60 Heroes: The Fight Continues

As an active member of the NFLPA and a Hall of Fame football player, Alan Page was a driving force in more ways than one.  While a part of the “Purple People Eaters," -- the name given to the powerful, diesel defense of the 1970s Minnesota Vikings -- Page led the charge.  And as a strong voice within the NFLPA, he was a motor for change.

The former Notre Dame linebacker became a union player rep in 1970 and soon after, was elected to the executive committee in 1972.  Even early on in his involvement with the NFLPA, Page was an outspoken member of the 42-day player strike in 1974 and played an integral role in the negotiations that brought that strike to an end.  

The Pro Football Hall of Famer continued his fight for players’ rights during his illustrious career, becoming the original plaintiff in the Mackey case before stepping down as the Vikings player rep.  In 1976, he returned briefly to help defeat an ill-advised deal between players and the owners, forged without Executive Director Ed Garvey’s knowledge.  

Page’s passion for justice helped shaped his career path after football.  During his time with the Minnesota Vikings, he attended the University of Minnesota Law School where he received his Juris Doctor degree in 1978.  After his retirement just a few years later, Page become a practicing lawyer in Minnesota and was later elected as a Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court.  

As a professional football player and judicial professional, Alan Page has always fought for fairness and equality.