Why are Vikings such common mascots in American sports?

I believe that vikings are common mascots because of the symbolism that they are associated with. Vikings are characterized as savage bloodthirsty pirates that attack villages and settlements whenever they choose to. Vikings we so well feared in the ancient times because of their brutality and dangerous weapons. All free Norse men had to own their own weapons. They most commonly had chain mail, helmets, shield, and swords. They fought honorable and usually didn't use bows because they believed it wasn't a fair fight when they did. The modern sports teams are trying to convey this same image of strength, power and brutality that is associated with vikings. They want their opponent to fear them. The vikings where highly feared and the sports teams want to be also.

Source:

Viking. Web. 15 Mar. 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking.

Picture Source:

Leif Ericson on the Shore of Vinland.gif. Web. 15 Mar. 2010. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Leif_Ericson_on_the_shore_of_Vinland.gif.