Wow, a sad day indeed for Vikings fans and NFL fans today. Hall-of-fame coach Bud Grant passed away at the age of 95. The Vikings released a statement on their website.
As all of you know, Bud Grant coached the Vikings for 18 seasons. He led some spectacular teams throughout those years. Grant served as the Vikings’ head coach from 1967-83, and again for one year in 1985 (The Les Steckel debacle occured in 1984). In those 18 years, Grant led the Vikings to four Super Bowl appearances, 11 division titles, one league championship and three National Football Conference championships.
Grant put together the Purple People Eaters, a defense that dominated the field. It was also a defensive unit that produced multiple hall-of-fame players, as well as a state Supreme Court Justice. In his early years, Bud Grant was also a professional football player, as well as a professional basketball player. He also coached the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and led them to four championships in 10 years.
Grant was deeply admired by the men who played for him, those who worked with him, and those who met him. My wife & daughter attended Bud’s garage sale many years ago, and he was extremely friendly and gracious. He signed our daughter’s jersey, & we bought several items, including a boat paddle that was made into a cribbage board with .223 rounds for pegs. What a cool man.
The world lost a great man today. Rest in peace, Mr. Grant. A true legend, a great person, and someone who reached the pinnacle of almost anything he tried.
Lo, There do I see my Father Lo, There do I see my Mother and My Brothers and my Sisters Lo, There do I see the line of my people back to the begining Lo, They do call to me They bid me take my place among them in the halls of Valhalla Where thine enemies have been vanquished Where the brave shall live Forever
RIP Coach. Thank you for the great memories.
RIP Bud
Yepper.
Yep. Seemed like a great guy.
I will never forget that playoff game where he jogged out in a polo shirt in below zero temps.