Alan Cedric Page is an American retired jurist, former professional football player, and philanthropist.
Born August 7, 1945 in Canton, Ohio, Page played college football at the University of Notre Dame; then became a first-round selection in the 1967 NFL/AFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, for whom he played for 11 seasons, through 1977. He is one of 11 Vikings to have played in all four Super Bowls (IV, VIII, IX, XI) and a member of the Vikings' "Purple People Eaters," a defensive line adept at sacking or hurrying the quarterback. Off the field, he was active as a National Football League Players Association player representative. In 1988 Page was further honored by his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
While still playing for the Vikings, Alan Page attended the University of Minnesota Law School. In 1992, Page was elected to an open seat as an Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, becoming the first African American to serve on that court. He served for 23 years, retiring in 2015.
In 1988, Alan Page and his wife, Diane Sims Page, founded the Page Education Foundation. It provides financial and mentoring assistance to students of color in exchange for those students’ commitment to further volunteer service in the community.
October 24, 1977 - MPR’s Bob Potter presents “The Role of the Courts in a Changing Society: Football and Antitrust,” a documentary that explores the lawsuit ‘MacKey v. National Football League,’ which illustrates how anti-trust law relates to professional sports and how the courts helped mold professional football.
July 24, 1982 - On this Weekend program, MPR’s Bob Potter talks with Minneapolis attorney and former professional football player Alan Page on the recent awareness of drug and alcohol abuse by professional football players. Page also answers listener questions.
September 21, 1982 - MPR’s Jerry Cassidy reports on comments from former Minnesota Viking Alan Page at AFL-CIO convention in Duluth. Page speaks on NFL players strike and the need for revenue sharing.
November 12, 1983 - On this Weekend program, Alan Page and Diane Sims Page discuss staying fit during the winter months. They share various running tips in the cold weather, and answer listeners’ questions.
September 21, 1985 - On this Weekend program, Alan Page, former Minnesota Viking; and Diane, his wife, discuss being running enthusiasts. Topics include Twin Cities marathon, recreational running, and winter exercise. Alan and Diane Page also answer listener questions.
January 23, 1987 - MPR’s Jim Bickal reports on Alan Page’s possible induction into Pro Football Hall of Fame. Bickal interviews both Page and his former Vikings coach, Bud Grant. Page discusses his priorities beyond football.
February 2, 1988 - MPR’s Bill Wareham interviews Alan Page, former Minnesota Viking right defensive tackle, about announcement that he has made the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
February 20, 1988 - On this Sportfolio program, Alan Page, Minnesota assistant state attorney general and former Minnesota Viking, discusses running, his NFL career, challenges of athletes transitioning out of sports, law profession, and his football hall-of-fame induction. Page also answers listener questions.
June 11, 1991 - MPR’s Kate Smith interviews Alan Page, former Minnesota Viking and Minnesota Assistant Attorney General, on his focus of scholarships and mentors for children of color through the Page Education Foundation.
August 4, 1992 - MPR’s Kate Smith reports on legal battle over judicial election process. Alan Page, former Minnesota Viking and Minnesota Assistant Attorney General, is filing lawsuit to get on ballot for Minnesota Supreme Court. The lawsuit argues against move by governor to seek term extension rather than a public election for seat.