Doug Sutherland, former Minnesota Vikings’ defensive lineman, dead at 73

Doug Sutherland, a member of the Minnesota Vikings’ “Purple People Eaters” defensive line who went to three Super Bowls, died Tuesday, the team announced. He was 73.

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Sutherland, who spent 12 seasons in the NFL -- 10 in Minnesota -- was named one of the “50 Greatest Vikings” by the team in 2010, according to the Star-Tribune of Minneapolis.

Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 1970 NFL draft, Sullivan joined the Vikings the following season.

He was a linebacker in New Orleans, but when Sullivan was traded to Minnesota in 1971, the Vikings shifted him to the defensive line, where he alternated between defensive end and defensive tackle. He eventually replaced Gary Larsen on the defensive line in 1974 and started 90 games for the Vikings, according to Pro-Football Reference.

Sutherland appeared in 138 games, the fourth most in franchise history for a defensive tackle behind John Randle, Kevin Williams and Alan Page, ESPN reported. He played in the Vikings’ losses in Super Bowls VIII, IX and XI.

Sutherland spent his final NFL season with the Seattle Seahawks in 1981. He had 29 sacks during his NFL career.

“Doug Sutherland was one of our proudest Legends. 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,” Vikings co-owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf said in a statement. “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.”

Sutherland, a native of Superior, Wisconsin, played collegiately at Wisconsin-Superior, according to Pro-Football Reference. As a senior, Sutherland was named to the All-WIAC team, the Star-Tribune reported. He was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 1983 and the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1986 three years later, according to the newspaper.

“I am so sorry we have lost this amazing guy and member of the Vikings family,” fellow defensive lineman Carl Eller tweeted. “He was one of the kindest, most genuine men.”

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