Patrick Reusse Turkey of the Year past winners, from 1978 to today
The "winners" have all been Turkeys, no matter the honor's name.
By Star Tribune
Editor's note: Here are the 42 Turkey of the Year "winners" that came before this year. The Turkey was thought to have been retired on Thanksgiving Day 2017. The Authentic Turkey, a one-year wonder, made an appearance the next year before The Turkey Chairman again sought to retire the honor. But the pandemic arrived in 2020 and with it came a call for the Turkey's return. That year's winner took a prize known as the Turkey Revived Under Mandate by Public, or TRUMP Award. History will remember them all as Turkeys, however, by any name:
In the Star Tribune (32 "winners" and one premature sign-off)
2020: Mark Coyle, Gophers
2018: P.J. Fleck, Gophers
2015: The Grim Reaper
2013: Terry Ryan, Twins
2012: Tubby Smith, Gophers
2011: Zygi Wilf, Vikings
2010: Brett Favre, Vikings
2009: Tim Brewster, Gophers
2008: Marian Gaborik, Wild
2007: Charlie Weis, Notre Dame
2006: Pam Borton, Gophers
2005: Bob Naegele, Wild
2004: Red McCombs, Vikings
2003: Glen Mason, Gophers
1999: Clem Haskins, Gophers
1998: Carl Pohlad, Twins
1997: Dennis Green, Vikings
1996: Kerri Strug, Olympian
1995: Warren Moon, Vikings
1994: Jack McCloskey, Wolves
1993: Norm Green, North Stars
1991: Chris Doleman, Vikings
1990: Kent Hrbek, Twins
1989: Mike Lynn, Vikings
1988: Lou Nanne, North Stars
In the Pioneer Press (10 "winners")
1987: Carl Pohlad, Twins
1986: Dr. Kenneth Keller, U of M president
1985: Lou Holtz, Gophers
1984: Les Steckel, Vikings
1983: Paul Giel, Gophers
1982: Billy Martin, A's/Yankees
1981: George Steinbrenner, Yankees
1980: Bobby Knight, Indiana
1979: NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle; MLB Commissioner Bowie Kuhn
1978: Woody Hayes, Ohio State
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After a slow beginning against Golden State, the Wolves surged back, but the Warriors' superstar went on a shooting tear in the final four minutes.