Carl Eller facts for kids
Eller in 2007
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| Position: | Defensive end | ||||||||||
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| Born: | January 25, 1942 Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | ||||||||||
| Weight: | 247 lb (112 kg) | ||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||
| High school: | Atkins (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) |
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| College: | Minnesota (1961–1963) | ||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1964 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6 | ||||||||||
| AFL draft: | 1964 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5 | ||||||||||
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Pro Football Hall of Fame
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College Football Hall of Fame
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Carl Eller (born January 25, 1942) is a famous American former football player. He played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) from 1964 to 1979. Carl was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He played college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. In 2004, he was chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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Carl Eller's Early Life
Carl Eller was born on January 25, 1942, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. His family did not have much money. Carl's father passed away when Carl was young. Carl often talked about how important his parents were to him. He went to Atkins High School. There, he became a great football player. His high school coaches helped him a lot. Around this time, he got the nickname "Moose."
College Football Career
Carl Eller played college football at the University of Minnesota. In his second year, he helped his team win the Rose Bowl. This was a big achievement for the Golden Gophers.
Becoming an All-American
As a junior and senior, Carl played both offense and defense. He was so good that he was named an All-American twice. During his time, the Gophers won a national championship. They also won the Big Ten championship. In 1963, his senior year, he was almost chosen for the Outland Trophy. This award goes to the best college interior lineman.
Carl Eller Award and Hall of Fame
Today, the University of Minnesota gives out the Carl Eller Award. It honors the best defensive player each year. In 2006, Carl Eller was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. This shows how much he achieved in college.
Education Beyond Football
While at the University of Minnesota, Carl joined the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Later, in 1994, he earned a bachelor's degree. He studied human services at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Professional Football Career
In 1964, Carl Eller was a top pick in the NFL draft. The Minnesota Vikings chose him as the 6th player overall. The Buffalo Bills also wanted him, but he signed with the Vikings.
The "Purple People Eaters"
Carl played as a left defensive end for the Vikings. He was a key part of their famous defensive line. This group was known as the "Purple People Eaters." The other players were Alan Page, Jim Marshall, and Gary Larsen. They were one of the best defenses in football history.
Super Bowl Appearances
Starting in 1968, the Vikings became very successful. They won their division ten times in eleven seasons. In 1969, the Vikings won the NFL Championship. However, they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl IV. The Vikings also reached the Super Bowl in 1973, 1974, and 1976. Carl Eller played in all four of these Super Bowls.
Final Season and Career Stats
Carl played for the Vikings until 1978. In 1979, he played his last season with the Seattle Seahawks. He played a total of 225 games in his career. Carl only missed three games during his entire time in the NFL. He started 209 of the games he played.
Carl Eller is the Vikings' all-time leader in sacks with 130.5. He added 3 sacks with the Seahawks, for a total of 133.5 career sacks. He had 15 sacks in both 1969 and 1977. He also recovered 23 fumbles during his career.
Awards and Honors
Carl Eller was named First-team All-NFL five times. He was also a Second-team All-Pro twice. He was chosen for six Pro Bowl games. Carl was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame 1970s All-Decade Team. This means he was one of the best players of that decade. In 1971, he won the George Halas Trophy. This award recognized him as the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year.
Life After Football
After retiring from football, Carl Eller continued to make a difference. He used his college degree in Human Services. He worked for the Minnesota Department of Human Services. There, he focused on health differences among people.
Continued Recognition
Carl Eller has received many honors after his playing career. In 2000, he was named to the Vikings' 40th Anniversary Team. In 2010, he was on their 50th Anniversary Team. In 2004, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Two years later, in 2006, he joined the College Football Hall of Fame.
Carl Eller also served as president of the NFL Retired Players Association. In 2020, he became a consultant for Halberd Corporation. This company works on finding new medical treatments.
Images for kids
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Eller in 2007
