What Is the Minnesota Vikings Logo?
The Minnesota Vikings logo is the Norseman: the head of a Norse warrior in profile, with blond hair, a moustache and a horned helmet. Los Angeles cartoonist Karl Hubenthal designed it in 1961.
The Minnesota Vikings are an NFL team from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The franchise was awarded in January 1960 and played its first season in 1961. The Norseman head is available as the Minnesota Vikings logo SVG.
Minnesota Vikings Logo Facts
| Designer | Karl Hubenthal |
| Introduced | 1961; refined in 2013 |
| Symbol | A Norseman in a horned helmet |
| Logo type | Mascot: a character portrait |
| Owner | Minnesota Vikings, owned by Zygi Wilf since 2005 |
What the Minnesota Vikings Logo Means
The Norseman puts a face to the team name. The name Vikings partly reflects Minnesota's place as a centre of Scandinavian American culture.
- The horned helmet: links the portrait to the horns on the players' helmets.
- The blond hair and braid: mark him as a Norse figure.
- The team name: the Norseman is a literal picture of a Viking.
The colours came from the team's first general manager. Hubenthal's notes say Bert Rose asked for purple and gold, the colours of his University of Washington. Rose's son later confirmed his father was "partial to purple and gold".
Minnesota Vikings Logo History
The Minnesota Vikings logo has used the same Norseman since 1961, with one careful refresh in 2013.
| Year | What changed |
|---|---|
| 1960 | The franchise is awarded and named the Vikings on 27 September |
| 1961 | Karl Hubenthal designs the helmet, uniforms and Norseman logo |
| 2013 | The Norseman is refined with new shading, horns and a shorter braid |
| 2016 | Hubenthal's family donates his notes and drawings to the team |
Hubenthal's own note says he designed the "uniform, helmet and trademark logo." His family has a helmet drawing dated March 1961.
Who Drew the Helmet Horn?
The helmet horn has a second claimant. Sporting goods supplier John Merritt Aldritt is said to have shown coach Norm Van Brocklin three horn designs in early 1961. ESPN concluded that both stories could be true, but the people involved have died.
The 2013 Refresh
The 2013 update was announced on 14 February 2013. The changes were subtle.
- The horns took a slightly different shape and shading.
- The horn base was made to match the players' helmets.
- Thicker lines were added to the moustache and face.
- The gold became brighter and less brassy.
- The braid was shortened for a more modern look.
The Norseman and the NFC North
The Vikings share the NFC North with the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. Compare the Norseman with the Chicago Bears logo and the Green Bay Packers logo.
For more teams like the Vikings, browse our sports logos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the Minnesota Vikings logo?
Los Angeles cartoonist Karl Hubenthal designed the Norseman, along with the original helmet and uniforms, in 1961.
Why are the Minnesota Vikings purple and gold?
General manager Bert Rose asked for purple and gold, the colours of his University of Washington, according to Hubenthal's notes.
When did the Vikings logo change?
The team refined the Norseman in February 2013, adjusting the horns, face, gold and braid.
Who designed the horns on the Vikings helmet?
It is disputed. Hubenthal drew helmet designs in 1961, and supplier John Merritt Aldritt's family says he designed the horn.