Could The Vikings Play A Game As The Duluth Eskimos In 2019?

The NFL trademarked the name "Duluth Eskimos" headed into the 2019 season, which just so happens to be the 100th year of the NFL. Could we see the Vikings play a game in a new jersey or even as the Eskimos?

The short answer is no.

The Duluth Eskimos were an NFL team way back in the 1920s, starting as the Duluth Kelleys, named after the Kelley-Duluth Hardware Store, but changed to the Eskimos after the hardware store stopped sponsoring the club. The Eskimos were an NFL team in 1926 and 1927 and withdrew from the league after the 1927 season.

According to Josh Gerben, the NFL trademarked the name Duluth Eskimos, and yes the Vikings made the most sense to play a game as that team as the league celebrates 100 years.

The Vikings were quick to shut down the idea of the team playing a game, the team did say that they are planning to center content, event activations and merchandise around the Eskimos.

It is still interesting to see that the Duluth Eskimos will play a role in the celebration of NFL100.