Former Minnesota Vikings owner Red McCombs has died at the age of 95.
Having made his fortune in the car business, McCombs bought the Vikings in 1998 for $250 million, later selling the franchise to Zygi and Mark Wilf in 2005 for $600 million.
“The Minnesota Vikings are saddened by the passing of former team owner Red McCombs. Red embodied his famous ‘Purple Pride’ phrase and remained a staunch Vikings fan after passing the torch to the Wilf family in 2005,” a statement from the team reads. “While red had a clear passion for sports, it was evident what he loved the most were his children and grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McCombs family during this difficult time. We will be forever grateful for Red and Charline’s contributions to the Vikings.”
#OTD in July 1998
I made it to the pinnacle of professional sports – the NFL! I bought the Vikings after author Tom Clancy's deal fell through. What a ride it was! pic.twitter.com/i3ixL0wlFj
— Red McCombs (@RedMcCombs) July 16, 2019
The Vikings exploded onto the scene during McCombs’ first year as owner in 1998, drafting Randy Moss to cement what was then the highest-scoring offense in NFL history. That team went 15-1 before losing in overtime to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game.
Minnesota went to the NFC title game again in 2001, when they were blown out 41-0 by the New York Giants.
McCombs was married to his wife, Charline Hamblin, for 69 years. She died in 2019.
