The Minnesota Vikings confirmed this afternoon that former defensive tackle Doug Sutherland passed away earlier today. He was 73.
A 14th-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 1970, Sutherland was traded to the Vikings the following year. He lasted 10 seasons in purple before finishing his career with the Seattle Seahawks in 1981.
With the Vikings, Sutherland was a key contributor for his first four seasons before becoming a full-time starter in 1975. He finished his Minnesota tenure with 27.5 sacks and 90 starts in 138 games.
Sutherland played in three Super Bowls, starting two. He was also named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings.
“Doug Sutherland was one of our proudest Legends. His humble nature did not allow for him to talk much about his own playing career, but Doug was a key member of some of the best defenses in NFL history and three Super Bowl teams,” Vikings owner Chairman Zygi Wilf and owner/president Mark Wilf said in a statement. “Doug was also the consummate teammate after football. He was one of the most active members of Vikings Legends events and didn’t miss a chance to help out at a community event or lend a hand where needed. Our thoughts are with Doug’s friends and family.”
The #Vikings are mourning the loss of Legend Doug Sutherland.
Sutherland started 90 of the 138 regular-season games he played for Minnesota, the fourth-highest total of appearances by a Vikings DT behind John Randle, Kevin Williams and Alan Page.
📰: https://t.co/Ckqx3k5wsX pic.twitter.com/t1s7djolXD
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 5, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sutherland’s surviving family and friends during this difficult time.
May he rest in peace.
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