Minnesota Vikings all-time Mount Rushmore

3 of 5

The Minnesota Vikings special teams, led by Hall of Fame member Alan Page (88), attempts to block an extra point against the San Diego Chargers during a 30-14 loss to the Chargers on December 5, 1971 at San Diego Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Charles Aqua Viva/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Vikings Mount Rushmore: DT Alan Page

Only twice has a performer from the defensive side of the football been named the league’s Most Valuable Player. It last happened in 1986 when New York Giants’ outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor had one of his tremendous seasons and the franchise captured a Super Bowl title that year. The first was Minnesota Vikings’ defensive tackle Alan Page in 1971.

One of the famed member of the team’s “Purple People Eaters,” his story is remarkable when you consider that as a young man he was part of the construction crew that built

In some ways, Page somewhat symbolizes one of the NFL’s best-ever defensive fronts. He teamed with fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer and defensive end Carl Eller with ageless Jim Marshall on the other side. Meanwhile, Page was joined inside by Doug Sutherland and Gary Larson.

While sacks were not an official stat when the former Golden Domer was playing, he certainly got his share. He also recovered 23 opponent’s fumbles with the Vikings (19) and Bears (4), who he spent the last three-plus years of his career. The nine-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro (all during his time with Minnesota) was one of the most relentless defenders in league annals.

Home/Minnesota Vikings