Vikings great Doug Sutherland dies at 73
FILE - This Jan. 9, 1975, file photo shows from left, Minnesota Vikings defensemen Jim Marshall, Alan Page, Doug Sutherland and Carl Eller — “Purple People Eaters.” The bruising Minnesota Vikings defensive line from the late 1960s through the 1970s. Members included Hall of Famer Alan Page, Carl Eller and Jim Marshall. (AP Photo/File)
A former “Purple People Eater” and Minnesota Vikings great has died.
The Vikings said Doug Sutherland died Tuesday. He was 73.
Sutherland — a Superior, Wis., native — was drafted out of the University of Wisconsin-Superior 348th overall by New Orleans in 1970. He was then acquired by the Vikings in a trade with the Saints in August 1971. After filling in for injured linebacker Lonnie Warwick, Sutherland stepped in for Gary Larsen, making eight starts in 1974. After Larsen retired, Sutherland made every start in the next four seasons.
Over his Vikings career, Sutherland started 90 of the 138 games he played, which is the fourth-highest total for a defensive tackle in team history, trailing only John Randle, Kevin Williams and Alan Page. In his 10 seasons in Minnesota, he totaled 484 tackles and 26.5 sacks.
He ended his NFL career in Seattle.
“Doug Sutherland was one of our proudest Legends,” Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf and Owner/President Mark Wilf said in a statement. “His humble nature did not allow for him to talk much about his own playing career, but Doug was a key member of some of the best defenses in NFL history and three Super Bowl teams. Doug was also the consummate teammate after football. He was one of the most active members of Vikings Legends events and didn’t miss a chance to help out at a community event or lend a hand where needed. Our thoughts are with Doug’s friends and family.”