Gary Larsen

Gary Larsen played eleven years as a defensive tackle in the NFL. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Larsen is one of 28 members of the NFL who served in the Vietnam War¹.

Fast Facts

1. Full name: Gary Lee Larsen²
2. Born: March 13, 1940
3. Birth place: Fargo, North Dakota
4. Height: 6' 5"
5. Weight: 261 lbs
6. Position: Defensive tackle
7. Drafted in round 10, pick #133³
8. Debut: 1964 with the Los Angeles Rams
9. Nickname: Norse Nightmare⁴
10. College: Concordia College
11. One of the legendary Purple People Eaters⁴
12. Two-time Pro Bowl player
13. Also played NCAA Men's Basketball
14. Has four children

College Years

Larsen‘s college sports career included playing both football and basketball for Concordia College’s Cobbler Athletics where he was a three time letterman. He was inducted into the Concordia Athletics Hall of Fame in 1988.

Professional Career

In 1964, Larsen was drafted as a defensive tackle by the former Los Angeles Rams, now known as the St. Louis Rams. He played with them for one year before moving to the Minnesota Vikings. After suffering a broken arm in 1972, his 1973 season improved with two fumble recoveries in the NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys. Larsen retired from the National Football League in 1974.

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