Purple People Eaters

Purple People Eaters (sometimes Purple Gang) were 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 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.

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.

When the Minnesota Vikings first came into the NFL in 1961, they picked up Jim Marshall From the Cleveland Browns 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.

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