began in 1967, leading the Purple People Eaters to four Super Bowl appearances across 18 seasons.
Grant wrapped up his coaching career in 1985 with a win-loss record of 158-96-5. While Grant wasn’t able to deliver the Vikings their first Super Bowl, he earned NFL Coach of the Year honors in 1969 and later was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1983. Grant became the first member of both HOF clubs.
As mentioned, Grant was a true legend of the game. He continued to be involved, being listed as a consultant with the Minnesota Vikings and even holding an office at TCO Performance Center. Listed as one of the 50 Greatest Vikings of all time, it’s safe to say he’ll be included on any short list of influential members of Vikings history for the rest of their existence.
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Wilf family, owner of Minnesota Vikings, releases statement
“No single individual more defined the Minnesota Vikings than Bud Grant. A once-in-a-lifetime man, Bud will forever be synonymous with success, toughness, the North and the Vikings. In short, he was the Vikings. Words can never truly describe Bud’s impact on this franchise and this community. His commitment to the Vikings never wavered as he was a mainstay in our facility, spending time with coaches and staff in his office on a regular basis. We cherished the times we had together, listening to his tremendous stories and soaking up his knowledge of the game. Most importantly, we are thankful we were able to get to know Bud on a personal level and see first-hand his love for his family. We join members of the Vikings organization, the generations of players Bud impacted, the people of Minnesota and the entire NFL in mourning this monumental loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bud’s family and friends in this difficult time.”
Minnesota Vikings ownership group, including Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf
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