Though the Vikings aren’t playing in the Super Bowl, it doesn’t mean Minnesota’s presence won’t be felt on Feb. 7 when the Carolina Panthers take on the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50.
We’ve found nine connections to the Vikings or Minnesota, the most obvious is five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen. Here’s what you should know about who you’re rooting for:
Carolina Panthers
Jared Allen, defensive end: Allen played six seasons with the Vikings (2008-2013), during which he was selected to four Pro Bowls, led the NFL in sacks once (2011) and the NFC twice (2009, 2011), and was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Year (2011).