4 best Minnesota Vikings revenge games in recent history
By Randy Smith
Whether a player facing their old team or a new chapter in a storied rivalry, the Minnesota Vikings have played in some of the best revenge games.
Kirk Cousins will play inside Washington’s FedEx Field this weekend, but now it will be as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. After disagreements over a long-term contract, Cousins left the Washington Commanders in 2018 to sign a fully-guaranteed contract with the Vikings. His return to D.C. serves as yet another revenge game in Minnesota’s franchise history.
Regardless of its player, team, or franchise motivation, sometimes the best football is contested when the element of revenge is brought into play. The desire to win is a strong enough reason, but the added motivator of wanting to get even makes moments that much more special.
Recent history saw a great revenge game when Tom Brady was able to defeat Bill Belichick and his old team, the New England Patriots, giving the legendary quarterback a win over every NFL franchise. Minnesota has experienced similar moments with its players and righting the wrongs of the franchise’s more tragic moments.
While Cousins has been with the Vikings for more than four seasons, returning to FedEx Field will serve as a first for the quarterback, and the goal of getting a win against his old team to help Minnesota improve to 7-1 will only add fuel to the fire.
Ironically enough, former Vikings quarterback Taylor Heinicke will be getting the start for the Commanders on Sunday with Carson Wentz out. Between Heinicke, Cousins, and Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell, who was on the coaching staff in Washington from 2017 to 2019, many will be looking to remind a former employer what they’re missing out on.
With Cousins preparing for his opportunity to show the Commanders what they let walk away, what are a few of the best revenge games in recent Vikings history?