The Minnesota Vikings have pledged to cover all medical expenses for one of the franchise’s most revered icons, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to the men who helped define the Purple People Eaters era and the standard of excellence in Minnesota.
Owner/President Mark Wilf announced the decision in a heartfelt statement, honoring a player whose intelligence, power, and professionalism became the backbone of Vikings football for more than a decade.
“He set the bar for what it means to represent this team,” Wilf said.
“He gave everything to the Vikings, and now we’re going to stand with him the way he stood for Minnesota.
Once you’ve worn our colors, you’re family—forever.”
That promise was made to Alan Page, the Hall of Fame defensive tackle who anchored the Vikings’ defensive identity and remains one of the most decorated defensive linemen in NFL history.
Page played 15 NFL seasons (1967–1981), spending his prime years in Minnesota (1967–1978) before finishing in Chicago. A relentless disruptor from the interior, he wasn’t just a great defender—he was a game-tilting force who could change protections, collapse pockets, and dominate entire Sundays.
During his career, Page earned nine Pro Bowl selections (1968–1976) and piled up elite honors, including five First-Team All-Pro selections (1970, 1971, 1973–1975). In 1971, he made history by becoming the first defensive player to win NFL MVP, while also being named NFL Defensive Player of the Year that same season.
He remains a permanent symbol of football greatness in Minnesota—his legacy recognized through major honors and all-time selections, including being named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
As word spread of the team’s support, former teammates, fans, and Vikings alumni flooded social media with messages of love—because for Minnesota, Alan Page has never been just a name in the Ring of Honor.
He is what Vikings football is supposed to look like: brilliant, relentless, and unbreakable.
