The Snow Bowl (vs Packers)
In a blizzard of history, the Vikings silenced Lombardi's dynasty with a historic shutout.
The Snow Bowl of December 1967 stands as one of the most iconic moments in Minnesota Vikings franchise history, occurring during a legendary matchup against their fierce divisional rivals, the Green Bay Packers. Played at Metropolitan Stadium on a freezing Sunday afternoon, this game was not just a contest for playoff positioning but a defining chapter in the early narrative of the NFL's expansion era. It showcased the resilience of a young Vikings team under the guidance of coach Bud Grant as they faced the dynasty led by Vince Lombardi.
- Date
- December 3, 1967
- Location
- Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington, Minnesota
- Opponent
- Green Bay Packers
- Result
- Vikings Win (27-0)
- Key Condition
- Heavy snow and freezing temperatures
- Historical Significance
- First shutout of the Packers by the Vikings
Lore & Background
For a franchise only four years old in 1967, this victory was a monumental validation. It proved that Minnesota could compete with the best teams in the league on any field, even under the most hostile weather. The game cemented the rivalry between the Vikings and Packers as one of the fiercest in the NFL, setting a tone for decades of intense divisional battles. It remains a touchstone for fans who cherish the era where grit and determination often outweighed pure statistical dominance.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled across the frozen turf of Metropolitan Stadium, carrying with it a thick curtain of snow that blurred the end zones. Inside their helmets, Vikings players could barely hear the crowd's roar over the gale, but they felt the shift in momentum as the Packers' formation faltered on the slippery grass. As the clock ticked down to zero, the silence of the scoreboard—27-0—spoke louder than any cheer, marking a day when Minnesota weather conquered the Green and Gold.
Reader's Guide
The game began with the Vikings taking an early lead, capitalizing on the difficult conditions that hampered the Packers' passing attack. The turning point came as Minnesota's defense, led by legends like Alan Page and Carl Eller, completely stifled Green Bay's offense throughout the afternoon. Key to the victory was the Vikings' ability to adapt their running game to the snow, moving the ball effectively while forcing turnovers. The Packers, unable to establish any rhythm in the blizzard, were held scoreless for the first time in many seasons against a divisional rival. This match remains etched in fan memory because it represented a rare moment where the Vikings dominated a Lombardi-led team. It was a statement game that announced Minnesota as a serious force in the NFL, creating a legacy of resilience that defines the franchise's identity to this day.
Did You Know?
- This was the first time the Vikings ever shut out the Green Bay Packers in their history.
- The heavy snowfall caused the game to be played in near-whiteout conditions for much of the afternoon.
- Vince Lombardi's Packers were coming off a Super Bowl victory and were considered one of the greatest teams of all time.
- The 27-0 scoreline remains one of the most lopsided victories ever recorded by the Vikings against a top-tier opponent.