Crimson McCombs dies at 95: Former Vikings, Spurs and Nuggets proprietor passes away

Former Minnesota Vikings, San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets proprietor Billy Joe ‘Crimson’ McCombs has died on the age of 95.

McCombs handed away Sunday based on a household assertion. He purchased the Vikings for $250 million in 1998 earlier than promoting them to present homeowners, the Wilf brothers, for $600 million in 2005.

“The Minnesota Vikings are saddened by the passing of former staff proprietor Crimson McCombs,” the Vikings stated in a press release.

“Crimson embodied his well-known catchphrase ‘Purple Pleasure’ and remained a staunch Vikings fan after passing the torch to the Wilf household in 2005… We might be eternally grateful for Crimson and Charline’s contributions to the Vikings.”

Charline McCombs, Crimson’s spouse, handed away in December 2019.

Billy Joe ‘Crimson’ McCombs handed away Sunday at age 95, based on a household assertion

Below McCombs’ possession, the Vikings went to 2 NFC Championship video games.

McCombs was a part of a bunch of businessmen who moved the Dallas Chaparrals from the ABA to San Antonio in 1973 and renamed them the Spurs.

He was instrumental in bringing the Spurs into the NBA as a part of the ABA-NBA merger in 1976.

In 1993, he bought the South Central Texas franchise for $75 million. McCombs purchased the Denver Nuggets in 1982 earlier than promoting the franchise in 1985.

He dumped his stake in Spurs throughout that point earlier than reinvesting in Spurs afterwards.

McCombs based the Automotive Group of the identical title and is the namesake of the McCombs Faculty of Enterprise on the College of Texas, his alma mater.

Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones paid tribute, saying, “Our hearts and prayers exit to the McCombs household on the passing of Crimson.”

“A real Texas titan in sports activities, media, enterprise and philanthropy, he adopted his desires and impacted many others all through his unbelievable life journey.

“He was an inspiration to me, and Crimson’s curiosity in sports activities was an enormous draw as a buddy.

“I revered the best way he valued loyalty and had a deep appreciation for every part it took to construct a staff.

“Crimson’s willpower, achievements and optimistic spirit will dwell on eternally as he embodied a relentless and passionate way of living, relationships and group.”