Gary Larsen

Team Number:	77
Birth Date:	03/13/1942
Height:	6'4''
Weight:	295lbs.
Position:	Defensive Tackle

More Info
Gary Larsen was born on March 13, 1942. He played college football at Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois. He started his NFL career in 1964 with the Los Angeles Rams and then became a part of the famous "Purple People Eaters" for the Minnesota Vikings from 1965 through 1974. He was selected to two Pro Bowls and played in Super Bowls IV, VIII and IX.

Gary Larsen was the left defensive tackle part of the powerhouse defense that also boasted Alan Page, Carl Eller and Jim Marshall. "The Purple People-Eaters" they were called, and for nearly a decade, they were as dominant as any defense in NFL history, their records overlooked somewhat, however, because they lost 4 times in the Super Bowl during that period.

Gary Larsen was nicknamed the “Norse Nightmare.” The blond, mustached, big ex-marine actually seemed to derive joy from the punishment of the pit. Gary Larsen was not as fast as the rest of the front four, but he relentlessly stood his ground and caught nearly every runner that was foolish enough to wander into his area. Because of his sheer strength few ball carriers got away from him.

Although Gary Larsen is the least famous player of the “Purple People Eaters,” this off-season school teacher deserves just as high a grade!