SI puts Minnesota Vikings’ Skol Chant above every NFL fan tradition
· Yahoo Sports
The NFL season is less than two months away, with the preseason set to begin in just a few weeks. Soon, fans will once again spend their Sundays watching football as traditions return and the quest for the Super Bowl begins.
Visit extonnews.click for more information.
Among the NFL’s most enduring traditions, fight songs and fan chants stand out as some of the league’s strongest unifying forces. Sports Illustrated recently ranked the NFL’s top 10 fight songs and chants, with an iconic tradition from the Twin Cities claiming the top spot.
MORE: Deebo Samuel calls out Emmanuel Acho for “glorified mascot” comments
The Minnesota Vikings’ “Skol” chant ranked number 1, and its rich history makes the honor especially fitting.
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; A fan of the Minnesota Vikings before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
“The term ‘skol’ stems from the Norwegian, Danish and Swedish word ‘skål,’ which means ‘cheers.’ Interestingly, the Vikings adopted the chant from the Icelandic men’s national soccer team, who displayed and popularized it during the 2016 Euros. It made its way to Minnesota not long after that,” Karl Rasmussen wrote.
“When the Vikings played their first regular-season game at U.S. Bank Stadium in September 2016, legendary quarterback Fran Tarkenton led the fan base in the first rendition of the now-iconic thunder clap that has become a staple for the franchise. This chant can give anyone goosebumps. The beating of the drum, followed by the booming clap and “Skol!” roar, creates palpable intensity.”
The Minneapolis Miracle gave the Skol Vikings chant a national stage
One of the most memorable “Skol” chants came on the national stage during the 2017 season. In the divisional round of the playoffs, the Vikings needed a miracle to keep their season alive.
MORE: Joe Burrow faces tough question about ‘availability’ ahead of 2026 NFL season
In what is now known as the “Minneapolis Miracle,” the Vikings trailed the New Orleans Saints 24-23 with just seconds remaining. The Saints stood on the verge of advancing to the NFC Championship Game.
Jan 14, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) catches the game-winning touchdown pass against New Orleans Saints free safety Marcus Williams (43) during the fourth quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff football game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Images
Journeyman quarterback Case Keenum launched a desperation pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Diggs made the catch on what appeared to be the game’s final play and initially looked destined to be tackled in bounds.
Instead, a Saints defender missed the tackle, allowing Diggs to sprint 61 yards for the game-winning touchdown. Rather than attempt the extra point, the Vikings took a knee to end the game.
Before kneeling out the final play, Keenum led the crowd in a rousing “Skol” chant, creating one of the most iconic moments in franchise history.
The moment remains part of NFL lore and stands as one of the most unforgettable plays in Vikings history.