Purple People Eaters
Encyclopedia
Purple People Eaters is a term for the defensive line of the Minnesota Vikings
from the late 1960s to the late 1970s. The term is a reference to a popular song from 1958
, the superb efficiency of the defense, and the color of their uniforms. The motto of the Purple People Eaters was "Meet at the quarterback."
One of the original members of the defensive line, Gary Larsen, was replaced in the mid-1970s by Doug Sutherland.
The Purple People Eaters were a major factor in the post-season success of the Vikings from the late 1960s through the 1970s. The Purple People Eaters were one of the most identifiable Front Fours in National Football League
history, with the "Fearsome Foursome
" of the Los Angeles Rams during the 1960s and early 1970s, the "Steel Curtain
" of the Pittsburgh Steelers
during the 1970s, and the "New York Sack Exchange
" of the New York Jets
during the 1980s. Despite not winning a Super Bowl in any of their 4 trips, the Vikings' defense is considered arguably among the greatest defense of all time.
Carl Eller and Alan Page were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
. Many fans, sports writers, players, and coaches argue that Jim Marshall should be in the Hall of Fame as well.
in the expansion draft
. In 1964, Carl Eller was drafted
in the first round. In the next season they acquired Gary Larsen from the Los Angeles Rams. Then in 1967, the Vikings drafted
Alan Page in the first round. This foursome went down as one of the most intimidating Front Fours in NFL history.
In 1969, all four members of the Vikings front line made the Pro Bowl as the defense gave up the fewest points, fewest yards, and sacked
the opposing quarterback 50 times. Their offense was just as impressive by scoring the most points. This combination led the team to their first NFL Championship and to Super Bowl IV
, where they lost in a 23-7 upset to the Kansas City Chiefs
.
The next year, the Vikings defense once again gave up the fewest points, fewest yards, and recorded 49 sacks. Meanwhile, Page, Eller and Larsen all made the Pro Bowl.
In 1971 the Vikings for the third year in a row gave up the fewest points and gave up the 2nd fewest yards. That year, Carl Eller was voted NEA NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive tackle Alan Page became the first and only defensive lineman to be voted NFL MVP.
Fran Tarkenton
leading the offense, the Vikings went on to participate in Super Bowl's VIII, IX, and XI. In 1973, Alan Page was named NEA Defensive player of the year as the Vikings would return to their second Super Bowl in five years.
In 1974, Doug Sutherland
would start in place of Gary Larsen and continue for the next seven years. Sutherland would go on to start in Super Bowl IX as the Vikings were once again NFC Champions. However they lost in a 16-6 defensive struggle to the Pittsburgh Steelers
. Super Bowl IX would be Larsen's last game.
In 1975 the Vikings' defense gave up the fewest total yards for the third time in 7 years. Meanwhile, Tarkenton was named NFL MVP. The season would come to a disappointing end as the Cowboys would pull off a Hail Mary pass
to beat the Vikings in the Divisional round 17-14. The win was not without controversy fans continued to argue that Cowboy's receiver Drew Pearson
pushed Vikings cornerback
Nate Wright
.
In 1976, The Vikings would win yet another divisional title and would make it to their third Super Bowl in four years and fourth overall. But for the fourth time in four Super Bowls, they lost. That year, Alan Page accounted for 18 of the Vikings 46 sacks.
, where he collected 40 sacks before he retired in 1981.
After the 1978 season, Carl Eller was traded to the Seattle Seahawks
, where he collected three more sacks in his final season.
After the 1979 season, Jim Marshall retired. In 20 seasons (19 with the Vikings and 1 with the Cleveland Browns
) Marshall never missed a game and set what was then a National Football League record with 282 consecutive starts. After his last home game, Marshall was carried off the field by his teammates in celebration.
This starting Front Four ended up consisting of two (arguably 3) Hall of Famers. Page was inducted in 1988 and Eller was inducted in 2004. Marshall is not in the Hall of Fame but NFL Films
has Marshall ranked number 4 on the list of top ten players that are not in the Hall of Fame.
, Jim Marshall recovered a fumble
and returned in 66 yards in the wrong direction. Thinking he scored a touchdown for the Vikings, he threw the ball out of bounds in celebration which then resulted in a safety for the 49ers. The Niners would get the ball back but on that drive, Marshall made up for his famous blunder by sacking the quarterback, and forcing a fumble which teammate Carl Eller recovered and ran 45 yards to score the winning touchdown as the Vikings would win the game 27-22.
