Jerry Burns' Legacy with Vikings Highlighted by Loyalty & Innovation

[Viktor]

Vikings four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Ahmad Rashad described Burns as "an offensive genius" and said his offense was "revolutionary."


Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton absolutely loved working with Burns on the game plan each week of his final seven pro seasons. In a previous interview with the Vikings Entertainment Network, Tarkenton described his enjoyment of working with Burns.


"I learned so much with Jerry Burns," Tarkenton said. "And I got him at the right time, because we could really bring our knowledge together and give us a chance in every game, knowing that we would have an offensive game plan to put a lot of points on the board. And we put a lot of points on the board.


"He's just a special guy," Tarkenton added of Burns. "And he's a part of the great history of our team. He's one of the great characters of all time."


Burns helped the Vikings make four Super Bowl appearances and win an NFL Championship, three NFC titles and 10 division crowns in his first 11 seasons. Minnesota was a top-10 offense in points per game in seven of those seasons.


And in January of 1986, weeks before turning 60, Burns was named the fourth head coach in Vikings history after Grant's second retirement.


"Jerry's been a head coach; he's worked in all facets of football," Grant said upon the transition. "He's as qualified as anybody that ever got a job in this business."