By Darin 
Before the era of modern passing, one man patrolled the secondary with such predatory precision that his record has remained untouched for nearly half a century. From his explosive rookie debut in Washington to his legendary tenure with the Minnesota Vikings’ “Purple People Eaters,” Paul Krause didn’t just play safety—he redefined it.
Football Bio
February 19, 1942 – Flint, Michigan – The great Safety out of Iowa, Paul Krause, was born. Paul had one of the finest seasons by an NFL rookie in 1964, after the Redskins picked him number 2 overall in the 1964 NFL Draft. The Washington safety led the League with 12 interceptions and became an All-Pro, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website bio on Paul. Paul played four seasons in the nation’s capital and then 12 years with the Minnesota Vikings. Krause played for 16 seasons in the NFL, and when he retired, he had picked off more passes than anyone in League history at that point with 81 and made the All- NFL squad four times! He also started as a free safety in four Super Bowls. Paul Krause was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.
Conclusion
Paul Krause remains the gold standard for ball-hawking safeties. His uncanny ability to read a quarterback’s eyes allowed him to amass a record 81 interceptions, a feat that feels increasingly unbreakable in today’s high-efficiency passing game. More than just a stat-sheet stuffer, Krause was the ultimate “center fielder” of the gridiron, providing the backbone for one of the greatest defensive eras in football history.
Verified Accolades & Accomplishments
- NFL All-Time Interceptions Leader: 81 Career Interceptions.
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1998.
- 8× Pro Bowl Selection: 1964, 1965, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975.
- 4× First-Team All-Pro: 1964, 1965, 1971, 1975.
- NFL Interceptions Leader: 1964 (12 interceptions as a rookie).
- Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor: Inducted in 1998.
- Super Bowl Appearances: Started in four Super Bowls (IV, VIII, IX, XI).
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team (Finalist).
Note on Draft Position: While some historical accounts refer to him as a “No. 2 pick,” it is important to clarify that he was selected in the 2nd Round (18th overall) of the 1964 NFL Draft.
