Paul Krause is widely regarded as one of the greatest safeties in NFL history and holds the record for the most career interceptions in league history. A key player for the Minnesota Vikings during their dominant defense in the 1970s, Krause played 16 seasons in the NFL and established himself as one of the most effective and reliable defensive backs of his era.
Early Life and College Career
Paul Krause was born on February 19, 1942, in Providence, Rhode Island. He attended Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, where he was an outstanding athlete and developed a passion for football. After high school, Krause went on to play college football at University of Iowa, where he played for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
At Iowa, Krause was a star player and earned recognition for his skills as a safety and defensive back. He was a three-year starter and was known for his ability to read the game and make crucial plays. His strong college career earned him a spot in the 1964 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Washington Redskins in the second round (1st overall pick in the second round, 16th overall).
NFL Career
Washington Redskins (1964–1967)
Krause began his NFL career with the Washington Redskins in 1964. He quickly became one of the most dependable players on the Redskins’ defense, showing his ability to cover ground, read quarterbacks, and come up with interceptions. In his four years with Washington, Krause intercepted 19 passes, demonstrating his ball-hawking skills and defensive awareness.
During his time with the Redskins, Krause became known for his exceptional football IQ, positioning, and ability to make critical plays in the secondary.
Minnesota Vikings (1968–1979)
In 1968, Paul Krause was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, where he would go on to spend the majority of his career. His time with the Vikings marked the height of his playing days, as he became a key figure in one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history—the Vikings’ “Purple People Eaters” defense.
Krause’s playmaking ability and leadership helped solidify the Vikings’ defense, which was consistently ranked among the best in the league. His ball-hawking skills were a huge asset to the Vikings, and he became known for his ability to read quarterbacks and make interceptions at critical moments. Over his 12 seasons with the Vikings, Krause intercepted 81 passes, becoming the NFL’s all-time leader in interceptions at the time.
- Pro Bowls: Krause was selected to 8 Pro Bowls during his career (1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975).
- All-Pro Selections: He earned First-Team All-Pro honors twice (1969, 1975) and was named Second-Team All-Pro three times (1970, 1972, 1973).
- Super Bowl Appearance: Krause played in Super Bowl IV (1970) with the Vikings, though the team lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Interceptions: Krause finished his career with a total of 81 interceptions with the Vikings, and 5 interceptions with Washington, giving him a career total of 81.
Krause’s knack for making interceptions was a hallmark of his career. He was a smart player who excelled in zone coverage, allowing him to read the quarterback’s eyes and put himself in position to make plays. His ability to come up with big turnovers for the Vikings was instrumental to their success.
Post-Vikings Career (1980)
After retiring from the NFL, Krause was honored for his achievements and contributions to the game. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest safeties and defensive players in NFL history. His induction came after a remarkable career that saw him retire as the NFL’s all-time leader in interceptions—a record he still holds today.
Post-NFL Life
After retiring from football, Paul Krause stayed involved in the NFL community and remained an important figure in the history of the Minnesota Vikings. He has also been involved in various business ventures and charitable activities over the years.
Legacy and Honors
Paul Krause’s legacy is built around his ability to intercept passes and his intelligence on the football field. He was one of the most consistent and dangerous defensive backs in NFL history. His record of 81 interceptions still stands as one of the highest in NFL history.
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1998.
- Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor: Krause was inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor to recognize his contribution to the team’s storied history.
- NFL All-Decade Team: He was named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 1970s.
- NFL Career Interceptions Leader: Krause remains the NFL’s all-time leader in interceptions with 81 (a record that still stands).
Career Stats
- Games Played: 187
- Interceptions: 81 (All-time NFL leader at the time of retirement)
- Pro Bowls: 8
- All-Pro Selections: 5 (2 First-Team, 3 Second-Team)
- Super Bowl Appearance: 1 (Super Bowl IV, lost to the Kansas City Chiefs)
Personal Life
Paul Krause has kept a relatively low profile after his playing days but is well-respected within the Minnesota Vikings community. He has continued to support the team and is involved in events and appearances for the Vikings’ alumni. Krause’s legacy as a player and his role in the Vikings’ history has solidified him as one of the franchise’s most beloved and influential figures.
Summary
Paul Krause is a Pro Football Hall of Fame safety and the NFL’s all-time leader in career interceptions with 81. He is best remembered for his time with the Minnesota Vikings, where he was a crucial part of their dominant defense during the 1970s. His ability to make critical interceptions and his leadership on the field were key to the Vikings’ success. Krause’s intelligence, playmaking ability, and consistency earned him multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. His legacy as one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history is firmly cemented.