What Is 1981 Minnesota Vikings football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1981 Minnesota Vikings finished the NFL season with a 7-9 record, placing third in the NFC Central Division under head coach Bud Grant. They played their home games at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis.

Key Facts

7-9 win-loss record in the 1981 NFL season
Third-place finish in the NFC Central Division
Head coach Bud Grant led the team for the 13th consecutive season
Played home games at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Quarterback Tommy Kramer threw for 2,816 yards and 17 touchdowns

Overview

The 1981 Minnesota Vikings season marked the team's 21st year in the National Football League (NFL). Competing in the NFC Central Division, the Vikings struggled with consistency and finished with a losing record of 7-9, failing to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

Under the leadership of head coach Bud Grant, who was in his 13th season, the team showed flashes of offensive potential but was hampered by defensive lapses and inconsistent play. The season was played entirely at the newly opened Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, marking the first full season in the team's new indoor home.

Record: The Vikings finished the 1981 regular season with a 7-9 win-loss record, their second losing season in franchise history up to that point.
Division standing: They placed third in the NFC Central Division, behind the eventual Super Bowl XVI champion San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers.
Head coach:Bud Grant remained at the helm, bringing stability and experience despite the team’s struggles on the field.
Home stadium: The 1981 season was the first full year the Vikings played at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, which opened in 1981.
Quarterback performance:Tommy Kramer started most games, throwing for 2,816 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions.

Season Performance and Key Players

The 1981 campaign featured a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, though the team failed to find rhythm over a 16-game schedule. Offensive production was inconsistent, and defensive shortcomings undermined several close games.

Offensive output: The Vikings scored 331 total points (20.7 per game), ranking 13th in the NFL, indicating moderate offensive efficiency.
Defensive struggles: They allowed 352 points (22.0 per game), placing 20th in the league and highlighting vulnerabilities in pass coverage.
Top receiver:Joe Senser led the team with 55 receptions for 779 yards and 5 touchdowns, becoming a reliable target for Kramer.
Running game:Chuck Foreman contributed in his final season, while James Owens and Les Barley split carries, combining for 978 rushing yards.
Notable game: A 31-29 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in Week 12 featured a late touchdown drive, showcasing the team’s resilience.
Injuries and depth: Key absences, including defensive end Carl Eller in his final season, weakened the team’s pass rush and overall continuity.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1981 Vikings were compared to both their recent successful eras and their division rivals, particularly the rising San Francisco 49ers. The table below outlines key statistical comparisons with notable teams from that season.

Team	Record	Points For	Points Against	Division Finish
1981 Minnesota Vikings	7-9	331	352	3rd (NFC Central)
1981 San Francisco 49ers	13-3	377	281	1st (NFC West)
1981 Green Bay Packers	8-8	301	311	2nd (NFC Central)
1981 Detroit Lions	8-8	288	296	3rd (NFC Central)
1981 Chicago Bears	6-10	288	328	4th (NFC Central)

The Vikings’ 7-9 record placed them in the middle of the pack among division rivals. While they outperformed the Bears, they fell short of the Packers and were far behind the dominant 49ers, who went on to win Super Bowl XVI. The data reflects a team in transition, lacking the dominance of their 1970s peak.

Why It Matters

The 1981 season was a turning point that signaled the end of the Vikings’ consistent playoff runs of the 1970s. It highlighted the need for roster renewal and strategic shifts as the team entered a new stadium era.

End of an era: The retirement of veterans like Carl Eller and Chuck Foreman marked the close of a golden generation.
Stadium impact: Moving to the Metrodome improved fan experience but introduced new challenges in acoustics and turf conditions.
Coaching continuity: Bud Grant’s continued leadership provided stability amid a transitional phase for the franchise.
Quarterback development: Tommy Kramer’s mixed performance raised questions about long-term viability at the position.
Scouting implications: The losing record improved the Vikings’ draft position, leading to key picks in the 1982 NFL Draft.
Historical context: The season underscored how competitive balance was shifting, with teams like the 49ers rising as new powerhouses.

The 1981 Minnesota Vikings season, while not successful in terms of wins, remains a significant chapter in franchise history. It captured a team adapting to change, setting the stage for future rebuilding efforts in the 1980s.