Prompted by pulsing drum beats, the rhythmic clap and resounding “SKOL!” echoes through U.S. Bank Stadium. From the mast of a Norse ship that forms the players’ tunnel entrance, smoke billows from a dragon’s mouth. Flakes of feather-light ash float behind, sprinkling the purple of the end zone.
More than 66,000 fans have embraced a tradition shared with Minnesota from an island more than 3,000 miles away.
“It’s a great way to get the crowd involved,” defensive tackle Linval Joseph said. “At the beginning of the game, beginning of the fourth quarter, it helps give us the energy to make plays.