The Minnesota Vikings tried to score some social-media applause on Columbus Day, but the internet quickly turned the spotlight back on the team’s own name. An NFL social media staffer posted a message embracing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, apparently expecting praise. Instead, the Vikings were hit with a steady stream of reminders about the historical reputation associated with Vikings. That is what happens when a franchise reaches for a fashionable lecture and forgets to check the name on its own jersey.
The report says Americans celebrated Columbus Day on October 12 in honor of Christopher Columbus, described in the source as the brave Italian explorer who discovered America. It also says Democrats have spent years trying to erase Columbus from the holiday because of what they view as horrific crimes against native peoples, while promoting Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead. Three NFL teams joined that effort, including Minnesota. The other 29 teams remained silent.
The Vikings’ X account posted: “Today we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and honor the rich histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples,” followed by: “We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from and engage with Indigenous leaders, organizations, and community members who help strengthen Minnesota every day.”
That polished message was exactly the sort of language designed to make a sports franchise look engaged, compassionate, and perfectly aligned with the latest approved trend. Unfortunately for Minnesota, the nickname sitting above the post made the whole performance much harder to ignore.
Critics pointed to the Vikings’ reputation for brutality from the late eighth century through the late eleventh century, including rape, murder, pillaging, and slavery. The source also notes that Vikings traded, farmed, explored, and established settlements, but online critics were not interested in a sanitized history lesson. They wanted the team to explain why Columbus was treated as uniquely unacceptable while the Vikings name remained proudly displayed.
One response was especially direct: “Vikings were known for pillaging, raping, slaughtering, burning, and enslaving their victims. They terrorized innocent people in coastal communities including monasteries for centuries, even killed and enslaved women and children on a large scale. Better change your name too 🤡”
Another commenter offered a longer list of historical complaints while acknowledging that Vikings also traded, farmed, explored, and established settlements: “@Vikings Says the organization honoring the Vikings! Raided monasteries and settlements. Enslaved captives and participated in human trafficking. Killed civilians during raids and warfare. Also traded, farmed, explored, and established settlements.”
Other users mocked the franchise for dropping or criticizing other names and mascots while keeping “Vikings,” arguing that the nickname was also tied to violent historical conduct.
One short reply asked the question that kept appearing in different forms: “When are you changing the team name from The Vikings?”
Another commenter defended Columbus Day and accused the Vikings of hypocrisy, writing: “Had it not been for Christopher Columbus nobody would be making such a big deal about Indigenous People. Thank you Christopher Columbus on Columbus Day for bringing awareness to the Indigenous! Now Minnesota Vikings – take your lead and give back your land to those you stole from”
The team’s original post drew the criticism that critics expected, but it also created an awkward question for the franchise. If historical wrongdoing is enough to make a name or holiday unacceptable, then the Vikings nickname is not exactly sitting on spotless ground. The social-media staff may have wanted a celebration post, but instead they handed critics an easy punchline.
The Minnesota Vikings’ original post is available here:
A final commenter insulted the team while saying Minnesota should continue celebrating Christopher Columbus as it has in the past.
Source: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/10/nfl-team-hit-brutal-reminder-about-its-nickname/
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