Countdown to the Vikings 2019 season opener: 88 days

In 88 days, the Minnesota Vikings will kick off their 2019 season on Sunday, September 8 against the Atlanta Falcons inside U.S. Bank Stadium.

Yes, the long offseason for the Minnesota Vikings will be over before you know it. For those counting, there are just 88 days remaining until the Vikings begin their 2019 regular season journey.

No. 88 is one of six numbers that has been retired by Minnesota and was worn by Hall of Fame defensive tackle Alan Page.

Page played a very critical role in helping the Vikings reach four Super Bowls and also form one of the best defensive lines in the league during his time in purple.

The defensive line, which was referred to as the “Purple People Eaters” included Page, Gary Larsen, Jim Marshall and fellow Hall of Famer Carl Eller. That front four is still considered as one of the best in NFL history.

Page was drafted 15th overall by Minnesota in 1967 out of Notre Dame. He played for the Vikings until the team waived him midway through 1978 season.

Page eventually signed with the Chicago Bears and he went on to play for a few more seasons before retiring in 1982. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.

During his standout career, Page was a nine-time Pro Bowler, a 10-time All-Conference selection, a six-time All-NFL selection, a three-time Second-Team All-NFL selection, a two-time NFC Defensive Player of the Year, and the league’s MVP in 1971.

During his time in the NFL, he had ended up with a total of 173 career sacks (unofficially), 23 fumble recoveries, and 28 blocked kicks. He also appeared in 238 consecutive games (including the postseason).

After his retirement from the sport, Page began his career outside of football. Even during his playing career, however, he was already preparing for his next step in life.

He received his J.D in 1978 from the University of Minnesota. After graduation, he spent seven years as an attorney for the Minnesota Attorney General and in 1992, he won the election to be an Associate Justice for the Minnesota Supreme Court. Page was then re-elected in 1998, 2004 and 2010 before he retired in 2015 at the age of 70.

This past November, the former Vikings defensive tackle was named as one of this year’s recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Page is not only considered as one of the best players in Vikings history, but he is also very well-respected for his work outside of football.