Purple People Eaters
1960s and 1970s NFL defensive line for the Minnesota Vikings
Purple People Eaters
The Purple People Eaters was the nickname given to the defensive line of the Minnesota Vikings from 1967 to 1977, consisting mainly of Alan Page, Carl Eller, Jim Marshall, and Gary Larsen. The term is a reference to a popular song from 1958, the efficiency of the defense, and the color of their uniforms. The motto of the Purple People Eaters was "Meet at the quarterback." The Purple People Eaters mainly consisted of: Defensive tackle Alan Page, 9 Pro Bowl selections (1968–1976), NFL MVP (1971), Pro Football Hall of Fame Defensive end Carl Eller, 6 Pro Bowl selections (1968–1971, 1973–1974), Pro Football Hall of Fame Defensive end Jim Marshall, 2 Pro Bowl selections (1968–1969) Defensive tackle Gary Larsen, 2 Pro Bowl selections (1969–1970) Larsen was replaced in 1974 by Doug Sutherland. Marshall said that the players disliked the name "Purple People Eaters" and called themselves "The Purple Gang", but "we've got to ride with it because it's our handle". The group was a major factor in...
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