From their very first game, the Minnesota Vikings proved that winning is a big part of the team's makeup. A rookie quarterback named Fran Tarkenton came off the bench to lead Minnesota to a shocking 37-13 upset of the Chicago Bears in the franchise's debut. Every since, the Vikings have been among the league's elite that has included one NFL championship and three NFC crowns.

First Draft Choice: Tommy Mason, HB, Tulane, 1961.

First Regular-Season Game: A 37-13 victory over the Chicago Bears, 9/17/61.

First Regular-Season Points: A four-yard field goal by kicker Mike Mercer.

First Winning Season: 1964 (8-5-1).

First Playoff Appearance: A 24-14 loss to the Baltimore Colts in the NFL Western Conference playoff game, 12/22/68.

First Super Bowl Appearance: A 23-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl IV, 1/11/70.

First All-Pro Selection: HB Tommy Mason, 1963.

First Pro Bowl Selections: HB Hugh McElhenny and E Jerry Reichow, 1961.

First Viking Elected to the Hall of Fame: QB Fran Tarkenton, 1986

First To Rush 100 Yards in a Game: Raymond Hayes, 123 yards vs. the Los Angeles Rams, 12/3/61.

First 1,000-Yard Rusher: Chuck Foreman, 1,070 yards (1975).

First To Pass 400 Yards in a Game: Fran Tarkenton, 407 yards vs. the San Francisco 49ers, 10/24/65.

Most Yards Rushing, Career: Robert Smith, 6,818 yards (1993-2000).

Most Yards Passing, Career: Fran Tarkenton, 33,098 yards (1961-66, 1972-78).

Most Receptions, Career: Cris Carter, 1,004 receptions (1990-2001).

All-Time Leading Scorer: Fred Cox, 1,365 points (1963-77).

Most Lopsided Win: A 51-3 victory over the Cleveland Browns, 11/9/69.

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