Alan Page Defensive Player of the Year
The Purple Shield's finest anchor and a one-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Alan Page dominated for the Minnesota Vikings, winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award once (1971). Beyond his performance on the field with the franchise, he holds a rare spot among the greatest defensive linemen to wear purple. His blend of physicality and smarts fundamentally shifted how the defensive tackle position is played.
- Years Active (Vikings)
- 1967–1978 (traded to Chicago Bears during 1978 season)
Lore & Background
Page arrived in Minnesota with the size of a tank but possessed the agility of a linebacker, creating a mismatch that offenses struggled to solve. His ability to disrupt plays from the interior line was unprecedented, allowing him to rack up sacks and tackles for loss at a time when such statistics were less tracked but widely felt by opposing quarterbacks. He became the face of the Vikings' defensive identity during the late 1960s, 1970s, and into 1978.
In Their Own Story
The stadium lights hummed over Metropolitan Stadium as the fourth quarter wore on. Page lined up against a double-team, his helmet low, eyes locked behind the visor. With a sudden burst of power, he shed both blockers, surging into the backfield to meet the runner before he could turn. The hit was clean, decisive, and echoed through the crowd—a reminder that in Minnesota, the defense ruled supreme.
Reader's Guide
Alan Page's Defensive Player of the Year awards remain a cornerstone of Vikings defensive history. In 1971, he became the first Vikings player to win the UPI NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, recognizing his dominance against the run and pass rush capabilities from the interior line. The following year, in 1972, Page secured the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year honor. Winning back-to-back titles was a rare feat that highlighted his consistency and physical superiority during this period. These awards solidified Minnesota's reputation as having one of the league's most formidable defensive units throughout the early 70s. These honors are significant because they predate modern sack statistics, proving Page's impact through raw disruption rather than just numbers. His achievements paved the way for future Vikings defenders to recognize that intelligence and technique were as vital as size on the line.
Did You Know?
- Page is the only NFL player in history to serve as an Associate Justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court.
- He was named First-Team All-Pro four times during his tenure with Minnesota.
- His jersey number 88 is retired by the Minnesota Vikings organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the only Viking to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice?
Alan Page holds this unique distinction, earning the league's top defensive honor on two separate occasions.
What position did Alan Page play when receiving these awards?
He dominated as a defensive tackle, using both strength and intelligence to stop opposing offenses.
During which years was Alan Page active with the Minnesota Vikings?
His tenure in purple spanned from his debut in 1967 until he departed the franchise in 1974.
Did Alan Page receive Hall of Fame recognition for his career?
Yes, his on-field impact was significant enough to earn him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
What did Alan Page do professionally after retiring from football?
He pursued a legal career and later served as an associate justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court.