, Jim Marshall and Alan Page combined for one of the most remarkable plays in NFL history. Page tipped a pass which fell into the hands of Marshall who took off with it. As he was being tackled, Marshall lateraled
the ball to Page who then had an easy path to the end zone
.
. The Vikings defense dominated the game by limiting the Chiefs to 63 yards rushing, and forcing four turnovers. On one turnover, Jim Marshall recovered a fumble and, as he was being tackled, lateraled the ball to Roy Winston
who raced into the end zone as the Vikings went on to win 27-10.
. During the game Alan Page was called for three offside penalties, but in the fourth quarter, he took his frustrations out on the Lions. On first down, he sacked the quarterback. On second down, he tackled the running back for a loss and also forced a fumble which the Lions were fortunate to recover. On third down, he sacked the quarterback again, forcing the Lions to punt on fourth and long. On the punt, Page burst through, blocked the punt, and the ball rolled out of the end zone for a safety. That year Alan became the first and only defensive lineman to be named NFL MVP.
(AKA Bench Warmer Bob) all got to the Rams quarterback and were all credited with 1/3 of a sack. The Vikings went on to win that game 14-10.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
from the late 1960s to the late 1970s. The term is a reference to a popular song from 1958
Purple People Eater
"Purple People Eater" is a novelty song, written and performed by Sheb Wooley, that reached #1 in the Billboard pop charts in 1958.-Composition:...
, the superb efficiency of the defense, and the color of their uniforms. The motto of the Purple People Eaters was "Meet at the quarterback."
- Defensive tackle Alan PageAlan PageAlan Cedric Page is a justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1963, received his B.A. in political science from the University of Notre Dame in 1967, and received his J.D. from the University of...
, 9 Pro BowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
Selections (1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976), NFL MVP (1971), Hall of FamePro Football Hall of FameThe Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees... - Defensive endDefensive endDefensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
Carl EllerCarl EllerCarl Eller is a former professional American football player in the National Football League who played from 1964 through 1979. He was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and attended the University of Minnesota...
, 6 Pro Bowl Selections (1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974), Hall of Fame - Defensive endDefensive endDefensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
Jim MarshallJim Marshall (American football)James "Jim" Lawrence Marshall played college football at the Ohio State University. He left school before his senior year, and played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. He was then drafted in the 4th round of the 1960 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns...
, 2 Pro Bowl Selections (1968, 1969) - Defensive tackle Gary LarsenGary LarsenGary Larsen was a defensive tackle in the NFL and played college football at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota. He started his NFL career in 1964 with the Los Angeles Rams and then became a part of the famous Purple People Eaters for the Minnesota Vikings from 1965 through 1974...
, 2 Pro Bowl Selections (1969, 1970)
One of the original members of the defensive line, Gary Larsen, was replaced in the mid-1970s by Doug Sutherland.
The Purple People Eaters were a major factor in the post-season success of the Vikings from the late 1960s through the 1970s. The Purple People Eaters were one of the most identifiable Front Fours in National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
history, with the "Fearsome Foursome
Fearsome Foursome (football)
The "Fearsome Foursome" was a title first used in reporting American Professional Football, when referring to the dominating defensive lines of the San Diego Chargers of the American Football League in the early 1960s, the New York Giants, Detroit Lions and most widely, the Los Angeles Rams of the...
" of the Los Angeles Rams during the 1960s and early 1970s, the "Steel Curtain
Steel Curtain
The Steel Curtain was the nickname given to the front four of the famous defensive line of the American football team Pittsburgh Steelers during their 1970s dynasty years. This defense was the backbone of the Steelers dynasty, which won 4 Super Bowls...
" of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
during the 1970s, and the "New York Sack Exchange
New York Sack Exchange
The New York Sack Exchange is a nickname given to the New York Jets defensive line of the early 1980s, consisting of Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons and Abdul Salaam.-Origins:...
" of the New York Jets
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
during the 1980s. Despite not winning a Super Bowl in any of their 4 trips, the Vikings' defense is considered arguably among the greatest defense of all time.
Carl Eller and Alan Page were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
. Many fans, sports writers, players, and coaches argue that Jim Marshall should be in the Hall of Fame as well.
