Doug Sutherland (American football)

Fumble recoveries	4
	Stats at Pro Football Reference

Doug Sutherland
No. 60, 69
Position	Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born	August 1, 1948; Superior, Wisconsin, U.S.
Died	April 5, 2022 (aged 73)
Listed height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Listed weight	250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
High school	Superior
College	UW–Superior
NFL draft	1970: 14th round, 348th overall pick
Career history
	New Orleans Saints (1970); Minnesota Vikings (1971–1980); Seattle Seahawks (1981);
Awards and highlights
	50 Greatest Vikings;
Career NFL statistics
Fumble recoveries
Fumble recoveries	4
	Stats at Pro Football Reference

Douglas A. Sutherland (August 1, 1948 – April 5, 2022) was an American professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL).

Career

He played college football at the University of Wisconsin–Superior in his hometown of Superior, Wisconsin.^[1] He was selected in the 14th round of the 1970 NFL draft with the New Orleans Saints.^[2] He became a part of the famous Purple People Eaters for the Minnesota Vikings from 1971 through 1980, primarily filling in for Gary Larsen in 1975.^[3] He played in Super Bowls VIII, IX and XI. He finished his NFL career in 1981 with the Seattle Seahawks.

In his career, Sutherland recorded 29 sacks.^[4]

Sutherland died on April 5, 2022 at the age of 73.^[5]

↑ Former Vikings star Doug Sutherland dies at 73
↑ "1970 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
↑ Gordon, Grant. "Former 'Purple People Eater' Doug Sutherland passes away at 73". nfl.com. NFL Enterprises LLC. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
↑ "Doug Sutherland stats". pro-football-reference.com. sports-reference, LLC. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
↑ Peters, Craig (April 5, 2022). "Vikings Mourn Passing of Doug Sutherland". Minnesota Vikings. Retrieved March 28, 2026.