1970 NFC Championship vs Dallas Cowboys
The night the Purple People Eaters fell short against Dallas in a cold Minnesota classic.
The 1970 NFC Championship Game stands as one of the most pivotal and heartbreaking moments in Minnesota Vikings franchise history. Played on December 27, 1970, at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, this contest pitted the Dallas Cowboys against the Vikings' 'Purple People Eaters' defense. The game served as the gateway to Super Bowl V, marking the culmination of a dominant regular season for Minnesota that had seen them secure their first-ever NFC Central title (the division was new that year, though the Vikings had previously won the NFL Central in 1968 and 1969).
- Event
- 1970 NFC Championship Game
- Date
- December 27, 1970
- Location
- Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington, MN
- Opponent
- Dallas Cowboys
- Final Score
- Cowboys 17, Vikings 3
- Key Unit
- Purple People Eaters (Defensive Line)
- Outcome
- Vikings eliminated from Super Bowl contention
Lore & Background
The memory of this match is etched into Viking lore not just for the loss, but for the 'what ifs' that followed. It was the first time the franchise had reached such heights only to stumble at the final hurdle against their arch-rival. The game solidified the Cowboys-Vikings rivalry as one of the NFL's most intense, characterized by physical play and high stakes. For decades, this specific contest has been cited as the moment the Vikings' dynasty was halted before it could truly begin.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled across the frozen turf of Metropolitan Stadium, carrying a chill that seemed to seep into the very bones of the players. Fran Tarkenton huddled his team, breath visible in the frigid air, knowing that one more drive stood between them and history. The roar of the crowd was a mix of hope and dread as the Dallas offense took the field again, relentless and precise. Every snap felt heavier than the last, the weight of a season's worth of effort pressing down on the purple helmets.
Reader's Guide
The game began with an offensive struggle for both sides in the biting cold, but the Cowboys' defense quickly asserted dominance. Fran Tarkenton was sacked multiple times by the Dallas front, including a critical hit that set up a field goal to open the scoring. The Vikings managed to punch through on a short run by Chuck Foreman late in the first half to take a brief 3-0 lead, but it proved fleeting. As the second half wore on, the Cowboys' running game, led by Calvin Hill and Bob Lilly's protection, began to chew up the clock. The legendary 'Purple People Eaters' were unable to generate any sacks or turnovers, a stark contrast to their usual performance. Dallas extended their lead with another field goal and then capitalized on a Vikings turnover in the fourth quarter. The climax arrived when the Cowboys drove down the field for a touchdown, sealing the 17-5 victory. The final minutes saw a desperate but futile attempt by Minnesota to mount a comeback against a disciplined Dallas unit. This match remains in fan memory as the defining moment of heartbreak, where an elite defense was neutralized, and the Super Bowl dream died on a cold December night.
Did You Know?
- This game marked the first time the Vikings lost to the Cowboys in the playoffs after winning their previous three meetings against them.
- Fran Tarkenton was sacked five times during the contest, highlighting the pressure applied by the Dallas defensive line.
- The 'Purple People Eaters' failed to record a single sack in this game, an anomaly for the unit that season.
- The Vikings would return to Metropolitan Stadium for another playoff game on December 26, 1971, also against the Dallas Cowboys, before the team moved to the Metrodome in 1982.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final outcome of the 1970 NFC Championship Game between the Vikings and Cowboys?
The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Minnesota Vikings with a score of 17 to 5 on December 27, 1970. This loss prevented the Vikings from advancing to Super Bowl V despite their dominant regular season performance.
Where was this pivotal NFC Championship game played?
The contest took place at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, Minnesota. It remains a memorable cold-weather classic held on the team's home turf before they moved to the Metrodome.
Which famous defensive unit represented the Vikings in this matchup?
Minnesota's legendary 'Purple People Eaters' defensive line was the primary force protecting their defense against Dallas. Although they dominated much of the game, they ultimately could not stop the Cowboys from securing the victory.
Why is this specific 1970 game considered so heartbreaking for Vikings fans?
It marked a crushing end to what many believed would be a Super Bowl run after the team won their first-ever NFC Central title. The narrow defeat against the defending champions remains one of the most painful moments in franchise history.
Who was the opponent that stopped the Vikings from reaching the Super Bowl this year?
The Dallas Cowboys, who were the reigning Super Bowl champions at the time, served as the formidable obstacle for Minnesota. Their victory in this championship game sent them to Super Bowl V instead of the Vikings.