Story of glory ends for Vikings

past All-Pro safety Harrison Smith, past venerable corner Terence Newman, past former 11th overall pick Trae Waynes. He finished with 352 yards and three touchdowns, completing 26 of his 33 passes while being sacked once.

Case Keenum, the improbable Vikings starter who'd led them to this point after Sam Bradford's knee injury, gave up his Pick-6 of the season.

That would be the first of his three turnovers, followed by a fumble that set up Philadelphia's third touchdown and a late interception after the Eagles had put the game out of reach.

On the first interception, Chris Long got his hand into Keenum’s ribs as the quarterback let go of a pass for Adam Thielen, and FSU alum Patrick Robinson grabbed it, reversing field and cutting all the way to the right sideline before picking up a block and sneaking into the end zone. Robinson's interception return covered 50 yards, tying the game before the Eagles picked up an offensive first down.

After a Vikings threeand-out, Philadelphia marched 75 yards in 12 plays, capping its drive with LeGarrette Blount carrying Andrew Sendejo into the end zone for an 11-yard TD.

So there will be no home Super Bowl for the Vikings in a market that is set to host the game for the first time in 26 years and likely won't stage it again for years.

Instead, a heartbroken metropolis will be asked to put on its happy face and dole out Northern hospitality for two boisterous fanbases: the Patriots fans coming to watch their team play its eighth Super Bowl in 16 years and the notorious Eagles fans.