Vikings Throwback Uniforms: Uniform History and the Horned Helmet
Posted by JerseyZenith on Oct 25th 2026
- The horned helmet and purple-and-gold uniforms were designed by Karl Hubenthal in 1961.
- The Vikings first wore all purple on October 11, 1964, against Detroit.
- The 2006 redesign was the first significant change in 46 years.
- Minnesota's first white helmet came with the Winter Warrior alternate, unveiled June 6, 2024.
This guide covers the Minnesota Vikings' uniform history from 1961 to 2026, mostly from Wikipedia's logos and uniforms section. It does not cover every minor change.
Minnesota Vikings uniform timeline
| Year | What changed | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Horned helmet and purple-and-gold uniforms; Norseman and horn logos | The original look |
| 1964 | First all-purple, on October 11 against Detroit | Start of purple on purple |
| 1969 | Shoulder stripes on the white uniforms; unstriped purple alternate to 1973 | A sleeker look |
| 1980–1985 | Facemask from gray to white (1980), then purple (1985) | Small updates |
| 1996 | Norseman on sleeves; stripes toned down; TV numbers on shoulders | Late-90s update |
| 2006 | Redesign: trim lines, defined horn, return to black shoes | First significant change in 46 years |
| 2013 | New uniforms revealed April 25 and a revised Norseman logo | Current primary set |
| 2016 | All-purple Color Rush, one game against Dallas | One-game look |
| 2022 | All-white at home for the first time (Dec 24 vs. Giants) | Winter Whiteout |
| 2023 | Throwbacks based on the 1960s purple uniforms | Retro look |
| 2024 | Winter Warrior all-white with first white helmet (June 6) | Newest alternate |
| 2026 | Classic uniform vs. Packers; Rivalries vs. Lions | Current rotation |
The original purple and gold (1961–1995)
The Vikings' horned helmet and purple-and-gold uniforms were designed by Karl Hubenthal in 1961, with a blond Norseman profile and a white Viking horn as the two main logos. From 1962 to 1964 the team wore purple pants with white jerseys. On October 11, 1964, it wore all purple for the first time, changing jerseys before the second quarter. White uniforms got a shoulder stripe in 1969, and the facemask turned from gray to white in 1980, then purple in 1985. In 1984 coach Les Steckel switched the team from black to white shoes, the last NFL team to do so.
Redesigns and all-purple (1996–2019)
In 1996 the Norseman went on the sleeves, the stripes were toned down and TV numbers moved to the shoulders. The 2006 redesign added trim lines, a more defined horn and black shoes, the first significant change in 46 years. The Vikings wore all purple on purpose for the first time on December 17, 2007. In 2013 the team revealed new uniforms at its draft party. In 2016 it wore an all-purple Color Rush set, its only appearance in the program. The look later became the "Primetime Purple" alternate, first worn under that name in 2019.
Winter Whiteout to the Rivalries era (2022 to now)
On December 24, 2022, the Vikings wore all white at home for the first time in a regular-season game, with the logo and end zones painted white, in what became the "Winter Whiteout." In 2023 they unveiled throwbacks based on the 1960s purple uniforms. The 2024 Winter Warrior alternate introduced the first white helmet. In 2026 the team wears a classic look against the Packers, purple on purple against the Colts, a new Rivalries uniform against Detroit, and Winter Warrior in Week 16. For what to buy today, see Minnesota Vikings jerseys 2026.
Throwbacks you can wear today
Browse Vikings throwback jerseys for the retro look. The purple home, white away, alternate and Rivalries styles cover the modern set. For the numbers behind each era, read the Minnesota Vikings jersey numbers guide. Nike has made the NFL's uniforms since 2012, which is why the modern looks above share a template.
Vikings helmet history: the horn
| Period | Helmet detail |
|---|---|
| 1961 | Horned helmet designed by Karl Hubenthal; white horn logo on purple |
| 1960–1973 | Gray facemask |
| 1980 | Facemask turns white |
| 1985 | Facemask turns purple |
| 2006 | Helmet horn more defined |
| 2024 | First white helmet, with the Winter Warrior alternate |
| 2026 | Classic uniform helmet with a longer vintage horn and a gray facemask |
Did the Vikings wear horned helmets? The team's helmet carries a horn logo on each side, not horns attached to the shell, and the Vikings helmet logo is that white horn. Vikings helmets with a horn have been the signature since 1961, and the Vikings helmet logo and the Vikings logo helmet searches mean the same design. The minnesota vikings helmet in 2024 added a white version. For more on the marks, read the Minnesota Vikings logo history, the Minnesota Vikings colors guide and the Vikings throwback jerseys.
Vikings uniform history FAQ
Who designed the Vikings' horned helmet?
Karl Hubenthal designed the horned helmet and purple-and-gold uniforms in 1961.
When did the Vikings first wear all purple?
October 11, 1964, against Detroit.
When did the Vikings change uniforms last?
2013 for the primary set; the Winter Warrior alternate came in 2024.
What is the Vikings classic uniform in 2026?
A look based on early uniforms, worn September 13 against Green Bay.
Do the Vikings have a white helmet?
Yes, since the 2024 Winter Warrior alternate.
Did the Vikings wear horned helmets?
The team's helmet carries a horn logo on each side; the horn is a decal, not attached horns.