Article: The Life of Alan Page (Great Read)

[The Polish Irishman]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/commentary/news/story?page=munson/101021:

The list of Page's achievements is breathtaking. He led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1966, helped the Vikings to four conference titles, was MVP of the NFL in 1971, defensive player of the year in two other seasons, was selected to nine Pro Bowls and put together an astonishing series of personal statistics for a defensive tackle. He played in 218 consecutive NFL games, recovered 23 fumbles, scored three touchdowns and recorded 173 sacks (including 18 in 1976).

Then in an eloquent address, Page challenged the Hall of Fame audience to do something for America's children, stating, "I don't know when children stop dreaming. But I do know when hope starts leaking away, because I've seen it happen. Over the years, I have spent a lot of time talking with school children of all ages. And I have seen the cloud of resignation move across their eyes as they travel through school without making any real progress. They know they are slipping through the net into the huge underclass that our society seems willing to tolerate … We must educate our children. And if we do, I believe that will be enough."

 

[Riddickulous]

Alan Page is the definition of what a Notre Dame player should be. What a remarkable human being.

He also worked on the construction of the NFL Hall of Fame, was the first active NFL player to finish a marathon, and is an assistant justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

In other words, he's a freaking beast.

 

[The Polish Irishman]

Alan Page is the definition of what a Notre Dame player should be. What a remarkable human being.

He also worked on the construction of the NFL Hall of Fame, was the first active NFL player to finish a marathon, and is an assistant justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

In other words, he's a freaking beast.

Yeah...I did not know that an Ultra-Marathon even existed..63 miles...I have not run 63 miles in the past 10 years.

 

[IrishinSyria]

I met him a few weeks ago and got a couple of books signed for my dad and brother. Seemed like a modest, yet brilliant and caring man.

 

[IrishInFl]

I voted for him every time, but I must admit that I only voted for him because he went to ND and played for the Vikings.

 

[Riddickulous]

Other notable achievements by Page:

- Founded the Page Education Foundation, which has awarded grants to over 4,100 minority students since 1988
- Regularly reads to children at local elementary schools (Dayne Crist also volunteers to read to children at libraries)
- Has an Honorary Doctor in Humane Letters from Notre Dame, Winston-Salem State University, and Gustavus Adolphus College
- Has an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Notre Dame, St. John's University, Westfield State College, Luther College, and the University of New Haven
- 1988 Walter Camp Alumni of the Year Award
- Inducted into Nike Walk of Fame in 1990
- National Education Association "Friend of Education" Award
- Inducted into Chicago Inner City Sports Hall of Fame
- Notre Dame Alumni Award
- U.S. Sports Academy Theodore Roosevelt Meritorious Service Award
- Silver Anniversary Award

Among others. Page has managed to land himself 35 post-NFL awards and distinctions.

Page wants to become a school teacher after his retirement from the Supreme Court. He's 65!

There has never been a better human being who suited up for the Irish.

 

[dshans]

I voted for him every time, but I must admit that I only voted for him because he went to ND and played for the Vikings.

I, too vote for him each and every time. I admit that his record as a standout with both Notre Dame and the Vikings brought him to my attention, it was his resolve and judicial record that swayed my vote.

His first run for the Minnesota Supreme Court was a challenge to "the old boys' network" of Justices retiring before the term was up to allow a Governor of "like thinking" to appoint someone to fill the post. This was the practice of both parties.

Sadly we're back to business as usual.

 

[irishtrain]

Alan Page is the definition of what a Notre Dame player should be. What a remarkable human being.

He also worked on the construction of the NFL Hall of Fame, was the first active NFL player to finish a marathon, and is an assistant justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

In other words, he's a freaking beast.

Can you imagine Alan Paige going to a football factory and majoring in semi-pro football or any other easy ticket. Thank goodness there are men like Alan Paige in our society-and thank goodness he's Notre Dame.

 

[Riddickulous]

Can you imagine Alan Paige going to a football factory and majoring in semi-pro football or any other easy ticket. Thank goodness there are men like Alan Paige in our society-and thank goodness he's Notre Dame.

I respect him a lot more for his commitment to education than for his efforts on the football field. Probably got that commitment to education at Notre Dame.

 

[IrishinSyria]

Other notable achievements by Page:

- Founded the Page Education Foundation, which has awarded grants to over 4,100 minority students since 1988

Listening to him speak, this was by far his number 1 accomplishment, in his eyes.