29. The Commentator’s Jinx
Sometimes it’s the action on the field that causes the pain. This was definitely the case for many Vikings fans of a certain generation. In 1998, Gary Anderson missed a pivotal field goal in the NFC Championship Game. It effectively handed the game to the Falcons because they immediately drove back downfield and scored a touchdown. “And Anderson hasn’t missed in two years,” said play-by-play broadcaster Pat Summerall.
One Vikings supporter explained how they took it for granted that Anderson would score the 39-yard kick. He said, “That’s a pretty good bet if you say ‘Do you think Gary Anderson will make this field goal?’ The answer should probably be yes.” However, he inevitably missed at the key moment and the Vikings fell agonizingly short of a potential Super Bowl appearance.