Milt Sunde is a former NFL player best known for his time as a defensive back with the Minnesota Vikings. He was a key part of the Vikings’ defense in the 1960s, contributing to the team’s success during that era.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Milton James Sunde
Born: November 13, 1941
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota

High School:

• Sunde attended Minneapolis Central High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he played football and was a standout athlete.

College:

• He played college football at the University of Minnesota, where he was a key player for the Golden Gophers.
• Sunde’s solid performances at the college level earned him recognition and set him on the path to a professional career in the NFL.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

• Milt Sunde was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 3rd round of the 1963 NFL Draft (35th overall pick).

Minnesota Vikings (1963–1970)

• Defensive Back:
  • Sunde played as a defensive back for the Minnesota Vikings from 1963 to 1970.
  • Known for his versatility and football intelligence, Sunde played both cornerback and safety during his career with the Vikings.
  • He was part of the legendary “Purple People Eaters” defense in the mid-to-late 1960s and early 1970s, which was one of the most dominant defensive units in NFL history.
• Contributions to Vikings Defense:
  • While the Vikings’ defensive line, led by players like Alan Page, Carl Eller, and Jim Marshall, garnered much of the attention, Sunde was an important contributor in the secondary.
  • Sunde’s ability to cover receivers and his overall defensive skills helped anchor the Vikings’ secondary, allowing the team to be one of the top defensive teams in the league.
• Playoff Appearances:
  • During his time with the Vikings, Sunde helped the team reach several playoff appearances, including an appearance in Super Bowl IV in 1970.
  • The Vikings were known for their strong defense and ability to contain high-powered offenses, and Sunde was a crucial part of that effort.
• Retirement:
  • After the 1970 season, Sunde retired from professional football. Though he did not achieve the same level of fame as some of his teammates, his contribution to the Vikings’ defense was vital.

Legacy

• Minnesota Vikings:
  • Milt Sunde is remembered as a key player for the Minnesota Vikings’ defense during one of the team’s most successful eras.
  • His ability to play both cornerback and safety made him a valuable asset, and his role on the team during the 1960s and early 1970s is often overlooked in favor of the more famous players on the defense.
  • Sunde’s steady play helped the Vikings become a dominant defensive force in the NFL during his tenure.

Summary

• Position: Defensive Back (Cornerback/Safety)
• NFL Team: Minnesota Vikings (1963–1970)
• Career Length: 8 seasons
• Notable: A key contributor to the Minnesota Vikings’ defense during the 1960s and 1970s, including a Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl IV.

Milt Sunde is remembered as a reliable and versatile defensive back who helped anchor the Vikings’ secondary during their rise as one of the NFL’s most dominant teams in the 1960s and 1970s. His contributions, while often overshadowed by the more famous names of the Vikings’ defense, were crucial to the team’s success during that period.