The NFL Players Association has bestowed a tremendous honor on Hall of Fame defensive tackle Alan Page by renaming its coveted community award after him.
Page, the former stalwart as a member of the historic Vikings “Purple People Eaters” defense, has created an equally impressive reputation off the gridiron as the long-time Minnesota Supreme Court Justice.
Recognizing Page’s career accomplishments and dedication to community service, the NFLPA renamed the APC Award, the highest honor that the players association can award a player, to the NFLPA Alan Page Community (APC) Award.
“Alan Page has been a stalwart for the players union since his early days as an Executive Committee member as well as a pioneer for social justice during his distinguished 23-year tenure on the Minnesota Supreme Court,” NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith said in a press release.
“To this day, Alan continues to serve as a strong ambassador for not only the game of football, but also of the values that we all should hold true – community service, leadership and philanthropy.”
In addition to serving on the Minnesota Supreme Court, Page started the Page Education Foundation, which provides financial assistants to students in exchange for volunteer service in the community. He also co-authored multiple children’s books with his daughter.
“Every NFL player can look to Alan Page as an example on and off the field, which is why it makes perfect sense to have his name on the NFLPA’s highest honor,” Smith added.
Page played 11 seasons with the Vikings during his 15-year career and was named All-NFL six times, went to nine straight Pro Bowls and was named league MVP in 1971.
