Carl Eller
Inducted:
2004
Player Stats
6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
247 lb (112 kg)
Born:
January 25, 1942
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S.
Position:
Defensive End
College:
Minnesota (1961–1963)
Carl Eller was a relentless pass rusher and the cornerstone of the legendary “Purple People Eaters” defensive line for the Minnesota Vikings. Known for his strength, stamina, and technique, Eller recorded 133.5 unofficial sacks over his 16-season career, long before sacks were officially tracked. A six-time Pro Bowler and five-time First-Team All-Pro, Eller helped lead the Vikings to four Super Bowl appearances in the 1970s. He played in 225 games and was one of the most durable and disruptive forces of his era. His leadership and consistency on the field earned him a spot on the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team. After years of advocacy, Eller was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004, honoring a career defined by dominance in the trenches.
Eller's Awards and Records
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1968–1971, 1973)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1967, 1972)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1968–1971, 1973, 1974)
- Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
- 50 Greatest Vikings
- National champion (1960)
- Consensus All-American (1963)
- First-team All-Big Ten (1963)
- Second-team All-Big Ten (1962)
NFL Records
- NFL champion (1969)
- NEA NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1971)
- NFL sacks co-leader (1969)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
NFL Teams
Minnesota Vikings (1964–1978)
Seattle Seahawks (1979)
NFL Draft:
1964: 1st round, 6th pick
Minnesota Vikings
Number Worn:
81, 71
NFL Stats
Seasons:
16 (1964–1979)
Games Played:
225
Sacks (unofficial):
133.5
Fumble Recoveries:
23
Touchdowns:
1
