Football
b. Jan. 25, 1942, Winston-Salem, NC
The 6-foot-6, 245-pound Eller played offensive and defensive tackle at the University of Minnesota and was named an All-American in 1963. A first-round selection of the Minnesota Vikings in the 1964 NFL draft, Eller was moved to defensive end as a pro.
He was an important member of the Minnesota front four nicknamed the "Purple
People Eaters." Because of his speed and quickness, he teamed with tackle Alan Page to give the Vikings a ferocious pass rush. The strong Minnesota defense helped take the team to four Super Bowls, after the 1969, 1973, 1974, and 1976 seasons. However, the Vikings lost all four games.
Sometimes used as an extra blocker in short-yardage situations, Eller was named an All-Pro four straight years, from 1970 through 1973. He was with the Vikings through the 1978 season and retired after spending 1979 with the Seattle Seahawks.
Eller did some acting after retirement and then established a counseling program as part of the NFL's drug rehabilitation effort. He also operates a company involved in sports psychology.
Top of Page
|
