Eller posted a number of Thanksgiving day pics on social media after widely-circulated reports that he had died.

MINNEAPOLIS — During his Hall of Fame NFL career, Vikings defensive end Carl Eller was described as many things – formidable, ferocious, relentless and unblockable among them. 

One term that was never used… was dead. 

The man widely known as Moose left multiple messages on his social media pages on Thanksgiving Day, assuring fans that he was very much alive after reports circulated that he had passed away.    

“Alive and well!” read one from Eller’s Facebook page. “With my grandson and son-in-law about to get this Thanksgiving party started with family and friends.”

“Everyone, the stories or posts about me passing away are FALSE,” read another post from Eller. “Please help by reporting it as fake if you see them. I appreciate everyone reaching out and their support.”

Fans of Eller and the purple seemed relieved at the news the big fella is alive and well. “Grim Reaper doesn’t want to get sacked!” wrote one. 

“I hate the rumor mill. But, on the other hand, I’m happy it was wrong,” another posted. 

Reports started spreading late Thursday morning that Eller had passed unexpectedly. As is often the case, those stories were shared without verifying the truth, and kept spreading until Eller and his supporters tried their best to put a stop to the misinformation. 

Carl Eller played 16 seasons in the NFL, all but one of them for the Vikings as a member of the legendary Purple People Eaters. He was voted into the Hall of Fame after notching career totals of 133 sacks, 23 fumble recoveries, 9 first or second-team All-NFL selections and 6 Pro Bowl appearances. The Moose played in four Super Bowls with the Vikings losing every one, perhaps the only blemish on his otherwise stellar career.Â