MINNEAPOLIS – Thousands of people are expected at U.S. Bank Stadium Sunday for the public celebration of life for Vikings Hall of Fame coach Bud Grant.
Grant died March 11 at the age of 95. He coached the Vikings from 1967-1985, and his 161 victories are the most in franchise history.
Longtime Vikings linebacker and scout Scott Studwell is one of the speakers at the memorial. He said Grant was stoic and quiet as a football coach but opened up and enjoyed conversation later in life.
Studwell said Grant was much more than a football coach and never got enough credit for his athleticism.
“The fact that he played professional football, and played professional basketball. He was such a well-rounded individual that I think everything came natural to him,” Studwell said.
Grant won an NBA championship with the Minneapolis Lakers. Studwell says Bud loved the outdoors and was out hunting and fishing any time he had a chance.
“He was a remarkable human being and it’s nice to be able to pay tribute to him in lots of different ways,” Studwell said. “I’m just proud to be a part of it. He’s a huge part of Vikings history.”
The celebration of life is free, but people need to reserve tickets to the event on the Vikings website.
