All woe the ballad of Ragnar the Viking who, for the last 21 years, mounted his trusty purple motorcycle to lead the Minnesota Vikings onto the field during the NFL team's home games. No more, according to reports that tell of discontent and disagreements between Ragnar and his Viking brothers.
Reports say that Joe Juranitch, who plays the burly, bearded unofficial mascot, was demanding $20,000 per game appearance for 10 years—an increase from the $1,500 he received each game last season.
According to a Vikings spokesperson, the team was unable to reach an agreement with Ragnar during contract negotiations. If they had met his alleged demands, Ragnar would have been given a raise of $200,000 per year, or $2 million for the full 10-year term.
A source, who claims to have been privy to the negotiations, said the Vikings refused, which is why the antics of Ragnar were nowhere to be seen during the Vikings' home game versus the Detroit Lions last Sunday.
The Vikings also felt the loss of his presence. A spokesperson for the team released the following statement:
"The Vikings greatly appreciate what Ragnar has meant to the organization and to the fans over the last two decades. We intend to honor his 21 seasons on the field during a 2015 Vikings home game and we will welcome him to future ceremonial events. We will always consider Ragnar an important part of Vikings history."
Ragnar himself also posted his sorrow at not being at the game on his Facebook page.
It doesn't feel right sitting at home. This is not by my choice...I don't make those decisions..At this point it was...
Posted by RAGNAR on Sunday, 20 September 2015
Although not the Viking's official mascot—that position is held by Viktor—Ragnar is an independent contractor who has been a mainstay with the team since 2007. Fans have grown to love his wild appearance and his over-the-top purple motorcycle.
Some critics have called Ragnar's contract demands preposterous. However, some "elite" mascots who work full time for their teams do indeed pull in those numbers per appearance per game.
Be sure to follow T-Lounge on Twitter and visit our Facebook page.
