DENNY.. PLEASE USE EVERY SECOND!

This is the banner. The one banned by the Vikings organization and which later changed gameday policy. The banner is unique, a true one-of-a-kind item, with a one-of-a-kind story. This is the greatest conversation piece a fan could own. Ideal for the fan who wants to display it in a collection, man cave, retail sports bar, or elsewhere.

This is the banner, hung by a Viking season ticket fan, which spoke to the tremendous frustration held by all Vikings Fans over a crucial game moment. It was viewed by millions of fans across the country and world. It was banned, fought for, and it prevailed.

THE LEAD UP

That frustration began during the 1998 NFC Championship Game with the Vikings, 11 point favorites at Metrodome, over the Atlanta Falcons. It was the end of fourth quarter regulation play. We had a prolific kill-at-will scoring offense, that set an NFL season record 554 points. Our offensive players were: Randall Cunningham (106.0 rating, 34 TDs), Robert Smith (1,187 yards rushing), ChrisCarter (1,011 yards receiving), Jake Reed, Andrew Glover, and Randy Moss (1,313 yards receiving).

The score is tied at 27. Vikings with all three timeouts and 30 seconds remaining. From their 27 yard line, on third down and 3 yards, Dennis Green has Randall Cunningham take a knee!

The banner was first displayed at the very next Vikings homegame. It was the pre-season opener against the NY Giants on August 13, 1999. See attached reaction to that game, plus reaction to the banner from Minneapolis Star Tribune sports columnist Patrick Reusse.

The Ebay seller is the creator, season ticket fan, and banner owner.

DENNIS GREEN PERSONAL OBJECTION

The banner was displayed at the two preseason home games, then for the first two regular season games.

It was at that second regular season home game that the banner first appeared on national television. It was October 3, 1999 with Vikings hosting Tampa Bay. The YouTube time stamped video of the banner is below. Fox Sports analyst Matt Millen read the banner aloud and made an epic comment.

Within a couple days of that Tampa Bay game, I received proof that Dennis Green had seen or was aware of the banner. The mother of a close friend of mine worked at a Minneapolis suburban spa. Dennis Green's wife Maureen went to that spa and knew that one of the female employees lived near Delano, MN, where I lived. Green's wife asked if the employee knew who I was? The employee told her yes and that I was a friend of her son.

BANNER CONFISCATED

I hung the banner in the most perfect location on a second deck rail facing the Vikings sideline. On October 10, 1999, for the third home game against Chicago, I displayed the banner for the fifth time. Metrodome security untied the banner within a few minutes after I hung it. They were obviously anticipating and prepared.

I was fortunately able to run, catch up, and confront the two security yellow jackets. I asked for return of my property. They did and gave me a phone number to the Vikings Director of Marketing.

BANISHMENT DRAMA

Here is what followed:

* The Vikings organization determined the banner message was offensive to Dennis Green.

* Three total meetings were held by Vikings staff over the banner.

* An early recommendation from the marketing staff that I change the banner message to "Vikes.. Play Hard Every Second!" I told them no.

* There was speculation on KFAN radio regarding the origination and outcome of the banner, after it was no longer displayed. For example, that the Vikings may have destroyed the banner, then owner Red McCombs paid the banner owner to have it remade. (Not true).

* It was known by some in the Vikings fan base that the banner had been banned.

* If the Vikings were to rule firm on banishment, I was prepared to hang the banner anyway, and officially inform local Minneapolis media.

* I sent a letter to team owner, Red McCombs. (Letter is available to Buyer.)

* After two weeks of debate I received a phone call from the Vikings granting me permission to rehang the banner.

* The banner appeared a second time on national TV with the Packers at Metrodome. (YouTubelink below.)

At the end of the final 1999 home game while I was removing the banner a fan approached me. He was fun and intoxicated saying, "Did you get that thing signed?" I did not know what he meant, so I asked, "You mean approved?" He says, "Yeah! Where the hell were you during the '98 NFC Championship game." This comment was so fitting.

GAME DAY POLICY CHANGE

The banner was hung for millions to see for a total of nine home games during the 1999 season, missing only the Chicago game of October 10th, when it was confiscated by stadium security.

The next year in the 2000 Season Ticket Owner guide, I noticed the section on Banner Policy. In previous years, the policy was perhaps one long paragraph prohibiting behavior like profanity, and blocking fellow spectator view, etc. The Banner Policy now went from one paragraph to three words: No Banners Allowed.

BUYER RECEIVES

The Buyer will receive all authentic documentation, including newspaper article, communications to Vikings Marketing and letter to Owner, Red McCombs. I also have emails showing updates that I was sending to a select group of fans.

The banner remains in excellent condition. No cosmetic issues. Not one area of chipped or peeled paint. It remains as a gem piece of historic fan-driven memorabilia.

It measures essentially 4 feet wide by 12 feet long.

Contact Seller with any questions.

YOUTUBE LINKS:

1998 NFC Championship Game, January 17, 1999; AtlantaFalcons at Vikings:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7eXlLooPHE&t=7268s

1999 Week Four, October 3, 199; Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Vikings; Matt Millen Epic Comment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc1sp2I7GM4&t=7242s

1999 Week 15, December 20, 1999; Green Bay Packers at Vikings; QB Jeff George Lets It Be Known:

https://youtu.be/ZBOKH4NhsCw?list=PLD02C6CD21395A8E7&t=1192