February 15, 2006
Horny?

At least once each year a dialogue takes place amongst the Purple Faithful that divides us up in such a way that it makes the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s feud look like a bad case of puppy love. This deliberation seems to always take place during the slow period defined as right after the Pro Bowl and right before the NFL Draft. The e-mail I received this week went like this:

I thought one of the most interesting things Matt said in the interview was his gripe about the horns on the helmet and how he thinks the design should be changed. I thought, "You have GOT to be kidding me." Millions of people grew up with those horns imbedded in their souls. I have never even considered the possibility that the horns aren't way cool. How 'bout running a poll, "Should the horns be changed?"

Bob Frost

(Vikings Fan Since 1961)

And for those that missed Birk's original comments in his interview with the boys over at Pro Football Talk:

PFT: Now tell me this, when you were a kid, did you know what the hell that thing was on the Vikings helmet?

Birk: No. No. Even looking at it now, it's a pretty poor depiction. It's supposed to kind of have that 3D look to it, like the horn actually is sticking out of the side of the helmet. I think it's time to update that, or at least get somebody to get a crack at it.

PFT: I think they should actually put horns on the side of the helmet. That's got aesthetic benefit and strategic benefit.

Birk: Yeah, that could be like a bull. You could hook the guy's jersey with the tip of your horns.

PFT: I remember when I was a kid I had no idea what that was. And then once somebody tells you, it's like, "Okay, now I understand it." But I think there's a lot of people out there who don't know what it is.

OK, besides proving my point on the East Coast biased mentality (how can you NOT know those are Vikings horns on the side of the helmet!?!?!?), the point is that a current Vikings player wishes the organization would renovate the helmet.

And since the question at hand is specific to the design of the helmet logo we'll steer clear of the entire uniform for now. But invariably the discussion always filters into the entire uniform. Things like, "I want purple pants" is quickly followed by, "Are you crazy! Do you want your team looking like an Easter egg?" and then the fun really starts.

But reader Bob Frost asked for a poll on the helmet. And by golly, I aim to please.




And if you have specific ideas for the helmet or uniform, leave a Comment at the end of this entry.

Coming Thursday, To Whiz or not to Whiz?

Posted by maasx003 at February 15, 2006 01:31 AM
Comments

You dont' redesign a classic!

Posted by: Mike at February 15, 2006 07:07 AM

I don't know how you could improve it. It is the classic.

Posted by: Lonnie at February 15, 2006 08:09 AM

Redesigning the Horns would be like asking the Browns to remove the stripe and actually put a design on their helmets (after all what Logo could represent the Browns except for a pile of doggie doo), having the cheeseheads remove the "G", or Chicago their "C" logo. You just don't mess with team logo's after 45 years.

Posted by: Bill Poganski at February 15, 2006 08:35 AM

I agree with sticking to the original. From what I read with Grandpa Sports was Zygi was thinking of a "slight" change in the logo. I'm wondering if it's a new computerized version of the horns..meaning it'd be a little more 3D looking. Either way, it's a BAD idea to touch one centimeter of the horns.
Incidentally, remember the remake of the Gophers logo? He originally (not the 60s version) was a mean looking cuss with claws on his forward facing foot. Now, no claws, no furrowed brow...

Posted by: Eric at February 15, 2006 09:18 AM

I think it's one of those things that is split because you have the classic, older team fans, which are most likely the ones who have already commented on this post. Then, you have a younger generation that has seen NFL teams across the league spice up their logos and uniforms and think that it could be of help to the Vikings.

Now, I belong in the younger generation. I think they should still use the horns...BUT...it needs to be spiced up. They need a modern edge, using modern graphic design abilities to create something that's going to be more eye-catching. Along with that, I do actually also believe that their entire uniform needs an upgrade. Classic is always cool but there comes a time when you need to change. What better time than now, with a new owner and a new coaching staff in place? I think that we need to give the league the impression that we are a completely different team now.

Posted by: Timm at February 15, 2006 04:06 PM

As an old timer, fan since 65, I actually find myself agreeing with the previous poster, Timm! Fresh is good and I'd love to see something fresh and inovative coming out of Minnesota for once! After all, what have the old ways done for us lately? Hmmmmmmmmm????

"40 Years and Waiting"

Posted by: BigMo at February 16, 2006 06:10 AM

Change the logo? Not until Wilf moves them to the Arena League.

The NBAization of professional sports continues. I still can't tell the Timberwolves and Dallas Maverick's logo's apart.

I cannot think of one logo that has been changed within the lat 20 years that has been an imrovement in any sport.

Posted by: J. Lichty at February 16, 2006 09:49 AM

If the Vikes made a change, I think it would be about as well received as Arizona's lame logo alteration last season. What did the tougher looking Cardinal get them? Anopther ugly, losing season.

Posted by: Peter at February 16, 2006 11:06 AM

I would NOT welcome a drastic change to the horns on the helmet ! Being a fan for over 30 years, nothing looks cooler to me than seeing a color picture of the Vikings O-line or D-line with the horns visible, looking like an army ready to attack !

I have written several comments on this site (and others) regarding a change to the uniform, which is way overdue. The last major change was removing the 3 sleeve stripes on the home jerseys and replacing them with 2 very small cuff stripes, enlarging the numbers, and moving the sleeve numbers to the shoulder.....hardly earth-shattering changes....they remind me of pajamas ! And the away jerseys are God-awful ugly, and have been since the late 60's. I love seeing the old pics from when the Vikes were an expansion team, with the white jersey/purple pants, and the 3 stripe sleeve, not the shoulder stripe atrocity we've had for 40 years.

I was wondering if someone could digitally enhance the current uniforms on this website, maybe post a few pictures of what they would like, and we could vote on them...?? Here are some combos I would love to see: White jersey/purple pants (either plain purple, or with a stripe up the leg) Purple jersey/yellow or dark gold pants (like the Redskins, Steelers, Packers) Purple home/white away jersey, in a similar to the Broncos.

Almost 2/3 of the league has teams that have 3 uniforms, or 2 colors of pants. Only a few, like Minn, GB, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Indy, Oakland, and SF don't. Its time for a radical uni change !!

Posted by: Mike at February 17, 2006 09:15 PM
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