Mostly known for its frigid winters, abundance of lakes, and passion for hockey, Minnesota has also contributed to the game of football on both the college and professional levels. Former members of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers have left their mark on the professional sports world, including the NFL. Unfortunately, The Big Ten team has struggled to reach the top tier of college football since the 1960s, when they last captured a national title (1960) and a conference championship (1967).
While the school is not often mentioned alongside the blue-chip football programs, it has produced a number of alumni who moved on to have successful NFL careers. Whether they were protecting their quarterback or hunting the opposition, these five Golden Gophers made an impact on both their respective teams and the league.
Gale Gillingham (1966 NFL Draft – 13th Pick)
Standing 6’3”, 250 pounds, the Green Bay Packers offensive lineman had the size and skillset to demand attention from opponents and fans. Drafted in the first round, Gillingham quickly became an anchor for the Packers’ offensive line during a period in which the Green Bay dynasty took over the league.
A two-time Super Bowl champion, five-time Pro Bowler, and two-time All-Pro, Gillingham used power and technique to create gaps for his teammates to push the ball downfield. Often favored to compete for the Super Bowl in the mid-1960s, the Packers won the NFL’s first two Super Bowl titles. The team consistently covered their lines, making them a popular choice for fans placing wagers on championship outcomes.
Keith Fahnhorst – (1974 NFL Draft – 35th Pick)
Born and raised in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the 6’6”, 273-pound mountain who doubled as an offensive tackle, played football for the St. Cloud Technical Tigers before moving on to join the Golden Gophers. While his name is likely not as recognizable as many of his teammates (Joe Montana, Dwight Clark, Roger Craig) and peers, he played an integral role in the San Francisco 49ers’ 1980s dynasty.
A two-time Super Bowl champion, the four-time All-Pro proved to be one of the elite offensive linemen. While he may not have commanded the spotlight like others, Fahnhorst’s impact was undeniable and contributed to the 49ers consistently being favorites to win in key matchups throughout the decade.
Carl Eller – (1964 NFL Draft – 6th Pick)
Following a four-year collegiate career with the Golden Gophers in which he helped the team to the 1961 Rose Bowl championship as a sophomore, Eller would find himself staying in Minnesota as a member of the Vikings. As one of the original “Purple People Eaters”, Eller helped to create the identity of the legendary Vikings defensive line during the 1960s and 70s. A six-time Pro Bowl participant, Eller’s combination of size, speed, power, and skill made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and a Minnesota fan favorite.
While Minnesota would fail in four championship attempts, something that obviously frustrated Vikings fans who were betting on the Super Bowl, Eller’s individual performance was never a reason for their shortcomings. Although he finished his career playing one season with the Seattle Seahawks, Eller proved to be one of the Vikings’ greatest all-time players and a NFL Hall of Fame member.
Leo Nomellini – (1950 NFL Draft – 11th Pick)
After his family moved to Minnesota from Lucca, Tuscany, Italy, Leo Nomellini relocated to Chicago for his high school years before returning to the Land of 10,000 Lakes to play college ball for the Golden Gophers. Earning two All-American honors during his four years on campus, the defensive tackle star spent fourteen years headlining the San Francisco 49ers defense.
A ten-time Pro Bowl and six-time All-Pro recipient, Nomellini’s durability and dominance earned him a spot in the team’s Hall of Fame. Defying the odds, Nomellini spent the offseason performing on the professional wrestling circuit, becoming a three-time NWA Tag Team Champion and a one-time AWA World Tag Team Champion.
Bobby Bell – (1963 AFL Draft – 56th Pick)
One of the more versatile players in NFL history, Bobby Bell played both linebacker and defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs. Following a historic tenure (on and off the field) as a member of the Golden Gophers, Bell would be selected by the Vikings with the 16th pick in the 1993 NFL Draft but decided to remain with the Chiefs who had picked him up with a seventh-round pick.
Known for stepping up in high-stakes moments, Bell helped the Chiefs capture Super Bowl IV and finished his career as a three-time Pro Bowl and two-time All-Pro recipient, while also earning a well-deserved spot on the league’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.