2002 Minnesota Vikings season

2002 Minnesota Vikings season
Head coachMike Tice
Home fieldHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Results
Record6–10
Division place2nd NFC North
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers
2
AP All-ProsDT Chris Hovan (2nd team)
Uniform

The 2002 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 42nd in the National Football League, and the first under head coach Mike Tice. Tice was the third of the Vikings' six head coaches to be promoted from within the team's coaching ranks but the first to have actually played for the team.

This for the first time since 1989, Cris Carter was not on the opening day roster.

The Vikings lost their opening game in Chicago 27–23 after surrendering a 20–10 halftime lead, and ended up going 0–4 before their bye week. Results improved after the bye, but they ultimately went 6–6 in their remaining games, including a three-game winning streak to end the season. They finished the season with a 6–10 record and missed the playoffs for the second year in a row.

Second-year running back Michael Bennett enjoyed a successful year, rushing for 1,296 yards, resulting in a Pro Bowl selection at the end of the season. After losing Cris Carter to retirement, Randy Moss had a career-high 106 receptions, but only had 7 touchdowns.