The NFL's all-time interception leader was once a high school basketball scoring machine

History · Published 6 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before Paul Krause became the most prolific ball-hawk in NFL history, he was a multi-sport phenom who once dropped 78 points in a single basketball game. His transition from a two-way college star to a legendary safety defined a career that spanned 16 seasons and earned him a Hall of Fame induction.

Born on February 19, 1942, Paul Krause excelled early as an athlete at Bendle High School in Michigan, where he earned all-state honors in four different sports. His versatility followed him to the University of Iowa, where he played as a two-way starter. Despite a promising baseball career that saw him earn All-American honors as a sophomore, a shoulder injury sustained during a football game against the University of Michigan effectively ended his professional baseball aspirations.

Drafted 18th overall by the Washington Redskins in 1964, Krause made an immediate impact. He led the NFL in interceptions during his rookie season with 12, a feat that included picking off passes in seven consecutive games. After four seasons in Washington, he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 1968. It was there that he earned the nickname 'center fielder' for his uncanny ability to track and catch passes, a skill honed by his background in baseball.

Krause’s longevity was remarkable; he missed only two games over his 16-year career. He played in all four of the Vikings' Super Bowl appearances during the 1970s. On December 2, 1979, in his final season, he intercepted two passes against the Los Angeles Rams to set the NFL career record of 81 interceptions, a mark that still stands today. Beyond his defensive prowess, he recorded 19 fumble recoveries and three touchdowns. Following his retirement, he transitioned into public service, serving on the Dakota County Board of Commissioners for two decades.

It is important to distinguish this legendary defensive back from other notable individuals sharing his name, such as the current vice provost for external education at Cornell University. While the football icon’s legacy is cemented in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which he entered in 1998, his post-football life has been defined by business ventures, including real estate and restaurant ownership, far removed from the gridiron.

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