Viktor
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
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On the eve of Super Bowl IV, Kapp told Hartman:
If we lose this one, everything we've accomplished will be forgotten.
While the ultimate goal of that team still remains for the Vikings, the success of the 1969 team and the era it brought forth are remembered and celebrated.
It set the stage for a dominant run in the '70s that included eight NFC Central Division titles and three more appearances in the Super Bowl, the last of which was against the Raiders 43 years ago.
At halftime of Minnesota's win over Oakland this past September, Grant delivered comments as he was joined on stage by all of the attendees from the night before along with Oscar Reed, Milt Sunde and Fred Cox, who has since passed away.
The program also included posthumous recognitions of Karl Kassulke, Paul Dickson, Jim Vellone, Earsell Mackbee, Tom Hall, Wally Hilgenberg, Grady Alderman, Ed Sharockman and Bill Brown; coaches John Michels, Bus Mertes, Jack Patera and Bob Hollway; original equipment manager Jim "Stubby" Eason and original athletic trainer Fred Zamberletti.
The attendees from the 1969 team were part of more than 100 Vikings Legends who reconnected.
"When you're looking back, everything is in the blink of an eye," Grim said. "When it's out in front of you, it's a different situation."