4. Carl Eller
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We were so close to putting Carl Eller at the top of this list. Actually, that is how we had it for a while before Alan Page took over.
While we elected not to jeep Eller at the top, there is no doubt that we are talking about a legend here.
Eller is the unofficial Sack leader for the Vikings (130.5) and was chosen for five First Team All-Pro squads. Seven times he had more than 10 Sacks (again unofficial) and the Newspaper Enterprise Association voted him the Defensive Player of the Year in 1971.
Fittingly (we think) a member of the famed “Purple People Eaters” Defense is on our top five, and the “muscle” of the group was considered for that top spot..
Eller entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004, two years after his induction to the Vikings Ring of Honor.
The Bullet Points
- Position: Defensive End
- Acquired: Drafted in the 1st Round, 6th Overall in the NFL Draft 12/2/64.
- Departed: Signed with the Seattle Seahawks prior to the 1979 Season.
- Games Played: 209
- Notable Statistics: 201 Games Started
1 Interception
1 Interception Yard
23 Fumble Recoveries
61 Fumble Recovery Yards
1 Fumble Recovery Touchdown
130.5 Quarterback Sacks*
177 Approximate Value
19 Playoffs
10.5 Quarterback Sacks
*Sacks were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1960 to 1981. - Major Accolades and Awards: NEA Defensive Player of the Year (1971)
First Team All-Pro (1968, 1969, 1970, 1971 & 1973)
Second Team All-Pro (1975)
Pro Bowl (1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973 & 1974)
Most Quarterback Sacks (1969)*
Highest Approximate Value (1969)
*Unofficial as Quarterback Sacks were not an official statistic at the time.
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