Statue Of Bud Grant To Be Erected In Winnipeg
By Adam Carlson
The Minnesota Vikings have a very rich and storied history. One major part of the team’s history is former head coach Bud Grant.
If you’re not familiar with Mr. Bud Grant, here are some astounding facts about the man:
Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Bud Grant acknowledges the fans during the closing ceremony following the game against the Detroit Lions at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Lions 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
1st round draft pick in 1950 (#14 overall)
Played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1951-1952
Played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 1953-1956
Coached the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 1957-1966
Coached the Minnesota Vikings from 1967-1983
Returned to coach the Vikings for the 1985 season
1965 CFL Coach of the Year
1969 NFL Coach of the Year
Holds the CFL record for most interceptions in a playoff game (5)
Member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame
Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Coached the 1969 NFL Champion Vikings
3rd most successful professional football coach in history (290 wins)
Played in the NBA for the Minneapolis Lakers (4th round draft pick)
Only person in history to play in both the NFL and the NBA
After looking over that huge list of accomplishments, it isn’t hard to believe that a statue would be put up in Bud Grant’s honor. The statue will be erected at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba this fall according to Kim Babij-Gesell, the coordinator of communications for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in an article from Gordon Sinclair, Jr, of the Winnipeg Free Press.
Personally, I hope that the Minnesota Vikings follow suit and have a great amount of the new stadium devoted to showcasing the rich history of the Minnesota Vikings and the legends that have been a part of the organization.
We at The Viking Age would like to congratulate Bud Grant on the statue being erected in his honor and thank him for all that he has done with the Minnesota Vikings.