Vikings’ legend Bud Grant dies age 95

The stoic Hall of Fame coach Bud Grant who took the Minnesota Vikings and their mighty Purple People Eaters defense to four Super Bowls in eight years died Saturday age 95.

“No single individual more defined the Minnesota Vikings than Bud Grant. A once-in-a-lifetime man, Bud will forever be synonymous with success, toughness, the North and the Vikings,” Vikings owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf said in a joint statement distributed by the team. “In short, he was the Vikings.”

We are absolutely devastated to announce legendary Minnesota Vikings head coach and Hall of Famer Bud Grant has passed away this morning at age 95.

We, like all Vikings and NFL fans, are shocked and saddened by this terrible news. pic.twitter.com/z2NNlNAY44

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Grant was known for his cap and a steely sideline gaze that became synonymous with his teams. He guided the Vikings from 1967-85, with a one-year hiatus in 1984, on his way to a 158-96-5 record with 11 division championships in 18 seasons. When he retired, Grant was eighth on the NFL’s all-time victory list.