The Minnesota Vikings have had a long and storied history in the National Football League. With that, they have had some of the most talented players to ever grace a football field. Here are the top five best rated players according to Pro Football Reference’s “The Top 100 Player Ratings of All Time” list:
1. Alan Page
Alan Page is a Defensive Tackle/Defensive End hybrid, Page is one of only four players to ever win an MVP award and make it into the Hall of Fame. He was also a nine-time Pro Bowler and six-time First Team All-Pro selection with the Vikings. He is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in history. Alan Page also served as a justice in the Minnesota Supreme Court from 1992 to 2015.
2. Randy Moss
Wide Receiver Randy Moss was drafted by the Vikings with the 21st overall pick in 1998 and made an immediate impact, leading the NFC in receiving touchdowns and making one of the most memorable plays in NFL history when he caught a touchdown pass while three defenders clung onto him. He also holds two Vikings records for most receptions (556) and receiving yards (9,316).
3. Fran Tarkenton
Quarterback Fran Tarkenton is one of just four players to be named to nine Pro Bowls while playing with multiple teams. His career began with the Vikings where he helped lead them to three Super Bowls. He held the Vikings team record for passing yards (47,003) and touchdowns (342) until Brett Favre broke them in 2009.
4. Adrian Peterson
Running Back Adrian Peterson was drafted by the Vikings with the 7th overall pick in 2007 and quickly established himself as one of the best running backs of his generation. In 2008, he won MVP honors after rushing for 1,760 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns. He holds numerous Vikings records, including most all-time rushing yards (11,747).
5. Cris Carter
Wide Receiver Cris Carter was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles but later signed with the Vikings in 1990 where he made an immediate impact on offense. He led the NFL in receptions four times during his tenure with the Vikings, and also holds the team record for receiving touchdowns (110). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
These five players have all been integral parts of the Minnesota Vikings organization and their legacies will live on for many years to come. Without these five, it’s hard to imagine what kind of success the Vikings would have experienced over the course of their history. These players are true legends who will always be remembered in Viking lore.
Despite there having been a number of great players during the Minnesota Vikings’ history, these top five are some of the best ever to wear purple and gold. They have inspired fans both old and new and will continue to do so for years to come.
This list of the top five best rated players of the Minnesota Vikings football team is sure to spark debate and discussion, but one thing that can’t be argued is that these players are truly the greatest in team history. They have all left an indelible mark on this beloved franchise and will be remembered as some of the greatest players ever to play in the NFL. Their impact on the game and their teammates cannot be understated and will serve as a reminder for generations to come about what it means to play for the Minnesota Vikings.