In a stunning and emotional development that is sending waves throughout the NFL and the state of Minnesota, the Minnesota Vikings have officially announced that Pro Football Hall of Famer Alan Page will return to the organization in 2025 — not as a player, coach, or ambassador, but as a co-owner. The announcement, made jointly by the Wilf family on Wednesday, marks a historic moment not only for the franchise but also for the league, as one of its most revered legends steps back into the spotlight in a powerful leadership role.
Alan Page, a cornerstone of the famed “Purple People Eaters” defensive line, spent 11 of his 15 NFL seasons with the Vikings. Known for his dominance on the field and his integrity off of it, Page earned nine Pro Bowl selections and was named NFL MVP in 1971 — an exceedingly rare feat for a defensive player. His legacy, however, extends far beyond football. After retiring from the game, Page pursued a distinguished legal career, ultimately serving as an Associate Justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court for over two decades.
Now, at 79, Page is returning to the team that defined so much of his early legacy, this time bringing a wealth of experience, leadership, and historical perspective to the Vikings’ ownership group. “This organization has always been close to my heart,” said Page in a statement. “To be part of shaping its future — not just on the field, but in the community — is an opportunity I embrace with great pride and responsibility.”
The move was facilitated by the Wilf family, who have owned the Vikings since 2005. In their announcement, Zygi Wilf praised Page not only as a legend of the game but as a man whose values and vision align deeply with the franchise’s mission. “Alan Page represents everything the Minnesota Vikings stand for — excellence, perseverance, and a commitment to community,” said Wilf. “Bringing him into the ownership group is more than a symbolic gesture; it’s a step toward ensuring the team’s legacy is guided by people who embody its spirit.”
Page’s role as co-owner will not be ceremonial. According to the team, he will be involved in both football operations and community initiatives, serving as a voice in high-level decision-making while also deepening the team’s impact across Minnesota. His unique background as both an NFL great and legal mind gives him a rare lens on matters of ethics, equity, and governance — areas the Vikings have increasingly emphasized in recent years.
The news has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from fans, alumni, and players. Social media erupted within minutes of the announcement, with current Vikings stars like Justin Jefferson and Kirk Cousins welcoming Page back to the family. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also weighed in, calling the move “a landmark moment for the league.”
For many, this feels like a full-circle moment — a legendary player who once electrified fans at Metropolitan Stadium now helping steer the ship in a new era at U.S. Bank Stadium. Alan Page’s return isn’t just a nod to the past; it’s a bold step toward the future.
As the 2025 season approaches, one thing is clear: the heart of the Minnesota Vikings just got a little stronger, and their future a lot brighter.
