Over the past few seasons, it could be argued that the Green Bay Packers‘ biggest rival in the NFC North has been the Minnesota Vikings. While the Packers and Chicago Bears have one of the oldest rivalries in sports, Green Bay has won every single game against Chicago since Matt LaFleur took over has head coach in 2019. Since 1993, Brett Favre‘s first full season as the Packers’ starting quarterback, Green Bay is 48-14 against Chicago.
In that same time frame, the Packers are 34-26-2 against the Vikings. So, while Green Bay holds the advantage in the rivalry over the past 30+ years, it has been a much more fierce matchup during that time frame. Also in that time, the Packers have won the NFC Central/North Division 15 times. Minnesota has won it eight times, the second-most of any team in the division. Chicago has won it five times.
Popular Green Bay Packers Players Have Gone to Play for the Minnesota Vikings
While different Packers players have left Green Bay to play for division rivals, it seems that the Vikings always seem to snag the best and most popular ones. This has gone on for some time now, but some recent fan favorites that have defected to Minnesota are:
Brett Favre
After being traded from the Packers to the New York Jets, Favre spent one season in the Big Apple before finishing his career with two years with the Vikings. In his first season in Minnesota, Favre nearly won NFL MVP and took the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game.
Darren Sharper
Considering what Sharper has been found guilty of (and is spending what should be the rest of his life in prison), there is no need to dwell on his achievements on the gridiron. However, it is worth noting that he went from being a Pro Bowl safety in Green Bay to being a Pro Bowl safety in Minnesota too.
Greg Jennings
While fans may have mixed emotions about Greg Jennings now, he was very successful in Green Bay, making two Pro Bowls and helping the team win Super Bowl XLV. On his way out, though, he said some regrettable things about Aaron Rodgers and the organization, which turned the fanbase against him. His signing with Minnesota did not help.
Za’Darius Smith
What a weird saga the end of Za’Darius Smith’s time in Green Bay was. He lit the NFL on fire for two seasons before a back injury (or something) kept him out for most of the 2021 season. After the Packers released him, he signed with the Vikings so he could play against Green Bay twice a year.
Aaron Jones
Besides Favre signing with Minnesota, this one might be hardest one for Packers fans. Not only because it’s Minnesota, but also because Aaron Jones is such a good person that it is nearly impossible to root against him, even if he’s wearing purple.
And speaking of uniform colors…
Green Bay Packers Fans Roast the New Minnesota Vikings Uniforms on Social Media
On Thursday afternoon, ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted some pictures of the Vikings’ new alternate uniforms, a design called “Winter Warriors.”
The Vikings’ new all-white; Winter Warrior alternate uniforms: pic.twitter.com/yisNxbZGbe
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 6, 2024
Now, the Vikings do play in the NFC North, and it does get cold in Minnesota during the winter. But the Vikings play in a dome. They don’t have to deal with the elements when they play at home during the season, a fact that Packers fans were quick to point out:
Hard to justify calling yourselves “Winter Warriors” when you play in a dome, imo https://t.co/QKr0FHSKGw
— Tex Western ⚛︎🏈🥌🥃 (@TexWestern) June 6, 2024
Whoever picked this name should be embarrassed https://t.co/xmAYHHetXj
— Danielle (@toepacktoe) June 6, 2024
“Winter Warrior” is a funny title for a team that plays in a dome 🤷♂️ https://t.co/IK7j28rSqO
— Matt Eurich (@MattEurich) June 6, 2024
For a team that drops fake snow before games in their heated stadium, the fake ice is so fitting. https://t.co/ZhGDZgAdD4
— Paul Oren (@TVBOren) June 6, 2024
The real winter warrior: https://t.co/JD0cTC34xa pic.twitter.com/uAGPWKCMGO
— allie adames (@AllieKurowski) June 6, 2024
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
