Ole Haugsrud, American sports executive (b. 1900)

Oluf Roy Haugsrud, born on May 13, 1899, in Superior, Wisconsin, was a prominent American sports executive whose foresight and dedication left an indelible mark on the landscape of professional football. His journey, which began in the Badger State, would eventually see him become a pivotal figure in the early development of the National Football League (NFL) and a founding owner of one of its most enduring franchises, the Minnesota Vikings, a legacy that continued until his passing on March 13, 1976.

A Visionary in the Early NFL: The Duluth Eskimos Era

Haugsrud first stepped onto the national sports stage as the owner of the Duluth Eskimos, an NFL team active in the late 1920s. This period was a formative and often tumultuous time for the nascent league, and Oluf Roy Haugsrud proved to be a shrewd and innovative leader. His most impactful move was undoubtedly the signing of legendary player Ernie Nevers. Nevers, a genuine football superstar of his era, became the face of the Eskimos, a team that became famous for its relentless "barnstorming" schedule. This meant they would travel extensively across the country, playing exhibition games against various opponents, often enduring grueling travel conditions and an exhausting number of contests.

This barnstorming strategy, spearheaded by Haugsrud, was crucial for the NFL's survival and growth. In an era before widespread television coverage or established fan bases, taking the game directly to communities nationwide helped popularize professional football and showcase its star players like Nevers. It generated much-needed revenue and, perhaps more importantly, cultivated a burgeoning interest in the sport, laying groundwork for the league's eventual explosion in popularity. Haugsrud's pioneering efforts at this critical juncture are widely credited as significantly contributing to the NFL's ability to gain a foothold and expand.

A Return to Minnesota: The Birth of the Vikings

After a period of dedicated ownership and groundbreaking promotion with the Duluth Eskimos, Oluf Roy Haugsrud eventually sold the team back to the NFL. However, his astute business dealings ensured that his influence in professional football would not end there. As part of the sale agreement, Haugsrud secured an extraordinary provision: he would hold the first rights to any future NFL expansion team in the state of Minnesota. This foresight proved to be invaluable decades later.

While he initially passed on an opportunity to invest in the Minneapolis Red Jackets in 1929, his patience and contractual rights paid off handsomely. When the NFL decided to expand to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area in January 1960, Oluf Roy Haugsrud was rightfully granted 10% ownership of the new franchise. This team, of course, became the Minnesota Vikings. He remained a proud co-owner of the Minnesota Vikings, witnessing its early years and growth, until his death in 1976. His enduring connection to the team and the NFL speaks volumes about his long-term vision and commitment to the sport.

Legacy Beyond Ownership

Oluf Roy Haugsrud's impact extends beyond his ownership stakes. The very identity of the Minnesota Vikings carries a direct link to his personal history. Both the team's distinctive name and its iconic team colors of purple and gold are a direct homage to Haugsrud's alma mater, Central High School in Superior, Wisconsin. Furthermore, the Vikings' secondary logo, which features a modified version of Central's original insignia, continues to be in use, serving as a subtle yet significant nod to its founding father.

In recognition of his substantial contributions to the development and growth of professional football, Haugsrud was nominated as a senior candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973. While he was ultimately not elected, this nomination underscored the profound respect and acknowledgment he garnered within the football community for his pioneering spirit and foundational work.

Honoring His Memory: Ole Haugsrud Field

Oluf Roy Haugsrud's legacy is also honored in his hometown of Superior, Wisconsin. A prominent local sports venue bears his name: Ole Haugsrud Field. This field served as the home for the University of Wisconsin–Superior football team until the program was discontinued in the mid-1990s. Subsequently, it became the home turf for the Superior High School Spartans until 2014, when the high school opened its new state-of-the-art stadium. Ole Haugsrud Field stands as a tangible reminder of a man who dedicated his life to sports and left an indelible mark on football, from its nascent beginnings to the establishment of one of its most beloved franchises.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Oluf Roy Haugsrud

Who was Oluf Roy Haugsrud?
Oluf Roy Haugsrud was an American sports executive born in Superior, Wisconsin. He is best known for his pivotal role in the early development of the National Football League (NFL) and as a founding owner of the Minnesota Vikings.
What was Haugsrud's role with the Duluth Eskimos?
Haugsrud owned the Duluth Eskimos in the late 1920s. He famously signed star player Ernie Nevers and orchestrated the team's extensive "barnstorming" tours, which were crucial in popularizing professional football and growing the NFL during its formative years.
How was Oluf Roy Haugsrud involved with the Minnesota Vikings?
After selling the Duluth Eskimos, Haugsrud secured first rights to any future NFL team in Minnesota. This allowed him to become a 10% owner of the Minnesota Vikings when the team was established in 1960. He remained part owner until his death in 1976.
What is the significance of Haugsrud's high school to the Vikings?
The Minnesota Vikings' team name and colors (purple and gold) are a direct tribute to Oluf Roy Haugsrud's high school, Central High School in Superior, Wisconsin. The Vikings' secondary logo is also a modified version of Central's original emblem.
Was Haugsrud nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Yes, Oluf Roy Haugsrud was a senior nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 for his significant contributions to the sport, though he was not ultimately elected.
What is Ole Haugsrud Field?
Ole Haugsrud Field is a sports venue in Superior, Wisconsin, named in his honor. It has served as home to both the University of Wisconsin–Superior football team and the Superior High School Spartans football team for many years.