The Minnesota Vikings have a secret, 'cult-like' donut club

(Image credit: iStock)

Usually things like membership requirements, schedules, strict guidelines, and formal etiquette are signs you've stumbled into a yacht club in the Hamptons — not, necessarily, an NFL clubhouse. The exception to the rule is if you happen to be crashing the Minnesota Vikings' Donut Club on a Saturday morning, where donuts and tradition are treated with the utmost respect they deserve.

The Donut Club originated during the 2008 season when starting quarterback Gus Frerotte brought donuts with him to the training room. The treat has since become a regular ritual, growing into a full-blown "cult-like institution" with the team. Sports Illustrated explains:

The Vikings' head athletic trainer, the aptly named Eric Sugarman, serves as president of Donut Club. He's responsible for picking up the donuts each week from YoYo Donuts in Minnetonka, about five miles from team headquarters. The club's mission is to foster training-room camaraderie. "It's for the guys who aren't injured to be able to support the guys who get mandatory treatment all week," Sugarman says."Sug" works closely with an executive board made up of three players. This year it's [linebacker Chad] Greenway, defensive end Everson Griffen and tight end Kyle Rudolph. Each board member has equal voting rights, a distinct role, and a signature donut. Greenway (cinnamon twist) is the sheriff who enforces the rules. Griffen (glazed) is the speech-giver. Rudolph (chocolate long john) is in overall charge of planning and strategy. [Sports Illustrated]

Breaking rules can result in fierce punishments, such as a dreaded suspension from the club — A.K.A. being banned from eating donuts for three weeks. For example, while the boxes are opened for a "donut viewing" about 10 minutes to eight, none of the players dare to sneak a bite before the designated hour, as it would break one of the strict rules of the club. "It seems like the longest 10 minutes ever. As I get older and a little smarter, I stroll in there around 7:57, 7:58. I make sure I'm there on time, but then I don't have to sit there and wait all 10 minutes," explained Rudolph.

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"You let [new members] make mistakes and then yell at them," Greenway said. "We like to watch them squirm."

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.