The Vikings got duped on Sunday.
In a moment meant to honor the troops, the Minnesota franchise found itself at the center of photo faux pas, when it put a picture on the video display board at U.S. Bank Stadium that paid homage to porn star Johnny Sins.
“We’re honoring our nation’s service members, veterans, and their families during Sunday’s game against Dallas,” the Vikings tweeted last week. “Share photos and stories of your loved ones who have served or are currently serving using #SkolSalute for a chance to have them featured on the video board Sunday.”
The Vikings urged fans to “share photos and stories of your loved ones who have served or are currently serving using #SkolSalute for a chance to win a pair of tickets.”
A Twitter user with the handle @KyleRulz4h hatched a successful ruse, submitting a photo of Sins dressed in military apparel.
“This is my cousin Joel who served in the Army. He has always been an inspiration and someone I look up to for his heroism. He is also a HUGE Vikes fan #skolsalute,” the message on Twitter read.
The 43-year-old Sins has been nominated for a number of AVN awards.
Fortunately for the person in charge of filtering these messages for the Vikings, pleading ignorance on Sins’ identity would be a sign of virtue.
Not much went the Vikings’ way on Sunday as the Cowboys annihilated Minnesota in front of the hometown crowd, 40-3.
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins struggled mightily against the Cowboys’ pass rush, completing 12 of his 23 passes for 105 yards.
Meanwhile, Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott completed 22 of his 25 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Tony Pollard ran the ball 15 times for 80 yards while Ezekiel Elliott struck paydirt twice.
The Vikings, now 8-2, will host the Patriots on Thanksgiving night this Thursday.