Former Vikings In The Super Bowl
By Adam Carlson
The Super Bowl is one of the grandest stages in the world. Some of the best athletes in the world participate in that game, and some of them might be familiar to Vikings fans. There are several players in this game that used to play for the Minnesota Vikings and, strangely enough, they all seem to be members of the Seattle Seahawks. Here is a list:
Aug 17, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Derrick Coleman (49) against the Buffalo Bills at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bills 36-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Derrick Coleman – Coleman was signed by Minnesota as an undrafted free agent out of UCLA in April of 2012 and was released in August. While his name may not be familiar to casual Vikings fans, the running back is quite memorable and inspirational to a large number of people. He is best known for being the first deaf offensive player in the NFL.
Dec 16, 2012; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Heath Farwell (55) recovers a Buffalo Bills fumble during the second half at the Rogers Centre. Seahawks beat the Bills 50-17. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Heath Farwell – Farwell signed on as an undrafted free agent out of San Diego State in 2005. The linebacker was a key member of the special teams squad in Minnesota where he was a Pro Bowl starter. He was released in 2011 and was picked up by Seattle, where he has become the team’s captain on special teams.
Jan 11, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin (11) warms up before the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game against the New Orleans Saints at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Percy Harvin – This is the one that stings the most for Vikings fans. Harvin was a member of the squad in Minnesota as a wide receiver and kick returner up until the end of last last season when he was traded to Seattle in a blockbuster trade. Since then, Harvin has played in 2 games for the Seahawks but looks to be ready for action in the Super Bowl.
Aug 29, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (7) passes against the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Tarvaris Jackson – Jackson used to be a starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. He was a second round draft pick back in 2006 and was a project for the team’s staff. Jackson became an unrestricted free agent after the 2010 season. He went on to sign with Seattle and then be traded to Buffalo. Then, after being released by the Bills, he returned to the Seahawks to act as Wilson’s backup.
Oct 17, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice (18) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sidney Rice – He is an afterthought to most Vikings fans at this point, but that doesn’t make the former Minnesota wide receiver any less relevant. Rice was formerly a second round draft pick for the Vikings who made the Pro Bowl in 2009. He didn’t last much longer with the Vikings, since he was signed in 2011’s free agency by Seattle. He is currently on injured reserve and will not play in the Super Bowl.
Sep 8, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell on the sidelines in the fourth quarter. The Seahawks defeated the Panthers 12-7 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Darrell Bevell – Although he may not have been a player for the Vikings, fans should remember him as the team’s offensive coordinator during the time that Brett Favre was Minnesota’s quarterback. Since then, he was let go by the Vikings, who then decided to bring in Bill Musgrave to replace him in 2011. Bevell has become a coach on the rise who may get a chance to be an NFL head coach in the near future.
Every Vikings fan is different. While some fans may root for the team’s former players, others may show some spite and want to see them fail. Either way, the Super Bowl is set to be an exciting and competitive game that you won’t want to miss.