Minnesota Vikings former head coach Bud Grant. (Bruce Kluckhon-USA Today Sports)
Former Vikings coach Bud Grant passed away at the age of 95 on Saturday sending an outpouring of memories and love for the Minnesota legend.
Minnesota was in mourning Saturday with the news of the passing of former Vikings coach Bud Grant at the age of 95.
Grant was a giant on the Minnesota sports scene. He coached the Vikings from 1967 to 1983 and again in 1985. He raised the team to new heights with his tough coaching style, leading them to the 1969 NFL Championship. He reached the Super Bowl four times with the team but never Win hacks.
“We are so devastated to announce the passing of legendary Minnesota Vikings head coach and Hall of Famer Bud Grant this morning at the age of 95,” the Vikings tweeted on the news on Saturday.
We are absolutely devastated to announce the passing of legendary Minnesota Vikings coach and Hall of Famer Bud Grant this morning at the age of 95.
We, like all Vikings and NFL fans, are shocked and saddened by this terrible news. pic.twitter.com/z2NNlNAY44
– Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 11, 2023
Vikings fans, former players and other fans took to Twitter to mourn Grant’s death and to share what he meant for the world of sports.
Vikings fans have shared memories and love following Bud Grant’s death
RIP Coach Scholarship. One of my favorite memories of the legend. Walking to the center line to toss a coin at a golf shirt…and the air temperature is -6. pic.twitter.com/fm76IaORd8
— Jay Ollstad (@jayolstadtv) March 11, 2023
If Winter turned into a human man, that man would be Bud Grant. Not only did he rescue the Vikings from utter insignificance, he built a framework and a culture that permeates to this day. *He* is a Viking, and will remain a Viking after his death. RIP buds. pic.twitter.com/H7NbzmX6jm
– Luke Brown (@LukeBraunNFL) March 11, 2023
Sad day for sure. Bud Grant passed away this morning. It was an absolute honor to play for this guy. 🙏🏻RIP will be missed pic.twitter.com/JUwhkb3PGX
— Keith Millard (@keithjmillard75) March 11, 2023
Bud Rip Scholarship. awesome man. Welcome to Vikings with kind words and encouragement
Later that season in one of the coldest games in NFL history, he came out for a coin toss at a game of polo. The head is high, the chest is out, the eyes are burning
An absolute legend https://t.co/6LdKFbMCF8
— Rob Rodriguez (@CoachRod_FB) March 11, 2023
Bud Grant! What else can you say? HC and the man who gave me a chance to turn the field for the Vikings for 10 years, we had a special bond of mutual respect and admiration. We will never forget our special moments. @Rest of the old fisherman! pic.twitter.com/s9OfHIVBOu
— Greg Coleman (@gregcoleman8) March 11, 2023
For me, football was the best in the 70’s. Snowy Sunday in Minnesota. Purple people eaters. Nothing can ever be better.
Bud Grant was a legend, an amazing coach, and a gentleman in every sense of the word. Rest in peace Coach, thanks for all those unforgettable games. pic.twitter.com/EdkH8I83CI
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) March 11, 2023
Nobody represents Minnesota more than Bud Grant. He’s up there with Prince on Mount Rushmore from the famous Minnesota Legends. https://t.co/BoH2TpDWRv
— Josh Hill (@jdavhill) March 11, 2023
bud grant,
vikings win percentage,
NFL Ranking:
Before Grant = VI – worst
With Scholarship = 5th-Best
Scholarship dimension = 9 – best
Fix a weak program. She has maintained her success for 18 years. And set the standard now.
Vikings are Vikings because of Grant.
— Dustin Baker (@DustBaker) March 11, 2023
Bud Grant was older than Coach. For people my age (53), he was a legend. Similar to Lombardi in how his presence commands the sideline. And this does not take into account the older generation who knew him as a legendary athlete. Bud Grant was Minnesota.
— Jude Zulgad (@jzulgad) March 11, 2023
I literally have tears…
A man who literally personified the word Vikings and made me a fan of the team.
peace bud. Thanks for the memories.
— Kevin McMahon (@McDegoViking) March 11, 2023
Grant was born in Wisconsin but played for Minnesota in college. He was selected by the Eagles in the first round of the 1950 NFL Draft but left after two years to join the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.
His playing days in Winnipeg soon turned to coaching as he took over as head coach of the Blue Bombers in 1957. He won four Gray Cups before the Vikings came along in 1967.
While he retired in 1985 with a record of 158-96, he remained deeply involved with the franchise as a consultant until his death. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
Fans across social media remembered his strength, especially in the cold northern winter. As an 88-year-old, he would wear a short-sleeved shirt to midfield to coin-face before a game when it was minus six degrees outside.