The building of the Purple People Eaters
When the Minnesota Vikings first came into the NFL in 1961, they picked up Jim Marshall From the Cleveland BrownsCleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in the expansion draft
1961 NFL Expansion Draft
The 1961 NFL Expansion Draft was a National Football League draft in which a new expansion team, named the Minnesota Vikings, selected its first players. In August 1959, a group of Minneapolis businessmen were awarded a franchise in the new American Football League...
. In 1964, Carl Eller was drafted
1964 NFL Draft
The 1964 National Football League Draft took place on December 2, 1963.-Player selections:-Round one:* HOF Member of the Professional Football Hall of Fame-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:...
in the first round. In the next season they acquired Gary Larsen from the Los Angeles Rams. Then in 1967, the Vikings drafted
1967 NFL Draft
The 1967 National Football League Draft was part of the Common Draft in the first year in which the NFL and AFL held a joint draft of college players on March 14–15.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:...
Alan Page in the first round. This foursome went down as one of the most intimidating Front Fours in NFL history.
Pro Bowls and MVPs
In 1968, the defense led the Vikings to their first divisional title. Meanwhile, Marshall, Eller and Page all made the Pro Bowl.In 1969, all four members of the Vikings front line made the Pro Bowl as the defense gave up the fewest points, fewest yards, and sacked
Quarterback sack
In American football and Canadian football, a sack occurs when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage before he can throw a forward pass, or when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage in the "pocket" and the intent of what he was going to do is unclear...
the opposing quarterback 50 times. Their offense was just as impressive by scoring the most points. This combination led the team to their first NFL Championship and to Super Bowl IV
Super Bowl IV
Super Bowl IV was the fourth AFL-NFL World Championship Game in professional American football, and the second one to officially bear the name "Super Bowl"...
, where they lost in a 23-7 upset to the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
.
The next year, the Vikings defense once again gave up the fewest points, fewest yards, and recorded 49 sacks. Meanwhile, Page, Eller and Larsen all made the Pro Bowl.
In 1971 the Vikings for the third year in a row gave up the fewest points and gave up the 2nd fewest yards. That year, Carl Eller was voted NEA NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive tackle Alan Page became the first and only defensive lineman to be voted NFL MVP.
Three Super Bowls in four years
With the Vikings intimidating line leading their defense and their future Hall of Fame quarterbackQuarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
Fran Tarkenton
Fran Tarkenton
Francis Asbury "Fran" Tarkenton is a former professional football player, TV personality, and computer software executive....
leading the offense, the Vikings went on to participate in Super Bowl's VIII, IX, and XI. In 1973, Alan Page was named NEA Defensive player of the year as the Vikings would return to their second Super Bowl in five years.
In 1974, Doug Sutherland
Doug Sutherland (American football)
Douglas A. Sutherland is a former American football defensive tackle in the NFL and played college football at the University of Wisconsin–Superior. He was selected in the 1970 NFL Draft with the New Orleans Saints and then became a part of the famous Purple People Eaters for the Minnesota Vikings...
would start in place of Gary Larsen and continue for the next seven years. Sutherland would go on to start in Super Bowl IX as the Vikings were once again NFC Champions. However they lost in a 16-6 defensive struggle to the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
. Super Bowl IX would be Larsen's last game.
In 1975 the Vikings' defense gave up the fewest total yards for the third time in 7 years. Meanwhile, Tarkenton was named NFL MVP. The season would come to a disappointing end as the Cowboys would pull off a Hail Mary pass
Hail Mary pass
A Hail Mary pass or Hail Mary route in American football refers to any very long forward pass made in desperation with only a small chance of success, especially at or near the end of a half....
to beat the Vikings in the Divisional round 17-14. The win was not without controversy fans continued to argue that Cowboy's receiver Drew Pearson
Drew Pearson (American football)
Drew Pearson is a sportscaster and former American football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League.-Early years:...
pushed Vikings cornerback
Cornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
Nate Wright
Nate Wright
-Professional career:Wright earned All-Pro honors at defensive back in 1974 and 1976. His career consisted mostly of time as a defensive back with the great Minnesota Vikings teams of the 1970s...
.
In 1976, The Vikings would win yet another divisional title and would make it to their third Super Bowl in four years and fourth overall. But for the fourth time in four Super Bowls, they lost. That year, Alan Page accounted for 18 of the Vikings 46 sacks.
Retirement
After six games during the 1978 season, Alan Page was traded to the Chicago BearsChicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, where he collected 40 sacks before he retired in 1981.
