Failing to complete the mission in Detroit was bad enough. After all, it was only the most important regular season game in either organization’s history. But losing is worse when it happens at what has apparently become the Philadelphia of the NFC North.

Minnesota Vikings wives appalled by behavior of Detroit Lions fans

That’s right. Two nice seasons for the Kitties has quickly gone to the heads of their fans, and not in a good way. After the Minnesota Vikings lost to the Lions on Sunday, multiple wives of Vikings players took to social media to describe how brutally they were treated by Lions fans at Ford Field.

Andrew Van Ginkel’s wife said it was the worst she has ever experienced. Dalton Risner’s wife said she was inappropriately touched and heckled. Oh, and the same fans whose team has been decimated by injuries this season… are begging the football gods for the same thing on opposing teams.

“I’ve honestly never been treated so poorly by another team’s fan base as I was on Sunday… the other 13 girls said the same thing”

— Sam Van Ginkel (@Sam_VanGinkel) January 7, 2025

AWFUL: Vikings OL Dalton Risner’s wife said she was “TOUCHED” by Lions fans and heckled throughout last night’s game.

LB Blake Cashman’s girlfriend claimed Detroit fans were “wishing injuries on opposing players.”

Minnesota fans were allegedly harassed all night. Just awful. pic.twitter.com/ZwTngR2hFO

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 7, 2025

It’s sad to see such a small sliver of success reveal the true Lions fan, behind those brown paper bags. We’ve never written an article about Vikings’ wives complaining about how they were treated at a road stadium. Who would have thought that our first time would be in reference, not to Philly fans or New York fans… but Detroit fans.

Related: Slumping Kicker a Concern for Vikings Says Insider

Of course, creating a good home field advantage is important in the NFL. We know all about that, as Minnesota Vikings fans who use US Bank Stadium to rattle visiting teams. But the goal is to create a hostile environment for the other team… but not for their family members.

Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised, though. We are talking about a fanbase that has been openly celebrated player injuries since head coach Dan Campbell arrived on the scene.

Vikings vs Lions Part III…?

This may not be the last time Lions fans play host to the Minnesota Vikings, before the 2024-25 season/postseason is complete. It’s very possible these two teams meet again, for a third time this season, and it could happen as soon as the divisional round.

If the NFC wildcard round plays out the way it is seeded, except the No. 5 seed Vikings “upset” the No. 4 seed Rams, then Minnesota would be the lowest remaining seed, going into the divisional round. As the No. 1 seed, the Lions will play the lowest remaining seed in round two, after they enjoy a bye in the wildcard round.

Not playing at home is definitely a big disadvantage, especially in a game with this level of importance. But the Minnesota Vikings’ owners are doing everything they can to make sure Vikings fans show up in Detroit to support.

Minnesota Vikings owners buy nearly 2000 tickets in Detroit

The Wilf family, who are owners of the Minnesota Vikings, just did something pretty unexpected and honestly, really awesome. They personally stepped in and dropped $2 million to buy 1,900 tickets, which they’re reselling to Vikings fans at a much lower price.

“In the days leading up to Sunday night’s showdown against the Detroit Lions, the Vikings took the unusual measure of buying around 1,900 tickets for the road game on the secondary market, at about $1,000 apiece, for a total approaching $2 million. The team then turned around and sent an email to season ticket holders, offering the opportunity to buy the tickets at a much lower price point, and in some cases for as little as $200 per ticket.“

Albert Breer – SportsIllustrated

According to Breer, the Vikings are offering the tickets to season ticket holders for as low as, in some cases, $200 each. He also noted that the Detroit Lions raised concerns and contacted the NFL about it, but the league determined that the Vikings weren’t breaking any rules.

“The rival Lions flagged it, with the team’s ticket office noticing the unusual activity, then finding out about the email. The email said, “As a valued season ticket member, we want to offer you the opportunity to purchase lower-level seats for Sunday night’s game.” The tickets were available on a first-come-first-serve basis, and the team added in the email that they were “intended to be used by Vikings fans and not positioned for resale.

The Lions contacted the league office about it and were told, per sources, that the Vikings didn’t break any rules in the process of pulling this off.”

Albert Breer – SportsIllustrated

This is what top-notch ownership looks like: owners who care about their fans and do everything possible to give the team an advantage. Breer also pointed out that these tickets are positioned right behind the Vikings’ sideline, which should hopefully make sideline communication a bit smoother.

Related: Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions: Who’s Better… Brian Flores or Ben Johnson?

This might just be the biggest regular-season game in Minnesota Vikings history; the Wilfs are doing everything they can to secure the team another home playoff game. Only time will tell if their efforts pay off.

If the Vikings pull off a win, the road to the Super Bowl in the NFC will go straight through U.S. Bank Stadium. As the top seed, securing home-field advantage, the Vikings would ensure more football at the Bank, something the Wilfs would undoubtedly enjoy.