Alan Page
Inducted:
1988
Player Stats
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
245 lb (111 kg)
Born:
August 7, 1945
Canton, Ohio, U.S.
Position:
Defensive tackle
College:
Notre Dame (1964–1966)
Alan Page was one of the most dominant and intelligent defensive players in NFL history, renowned for his quickness, strength, and relentless pursuit of the ball. Playing primarily for the Minnesota Vikings (1967–1978) and later the Chicago Bears (1978–1981), Page anchored the Vikings’ legendary “Purple People Eaters” defensive line. His rare combination of speed and power revolutionized the defensive tackle position, allowing him to consistently disrupt both running and passing plays.
Page recorded 148.5 career sacks (unofficial) and became the first defensive player in NFL history to be named Most Valuable Player (1971). He also earned nine Pro Bowl selections and five First-Team All-Pro honors, leading Minnesota to four Super Bowl appearances. Off the field, Page went on to a distinguished career as a Minnesota Supreme Court justice, exemplifying excellence beyond sports.
Alan Page was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988, honored as one of football’s greatest defenders and thinkers.
Page's Awards and Honors
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1970, 1971, 1973–1975)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1969, 1972, 1976)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1968–1976)
- 50 Greatest Vikings
- Minnesota Vikings 25th Anniversary Team
- Minnesota Vikings 40th Anniversary Team
- Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
NFL Records
- First defensive player to win NFL MVP
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- NFL champion (1969)
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1971)
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1971)
NFL Teams
Minnesota Vikings (1967–1978)
Chicago Bears (1978–1981)
NFL Draft:
1967: 1st round, 15th overall pick
Minnesota Vikings
Number Worn:
88, 82
NFL Stats
Seasons:
15 (1967–1981)
Games Played:
218
Game Started:
215
Sacks:
148.5
Safeties:
3
Interceptions:
2
Interception yards:
42
Fumble recoveries:
23
Touchdowns:
3