1975 NFC Championship
A freezing afternoon in Bloomington where a single missed field goal shattered hopes for a third Super Bowl.
The 1975 NFC Championship Game stands as a monumental milestone in Minnesota Vikings history, marking the franchise's third consecutive trip to the conference title game and their deepest playoff run of the decade. Played on December 28, 1975, at Metropolitan Stadium before a freezing crowd, this contest pitted the defending NFC champions against the Dallas Cowboys, rekindling one of the most intense rivalries in NFL history. The game is remembered not for a Vikings victory, but as a heartbreaking defeat that ended their hopes for a third straight Super Bowl appearance.
- Date
- December 28, 1975
- Location
- Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington, Minnesota
- Opponent
- Dallas Cowboys
- Final Score
- Dallas 14, Minnesota 12
- Key Player (Vikings)
- Fran Tarkenton (Quarterback)
Lore & Background
The defining moment of the contest occurred in the final minutes when Vikings kicker Fred Cox attempted a game-tying field goal from 36 yards out. The ball hit the left upright, bouncing harmlessly away as the clock expired, sealing a 14-12 victory for Dallas. This specific play is etched into Viking lore as one of the most painful 'what ifs' in franchise history. Despite the loss, the team's resilience and the sheer quality of their defense under Grant cemented this era as the golden age of the Purple People Eaters.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled across the frozen turf of Metropolitan Stadium, whipping snow into the faces of players clad in purple and gold. Fran Tarkenton huddled his team for one last drive, his breath visible in the frigid air as he scanned the Dallas secondary. The ball snapped, cold fingers gripping leather, and the play unfolded with desperate urgency. As Fred Cox lined up for the kick that would send them to Super Bowl X, the stadium held its collective breath. The snap was true, but the snap of the upright echoed louder than any cheer, a metallic clang that signaled the end of another dream.
Reader's Guide
The 1975 NFC Championship represents the Vikings' third consecutive appearance in the conference title game, following victories over the Los Angeles Rams and St. Louis Cardinals in previous years. On December 28, 1975, the Vikings hosted the Dallas Cowboys at Metropolitan Stadium. The game was a defensive grind characterized by strong play from both sides, with the Vikings' legendary 'Purple People Eaters' line struggling to contain Dallas's running attack while their own offense fought through freezing conditions. The Vikings took an early lead but were kept close by the Cowboys throughout the contest. With seconds remaining on the clock and the score tied 12-12, kicker Fred Cox attempted a field goal from 36 yards out to force overtime or win the game instantly. The kick struck the left upright and bounced away, resulting in a 14-12 loss for Minnesota. This defeat ended their bid for a third straight Super Bowl appearance but highlighted the high level of competition during Bud Grant's tenure.
Did You Know?
- This game marked the first time the Vikings lost an NFC Championship Game after winning two consecutive titles (1973, 1974).
- The 1975 season was notable for being the last year the team played their home games at Metropolitan Stadium before moving to the Metrodome.
- Fred Cox's missed field goal off the upright is often cited as one of the most pivotal moments in Minnesota sports history.
- Despite the loss, the Vikings' defense held Dallas to just 14 points, showcasing the elite status of the 'Purple People Eaters' unit.