Ed Sharockman was a former NFL defensive lineman known for his time with the Minnesota Vikings during the early years of the team’s success in the 1960s and 1970s. He was part of the team’s defensive line rotation, contributing to their defensive efforts, which would later become part of the “Purple People Eaters” defense that was a hallmark of the Vikings’ rise to prominence.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Edward Walter Sharockman
Born: November 2, 1941
Hometown: Rochester, New York

High School:

• Sharockman attended Rochester’s Jefferson High School in New York, where he began to develop his skills in football.

College:

• He played college football at Syracuse University, where he was a standout defensive player. His performances at Syracuse earned him recognition as a promising talent, paving the way for his future in professional football.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

• Sharockman was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1964 NFL Draft, specifically in the 3rd round (43rd overall pick).

Minnesota Vikings (1964–1970)

• Defensive Lineman:
  • Sharockman played for the Minnesota Vikings for 7 seasons from 1964 to 1970.
  • During his time with the Vikings, he was part of the team’s defensive line, contributing to the overall success of the defense in the 1960s and early 1970s. His role, though not as high-profile as some of his later teammates in the “Purple People Eaters” group, was important in laying the foundation for the Vikings’ legendary defensive units.
  • While Sharockman didn’t have the same recognition as stars like Alan Page or Carl Eller, he was an essential piece in the Vikings’ defense, playing a role in both stopping the run and applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
• Key Contributions:
  • Sharockman was known for his solid play on the defensive line and his toughness against the run. He provided the Vikings with depth on the defensive front, which allowed other players to shine in key situations.
  • His ability to disrupt plays in the trenches helped the team control the line of scrimmage and supported their aggressive defensive schemes.
• Vikings’ Success:
  • Sharockman played for the Vikings during the early stages of their success. Although the Vikings didn’t win any Super Bowls during his tenure, the team was consistently competitive, reaching Super Bowl IV in 1969, though they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. Sharockman was part of the team’s defense during that Super Bowl appearance.

Retirement

• Sharockman retired from professional football after the 1970 season. His time with the Vikings helped establish him as a reliable, though unsung, member of the team’s defensive front during an era of growth and success for the franchise.

Post-NFL Life

• After retiring from football, Ed Sharockman stayed out of the public spotlight, choosing to lead a quieter life. While not much is known about his post-football life, it is clear that he remained respected in the football community for his contributions during his career.

Legacy

• Minnesota Vikings:
  • Sharockman’s contributions to the Vikings during the 1960s and 1970s helped lay the groundwork for the team’s future success. Though he may not be as well-known as some of the Vikings’ later defensive stars, he played an important role in the team’s defensive efforts in its early years.
  • His solid play and work ethic in the trenches contributed to the Vikings’ strong defensive identity, which eventually became the hallmark of the “Purple People Eaters” defense.

Summary

• Position: Defensive Lineman
• NFL Team: Minnesota Vikings (1964–1970)
• Career Length: 7 seasons
• Key Contributions: Tough defensive lineman, solid run stopper, member of early Vikings defenses
• Super Bowl Appearance: Super Bowl IV (1969)
• Legacy: Contributed to the foundational years of the Vikings’ defense and their rise to NFL prominence.

Ed Sharockman may not have reached the level of fame of some of the Vikings’ later defensive stars, but his contributions to the team’s success in the 1960s and early 1970s were vital. He helped set the stage for the Minnesota Vikings’ dominance in the defensive trenches.