born Aug. 7, 1945, Canton, Ohio, U.S.
U.S. gridiron football player.
He was an All-America defensive end for Notre Dame. Playing tackle for the Minnesota Vikings (196778), he became part of its legendary "Purple People Eaters" front line. In 1971 he became the first defensive player to win the NFL's Most Valuable Player award. He earned a law degree in 1978 and continued playing with the Chicago Bears (to 1981) while engaging in private practice. He never missed a game in his 15-year career. In 1993 he was named to the Minnesota Supreme Court.