Just a little history given to me by Erin Asrolfi. The original Viking started in 1970 and was known simply as "The Viking". In 1983 the NFL commissioned 28 mascots called "Huddles", and each team decided to use the character. The Huddles were seen at major events including the Pro Bowl, Superbowl and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade In NYC. The Present day mascots have real names.

I am trying to add a collection of the Minnesota Viking Mascots as I come across them. If anyone should check in see my page and has information on where I can locate more just click my email box at the bottom and send me a line or picture. I would like to keep updating. They are for anyone to use. Just click and copy.

The Viking

A little history on The Viking. January 11, 1970, New Orleans, Louisiana, site of the Super Bowl IV. A big day for the Minnesota Vikings! This also marked the first appearance of the Vikings' new mascot. There had been sporadic appearances at home games in previous years by a basketball player dressed in a Viking costume; but the 11th of January marked the debut of Hub Meeds, the Viking mascot. Hub and his brother-in-law, Dan Jeans, had purchased two tickets and travelled to New Orleans just like 70,000 other fans to watch the Super Bowl extravaganza, but, unlike the other fans they rented Viking costumes. When they arrived in full dressed Viking array, they were only allowed to watch the spectacle from the sidelines, not in the stands as they wished because they had made no prior arrangements to get field passes. As the two cheered for the team they also won the hearts of the fans. With much support from the fans Hub decided to make the character a permanent fixture at Viking home games. Since that day he has been the only person to play the role and only missed one game in eleven years! Hub knew his custom wasn't feasible to rent for each game so after a couple he had ideas to design and finish one of his own. His, wife, Patty, made a pattern based on one of the rented costumes. Toghter, Hub and Patty with the help of a neighbor, constucted the following suit. The undergarment is sleeveless, knee-length, and made of burlap or sackcloth. Over this a vest of imitation sheepskin is worn, A wide belt, and fake fur boots strapped with strips of leather complete this portion of the costume. While Hub now lets his beard grow for football season, originally he purchased a red wig and full, red beard to wear. His first helmet came from a costume shop and was made of a material which allowed heating and shaping to fit the head. His current helmet has real horns attached to a metal helmet covered with fake fur. The sword was purchased at an antique sale and the shield he carries is a discarded snow saucer measuring about 22 inches in diameter. The saucer was pretty well banged up, adding to its appearance of authenticity. It was sprayed gold, and as a finishing touch, Hub put rivits around the edges and attached two straps through which he can put his arm. The arm pieces are of imitation brown leather. Football season is usually very cold in Minnesota so Hub normally wears a black sweater, levis, and of course insulated underwear under the costume. Before each home game, the Viking sets up a group of shields along the sidelines which spell out the word VIKINGS. They are used as props by the cheerleaders who pick them up one at a time in proper sequence while Hub waves his sword and shield to the crowd. This routine brings a roar from the fans but never as loud as when Hub solos at those moments when they "really need it". Unlike many of the official mascots in professional sports, Hub does not receive a salary for his appearances at Viking home games. He's a dedicated fan and feels that the two season tickets plus the paid trip to one away game each year are ample rewards. Hub has a heart of gold when it comes to cheering up the unfortunated children who are unable to get out to the stadium to see him. While at the away games he encounters some friendly displayes with the other mascot to get the crowd roaring. Before Hub Meeds retires as the Viking, we are sure that players and fans alike will pay tribute to a fine and loyal mascot and a big-hearted human being.

The Viking vs The Lion

This is a picture of Hub Meeds. This is The Viking on the day of the Lion game. He was having a little fun before hand. The lion is played by his son. All in fun of course!

Hub Meed

Meet the real face behind the customs.

Ragnar

Ragnar was designed by the person wearing the Vikadontis Rex.

Vikadontis Rex

Rex participated in the 1995 Celebrity Mascot Olympics in Orlando. Rex is worn by Henry Gomez, who owns a Minneapolis-based costume shop by the same name. Henry designed Rex, and wears the costume for games and appearences. He also designed "Ragnar".

The Minnesota Vikings are an officially sanctioned NFL team and the name "Minnesota Vikings" is a trademark of the Vikings organization and the NFL.