Michigan's Greatest Pro Football Players

Here is a short capsule of one of Michigan's 50 greatest pro football players. From time to time I'll highlight a former Michigander who grew up in this state and/or played high school football here before going on to star at the professional level. Players from high schools throughout the Upper and Lower Peninsulas have gone on to receive Hall of Fame enshrinement, earn All-Pro accolades and start in Super Bowls during their distinguished professional football careers.

Madison Heights native Grady Alderman is the first installment in my "Michigan's 50 Greatest Pro Football Players" series. I hope it's enjoyable and educational.

GRADY ALDERMAN

Arguably the greatest football player ever from the University of Detroit Mercy, Grady Alderman started Super Bowl IV and Super Bowl VIII for the Minnesota Vikings opposite Hall-of-Famer Ron Yary at offensive tackle. A Madison Heights native, Alderman (6-foot-2, 245 pounds) was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time All-Pro pick during his standout 15-year NFL career.

Originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 10^th round of the 1960 NFL draft, Alderman played one year for his hometown team before spending the next 14 seasons (1961 through 1974) with the Vikings. He was the starting left tackle for Minnesota for the first 13 years of its existence as an NFL franchise. An original Viking, Alderman, a rugged and dependable performer, started 175 games throughout his career, all with Minnesota. His 175 games started rank 134^th all-time in NFL history. Overall, he played in 194 contests for the Vikings which is seventh most in Minnesota team history.

A pillar of strength at tackle for the Vikings throughout his career, Alderman, an offensive captain his last eight years with Minnesota, opened holes and provided protection for such NFL greats as perennial All-Pro running back Chuck Foreman and Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton. Alderman also was teammates with famed “Purple People Eaters” defenders and Hall-of-Famers tackle Alan Page and end Carl Eller.

Alderman was chosen for the Pro Bowl five consecutive seasons from 1963 through 1967 and in 1969. He was named All-Pro in 1965 and 1969. Also, in 1965, Alderman was chosen second team All-NFL by the Associated Press, while in 1969 he was selected first team All-NFL by the AP. Alderman competed in 204 career games.

Alderman played in three Super Bowls during his career, including two of the first eight. On Jan. 11, 1970, he started for Minnesota in Super Bowl IV against the AFL champion Kansas City Chiefs. The NFL title winner Vikings lost to the Chiefs 23-7. The game was significant in that it was the last year pitting the NFL against the AFL in football’s biggest game. The following season, the AFL merged with the NFL forming one league split into two divisions (NFC and AFC). Besides Alderman, Michigan All-Time Top 50 player Flint’s Paul Krause started at safety for Minnesota, while Detroit offensive lineman Ed Budde and Redford tight end Fred Arbanas started for the Chiefs.

Four years later on Jan. 13, 1974, Alderman started at offensive tackle for Minnesota in Super Bowl VIII versus the Miami Dolphins at Rice Stadium in Houston. The Dolphins, defending Super Bowl champions and a year removed from their perfect 17-0 season, defeated the Vikings 24-7. The following season on Jan. 12, 1975, Alderman played in his third Super Bowl. The Vikings lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 16-6 in Super Bowl IX Jan. 12, 1975 at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans.

Because of his talent, durability and determination as a player, Alderman was named one of the 50 greatest Minnesota Vikings of all-time.