Wilf '84 moves from Tigers' broadcast booth to owner's booth

Wilf’s position as the owner and president of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings was only mentioned briefly in most news accounts detailing his generosity to the University.

Yet it is clear that Wilf’s passion for football has set him apart, even at a young age. A member of his high school golf team, Wilf never played football competitively. But his family made certain he could tell a Hail Mary from a handoff.

“I grew up as a [New York] Giants fan,” Wilf said. “We went to all the games. It was always a real family bonding experience.”

Though the Giants remained his favorite professional team, Wilf found a way to integrate himself into the Princeton football tradition through sports media. He became a radio commentator, broadcasting play-by-play action for the Tiger football and men’s basketball games. Wilf noted the football team’s 1981 victory over Yale as an important sports highlight during his time, as the win was the Tigers’ first against the Bulldogs in 14 years. Even so, covering then-head coach Pete Carril’s dominant basketball teams was the most memorable perk.

“Play by play was a lot of fun. [Basketball] won a couple Ivy [titles],” Wilf said. “Carril was in his prime, and we had some great times.”

After Princeton, Wilf earned a law degree from New York University, graduating in 1987. He then joined Garden Homes, where he has worked for the past 20 years. In 1990, Wilf married Jane Frieder, who was working as an associate TV producer in New York. The couple went on to have four children. To the casual observer, it seemed like Wilf’s football fervor had gone into remission.

In reality, however, Wilf was waiting for the chance to fulfill a life-long dream. In 2004, the opportunity came. As soon as the Minnesota Vikings went up for sale, Wilf, his brother Zygi and their cousin Leonard banded together and purchased the team.

“It was a family investment,” Wilf said. “My brother, my cousin and myself [are] very close, and it was our dream to get involved in football.”

Zygi Wilf is currently the Vikings’ chairman, while Leonard serves as vice president of the team and as president of the family company.

Mark Wilf’s job entails overseeing all team operations, often working alongside his brother. Knowing Wilf, however, it’s no surprise that he makes interaction with the Viking coaches and players a special priority.

“My brother and I see [the team] regularly,” Wilf said. “We spend time at practices and come during training camps. Both of us see visits as important for building team character.”

And this is hardly lip service. After being immersed in sports his entire life, Wilf has developed a significant respect for his athletes. Not only does he acknowledge the physical challenges they confront daily, but he also recognizes the mental toughness it takes to compete at such a high level.

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“Talent and knowledge are important, but a certain personality and character allow you to stand up to adversity while working together in a team environment,” Wilf said. “The character side is more important than you realize.”

Wilf’s emphasis on character and his dedication to football are sure to bring Minnesota’s program success in the future. Wilf insists, though, that this success will result from a team effort by players, administrators and fans.

“The people in Minnesota have been great, and it has been humbling and an honor to be part of a great sport and a great tradition,” Wilf said. “[My brother and I] view ourselves as the custodians of a great franchise and a great game.”