Earsell Mackbee, born January 15, 1941 in Brookhaven, Mississippi.
The 2nd oldest of 8 children born to Louis J. and Carrie M. Mackbee. At the tender age of 3 years old the Mackbee family moved to the small town of Vallejo California an enclave of the San Francisco Bay Area. From a very young age Earsell Mackbee showed flashes of his athletic ability. Although his father a former boxer wanted his eldest son to follow in his footsteps into the ring. Earsell eschewed the ring and donned a baseball glove,basketball, track shoes and a football instead. Mackbee became a 4 sport star athlete (Baseball, Basketball, Football and Track) while attending Vallejo High in the late 1950's. He went on to star as an all league basketball and football player at Solano Junior College. When the call of duty rang, Mackbee happily answered and spent the next 4 years serving in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Morocco, North Africa.
Even the Air Force couldn't help notice Mackbee's unique ability as he played for the numerous premiere Air Force basketball teams - where he caught the eye of none-other than the Harlem GlobeTrotters. After serving his country and returning to the USA, Mackbee passed on the tempting offer to join the GlobeTrotters and instead went back to school at Utah State University. Once there Earsell again starred as a two sport athelete - starting in both football (where he was a standout wide receiver and defensive back) as well as the starting point guard for the Aggies basketball team.
When an NFL scout visited the Aggies campus to review game film of a promising prospect, he kept seeing Earsell making one remarkable play after another. Soon the NFL scout had to ask "who is that kid?" The rest is history as Mackbee was signed as a Free Agent for the Norm Van Brocklin led Minnesota Vikings.
Joining the hapless Vikings in 1965 - the team was well on its way to becoming a perenial doormat. During Mackbee's rookie season - he sat the bench until that fateful day on October 24, 1965 when he returned with the Vikings to his hometown to play the San Francisco 49ers. Early in the first half the Vikings starting cornerback was injured and Mackbee was thrust into the heat of the battle. Unfortunately for Earsell it was against future Hall of Famer Bernie Casey who promptly torched young Mackbee for 3 first half touchdowns. The Vikings went into halftime losing 35 to 3. Walking into the locker room at halftime Mackbee's head was hanging low as he had been thoroughly embarrassed in front of his hometown and family.
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NFL
Official Photo
But indicative of the fighting spirit that has been a hallmark of Earsell's life - the second half against the 49er's was a totally different story. Mackbee shut down the great Bernie Casey and the Vikings scored an amazing comeback winning the game 42 to 41. For the next 6 years Mackbee started every game and became a key component to what became the vaunted Purple People Eaters. Over the next few years the Vikings would emerge as one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL eventually leading to the teams first Super Bowl IV appearance in 1970. Although the Vikings lost to the Kansas City Chiefs - Mackbee had acheived his dream of reaching the pinnacle of athletic competition. Playing with and building lasting friendships with such football legends as Alan Page, Fran Tarkenton, Jim Marshall, Carl Eller, Joe Kapp and many others.
Induction into the Solano County Hall of Fame
After retiring from the NFL in 1971 - Mackbee took his on-the-field experiences and used them as an Entreprenuer opening a chain of restaurants and other business ventures. Over the years Earsell somehow always was led back to his first love - working with at-risk and disadvantaged youth. Up until the day of his debilitating stroke - Mackbee was still following his calling of giving back to the community - working as a Counselor and Advisor for "The City Inc." a Minneapolis outreach and educational program that gives young at-risk men and women a second chance to turn their lives around.
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Recent picture with his family in Minneapolis Hospice Care
A Strong and Positive Legacy
While Earsell is considered a son with two homes - the Twin Cities and the SF-Bay Area; his children have continued a strong and positive legacy of their own. From his oldest daughter Melanie and son Mark both school teachers who reside in Northern California to his 4 children who reside in the Twin Cities and surrounding area - Myles a Food Service District Manager, Mateo a school teacher, Marcee (you guessed it) a school teacher and recent High School graduate Jeremy. Earsell's children have continued building a strong foundation both in California and the Twin Cities area that no doubt will stand strong for years to come.