(Written: June 2012)
With speed and athleticism rarely seen in someone his size, Doug Sutherland became one of the greatest athletes in the history of UW-Superior. Playing on the offensive and defensive lines, Sutherland employed speed and quickness and grew into one of the conference’s top all-around players. In 1969, he established school and conference punting records and earned all-conference and All-America honors.
Sutherland was also a track & field standout at UW-Superior, claiming six conference championships and qualifying for three NAIA national meets in the shot put and discus, twice bringing home a third-place finish. His school shot put record stands to this day.
Following his senior season, Sutherland was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 14th round of the 1970 NFL Draft, starting a professional football journey that would last 12 seasons with the Saints, Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks. Sutherland would appear in three Super Bowls with the Vikings as part of the acclaimed “Purple People Eaters” defensive line and was named one of the franchise’s 50 greatest players in 2010.
Sutherland was enshrined in the UW-Superior Hall of Fame in 1983 and the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1986. In 2012, he was named to the WIAC All-Time Teams in both football and men’s track & field in conjunction with the WIAC Centennial Celebration.
Sutherland earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He resides in Duluth, Minn.