Former NFL Star Alan Page Refutes False Claim About ICE Protest

Pro Football Hall of Famer Alan Page has vehemently denied social media claims that he attended a Minneapolis protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last weekend, expressing frustration over the fabricated story that used his image without permission.

The incident began when Page, a Minnesota Vikings legend and former state supreme court justice, posted a photo of himself in harsh winter conditions on Friday. By Saturday, an unknown individual had repurposed the image, falsely stating that the 80-year-old football great was participating in the ICE demonstrations.

“Why would somebody make that up?” Page said in comments to The Athletic’s Dan Pompei. “I don’t know what it is in the human condition that makes us want to say things that are demonstrably false.”

The misrepresentation particularly troubled Page, who has built a reputation not only as one of the NFL’s greatest defensive tackles but also as a thoughtful public servant during his more than two decades on Minnesota’s highest court. His distinguished career both on and off the field has made him one of the state’s most respected figures.

While clarifying he wasn’t present at the protests, Page offered nuanced commentary on the social unrest currently gripping Minneapolis following the recent shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.

“People are in the streets because they are frustrated, in my opinion,” Page explained. “And they are frustrated because of this gratuitous violence that isn’t necessary to accomplish whatever the stated goal may be. If the issue is immigration, you don’t need the gratuitous violence. People are upset about it and are sending a message that they think it’s unacceptable.”

The current protests in Minneapolis reflect broader national tensions surrounding immigration enforcement policies. ICE operations have become increasingly controversial in recent years, with critics questioning detention practices and enforcement priorities.

Page’s reputation spans multiple realms of American public life. As a football player, his achievements were extraordinary – winning the NFL MVP award in 1971 (a rarity for a defensive player), earning five First-Team All-Pro selections, and helping the Vikings capture the 1969 NFL championship. His dominance as part of Minnesota’s famed “Purple People Eaters” defensive line cemented his place among the game’s all-time elite players.

Following his football career, Page transitioned seamlessly into law, eventually rising to the Minnesota Supreme Court in 1993, where he served until reaching mandatory retirement age in 2015. His dual career path represents one of the most successful post-athletic transitions in American sports history.

Though Page has been critical of former President Donald Trump’s policies, he did visit the White House in 2018 to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

The false claim about his protest attendance touches on a growing concern about misinformation in social media, where context can be manipulated and public figures’ images misappropriated to advance political narratives without their consent.

Looking at the current situation in his beloved Minnesota, the 80-year-old Page expressed concern about finding constructive paths forward.

“In situations like this, I tend to want to figure out how to shed more light than heat, but I’m finding it difficult to see any light at the end of this tunnel,” he said, reflecting both his judicial temperament and his deep connection to a community he has served for decades.

As Minneapolis continues to navigate these challenging times, Page’s measured voice remains significant, even as he pushes back against those who would misrepresent his actions or positions.