Fans React To Coach Denny Green's Death
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The opening of the new home of the Minnesota Vikings began with a moment of silence Friday.
Fans took a moment to remember Denny Green.
"Everyone in Minnesota loved him. He's a big part of our history here," said fan Aaron Oberman.
Green died from a heart attack Thursday. He was surrounded by his family.
His era in Vikings history, for many fans, was full of ups and downs. He led the team to the playoffs eight times in 10 seasons, making two trips to the NFC Championship.
He also led the 1998 Vikings to a 15-1 record, setting a franchise record for the most wins in a season.
And his offenses in the late 90s -- with Randy Moss, Cris Carter and company -- could light up the Metrodome.
Related: Football Insiders Remember Denny Green
"Super shocked, super sad," said fan Sarah Westbrook. "He was a big figure here in Minnesota. I grew up watching the Vikings and cheering for him while he was our coach, so I was really sad to hear about that."
Green was only the second black head coach in the NFL's modern era, but he will be remembered for so much more.
"I don't think anybody considers me a black coach," Green said. "I think they consider me a football coach, and it's always been that way."
Vikings faithful will not forget that Green gave chances to undrafted players who turned into fan favorites, like John Randle and Robert Griffith. And he drafted Randy Moss after 20 other teams passed on him.
Fan Anthony Jennings says people have been remembering Green all day at his barbershop, and how the giant of a coach approached the game.
"He was an institution. A legend," Jennings said. "He cared about football, he cared about people and I think a lot of people know he cared about the players."
Jennings says he has mixed feelings about Green's passing.
"It brought back some feelings of exuberance of when they went 15 and 1," he said. "When Randy was catching the long ball from Dante, you know. It brought back all of those memories also. So it was sadness but also joy."
Joy that Minnesota was lucky enough to have had a coach who put everything he had into a team, and fans that will always consider him family.
We are also learning of some of the causes Green supported right here in the Twin Cities, but did not want anyone to know about.
He loved children and would often donate his time and money to make sure they had uniforms to play the game, and opportunities to learn and grow as individuals.