Purple Posse

New book chronicles the story of ‘the best fans in the NFL’
By Jean Lundquist
The Free Press

Many a book has been written about sports figures and teams, but “Purple People” is the first to be devoted to a team’s fans. The Purple People Ried Holien refers to are, of course, Minnesota Vikings fans.

Holien calls Vikings fans “the best fans in the NFL,” and sets off to prove it in “Purple People.”

Although the book is humorous, “It’s not a fluff piece,” he explains, “though it is a positive take on Viking fans.”

The idea for the book came to him in 2002. He traveled from his home in South Dakota to take in a game and arrived a couple of hours early. He entertained himself by walking through the tailgating parking lots, watching the fans partying.

“The Vikes were two and five that season, and about to fall to two and six,” he says.

Yet the lots were packed, and the fans were in a good mood. As Holien thought about it, he realized the Vikings had a bad year the year before, and in fact, had a string of four to five years without much success.

He realized, he says, that “these people had built a culture above and beyond the team. The Vikes gave people an excuse to get together and have a good time anyway.”

“If you’re a Vikings fan,” Holien says, “you’ve had your heart ripped out a number of times.”

Holien says there are three different camps of fans. One group just plain loves to party. They are the ones most likely to be tailgating. A second group has a rich history with the Vikings. They are the ones most likely to watch games with family members. Holien lumps himself into the third group of fans.

“I have friends who are Vikings fans,” he says.

Last Sunday after the Vikings unexpectedly routed the Giants 41-17, Holien called co-author Steve Belatti in Oregon and talked about the game.

“Would we be friends without the Vikings?” he said. “Probably.” But he says that having the link of being Vikings fans adds a depth to their friendship.

Richard Lustberg is a renowned sports psychologist Holien went to when seeking validation for his claim that Vikings fans are the best. He says that Lustberg, when asked which football team has the best fans, immediately named the Vikings.

Vikings fans are the best, according to Lustberg, based on “loyalty, perseverance, and what they have had to go through.”

Holien adds that television ratings are high, the arena is usually sold out, and the Vikings have a nationwide fan base.

“You can’t say just because the team loses they have great fans,” he says. He admits the Vikings have had some black eyes for on and off the field behaviors.

Former Viking Randy Moss had run-ins with the law. There was that “love boat” sex scandal thing where a handful of Vikings faced criminal charges. Criminal charges came out of the Winter Blast fundraiser. And last year, Koren Robinson’s attempt to outrun police earned a year’s worth of legal hassles and court appearances.

“It’s been pretty hard to be a Vikings fan,” he says.

And yet, fans always show up.

Of the fans, Holien says, “They don’t have to be ashamed. It’s about who they are, not about the team.”

Growing up and living his entire life in South Dakota, Holien could have attached his loyalty to just about any team. Even a winning team. Though he has many relatives and friends in Minnesota, and considers himself to be “30 percent Minnesotan,” his loyalty is not based on geography.

“Playing football outside, with friends, boys always have to pick who they want to be,” he explains. Holien picked 1980s-era quarterback Tommy Kramer.

He started watching Kramer and the whole team. As a result, he has been a season ticket holder for the last 25 years.

Holien has been researching “Purple People” since his walk among tailgate parties in 2002. “I wanted the book to come out in a year when the Vikings were doing good, but I realized I could die before that happens.”

“Purple People” features interviews with former Vikings players and broadcasters. It also provides insider tales of training camps in Mankato, favorite haunts of players and fans, and stories from myriad fans.

Holien is hosting a book signing for Purple People at the Mankato Barnes and Noble from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday.

If You Go

What

Book signing for Ried Holien’s book, “Purple People,” featuring interviews with former Vikings players and broadcasters. It also provides insider tales of training camps in Mankato, favorite haunts of players and stories from myriad fans.

Where

Barnes & Noble in Mankato

When

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday

Books will be available for purchase at the store. They are also available online at purplepeoplebook.com