After the 1978 season, Carl Eller was traded to the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
, where he collected three more sacks in his final season.
After the 1979 season, Jim Marshall retired. In 20 seasons (19 with the Vikings and 1 with the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
) Marshall never missed a game and set what was then a National Football League record with 282 consecutive starts. After his last home game, Marshall was carried off the field by his teammates in celebration.
This starting Front Four ended up consisting of two (arguably 3) Hall of Famers. Page was inducted in 1988 and Eller was inducted in 2004. Marshall is not in the Hall of Fame but NFL Films
NFL Films
NFL Films is a Mount Laurel, New Jersey-based company devoted to producing commercials, television programs, feature films, and documentaries on the National Football League, as well as other unrelated major events and awards shows...
has Marshall ranked number 4 on the list of top ten players that are not in the Hall of Fame.
Wrong Way Run
In the fourth quarter of a 1964 game against the San Francisco 49ersSan Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
, Jim Marshall recovered a fumble
Fumble
A fumble in American and Canadian football occurs when a player, who has possession and control of the ball loses it before being downed or scoring. By rule, it is any act other than passing, kicking or successful handing that results in loss of player possession...
and returned in 66 yards in the wrong direction. Thinking he scored a touchdown for the Vikings, he threw the ball out of bounds in celebration which then resulted in a safety for the 49ers. The Niners would get the ball back but on that drive, Marshall made up for his famous blunder by sacking the quarterback, and forcing a fumble which teammate Carl Eller recovered and ran 45 yards to score the winning touchdown as the Vikings would win the game 27-22.
Remarkable Play on Thanksgiving
In a 1969 Thanksgiving game against the Detroit LionsDetroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
, Jim Marshall and Alan Page combined for one of the most remarkable plays in NFL history. Page tipped a pass which fell into the hands of Marshall who took off with it. As he was being tackled, Marshall lateraled
Lateral pass
In American football, a lateral pass or lateral, officially backward pass , occurs when the ball carrier throws the football to any teammate behind him or directly next to him...
the ball to Page who then had an easy path to the end zone
End zone
In gridiron-based codes of football, the end zone refers to the scoring area on the field. It is the area between the end line and goal line bounded by the sidelines. There are two end zones, each being on an opposite side of the field...
.
Divisional playoffs
In a 1969 playoff game, the Vikings hosted the Los Angeles Rams. Early in the game, the Rams quarterback was intercepted by Carl Eller who ran 40 yards into the end zone, but the play was called back on a controversial offside penalty on Alan Page. Late in the fourth quarter, the Vikings defense needed to protect a one-point lead. Carl Eller extended the lead by sacking the quarterback in the end zone for a safety. The Rams would get the ball back, but Page made up for his earlier penalty by intercepting a pass, putting the game out of reach.Super Bowl IV rematch
In Week 1 of the 1970 season, The Vikings were in a Super Bowl IV rematch against the Kansas City ChiefsKansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
. The Vikings defense dominated the game by limiting the Chiefs to 63 yards rushing, and forcing four turnovers. On one turnover, Jim Marshall recovered a fumble and, as he was being tackled, lateraled the ball to Roy Winston
Roy Winston
Roy Charles Winston is a former professional American football player.Roy Winston graduated from Louisiana State University, where he starred as an offensive guard...
who raced into the end zone as the Vikings went on to win 27-10.
Alan Page vs The Lions
In Week 13 of 1971, the Vikings hosted the Detroit LionsDetroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
. During the game Alan Page was called for three offside penalties, but in the fourth quarter, he took his frustrations out on the Lions. On first down, he sacked the quarterback. On second down, he tackled the running back for a loss and also forced a fumble which the Lions were fortunate to recover. On third down, he sacked the quarterback again, forcing the Lions to punt on fourth and long. On the punt, Page burst through, blocked the punt, and the ball rolled out of the end zone for a safety. That year Alan became the first and only defensive lineman to be named NFL MVP.
three men combine for one sack
Late in the 1974 NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams, Page, Marshall, and Bob LurtsemaBob Lurtsema
Robert Ross Lurtsema is a former American football defensive end in the National Football League for the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Seattle Seahawks. He played in two Super Bowls with Vikings...
(AKA Bench Warmer Bob) all got to the Rams quarterback and were all credited with 1/3 of a sack. The Vikings went on to win that game 14-10.