MINNEAPOLIS – Joe Juranitch – better known for the past 21 years as the horn-helmed, fur-donning Vikings mascot Ragnar – will have to pillage elsewhere after he and the team couldn’t come to terms on a new deal.

After his contract expired in the offseason, the team had “multiple conversations” with Juranitch but “has not been able to reach an agreement with the team moving forward,” Vikings spokesman Jeff Anderson said in a statement.

“The Vikings greatly appreciate what Ragnar has meant to the organization and to the fans over the last two decades,” Anderson said. He said the team plans to honor him on the field during a home game this year and that Ragnar will always be considered an important part of Vikings history.”

Jurantich, an Ely native, broke the news himself in a Facebook post Sunday, posting a picture of himself in costume, watching the game on TV at home, holding a battle ax and looking forlorn.

“It doesn’t feel right sitting at home. This is not by my choice ... I don’t make those decisions ... At this point it was made for me,” he wrote “I miss all my fans and your support ... let’s all stay positive as we move forward.”

He didn’t elaborate on what happened.

The 54-year-old has been with the team since winning a tryout in 1994. Back then, he was paid $50 a game (more current terms of his deal weren’t publicly available). He’s known for his Vikings-themed Harley Davidson and a shaggy beard he once shaved with an ax.

More than 200 people replied to his Facebook post by 5 p.m. Monday, a number of them distraught.

“Not right. This makes me so sad,” wrote one. “FREE RAGNAR!” said another.

Wrote another: “Even as a Packers fan, we know there are certain traditions that you do not mess with.”

A Change.org petition asking for his reinstatement garnered more than 3,000 supporters by Monday evening.

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