The owner of multiple Minnesota sports websites, including Vikings Territory and Purple PTSD, has died.
Joe Johnson’s death was announced Wednesday afternoon by Joe Oberle, who covers the Vikings for the aforementioned websites. Details of Johnson’s death have not been announced, with Oberle saying Johnson’s family has asked for privacy.
“It is with great sadness I must report the passing of Uffda!Sports owner and operator Joe Johnson this past week. To those who knew Joe, he was a kind and loving son, brother and uncle, a hard-working and generous employer, creative entrepreneur and fiercely loyal friend,” Oberle wrote.
“His family asks for privacy at this very difficult time, and they appreciate the out-pouring of love and condolences they’ve already received. His mark on local sports , particularly on the fans of the Minnesota Vikings, is indelible. Rest in peace, my friend. Skol.”
Johnson launched VikingsTerritory.com and purplePTSD.com, then more recently transformed his sports empire into UFFda! Sports, which was effectively the home for FranchiseTagged.com, purpleTERRITORYRadio.com, TheDraftTeam.com and MinnyIce.com.
Johnson’s most recent column was posted July 4, where he thanked his loyal colleagues and followers since he began his journey writing and talking about Minnesota sports in 2015.
Been meaning to thank you all for awhile for allowing me/us to pursue this dream, but now it has new meaning for me and I really wanted to let you all know what this means to me personally after a rough couple months.https://t.co/vqSQvwZMvr
— Joe Johnson (@vtptsd) July 5, 2021
In memory of Johnson, his family requests that donations be made the University of Minnesota School of Journalism.
