Paul Warfield

The Smoothest, Most Elegant Deep Threat in NFL History

Few wide receivers in NFL history combined grace, speed, and precision quite like Paul Warfield. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, two-time Super Bowl champion, and one of the most efficient pass-catchers ever, Warfield was the epitome of a big-play receiver, turning seemingly routine passes into electrifying, game-changing moments.

Warfield wasn’t just a deep threat—he was a master route-runner, a fluid athlete, and a receiver who thrived in an era when passing the ball was far more difficult. His ability to track the ball in the air, adjust his body mid-route, and accelerate past defenders made him one of the most unstoppable offensive weapons of his time.

Though he played in a run-heavy era, Warfield made every catch count. His career average of 20.1 yards per reception remains one of the highest in NFL history, proving his game-changing ability. Whether with the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, or later returning to Cleveland, Warfield set the standard for excellence at the wide receiver position, paving the way for future deep-ball greats like Randy Moss, Lynn Swann, and Jerry Rice.

This collection honors Paul Warfield, the supremely smooth, efficient, and deadly deep threat who helped define what it meant to be an elite wide receiver.

Paul Warfield’s Legendary Career by the Numbers

Warfield’s statistics may not be as high-volume as modern receivers, but his efficiency and impact were unmatched.

Career Statistics & Achievements (1964–1977)

Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1983)
Two-time Super Bowl Champion (VII, VIII)
NFL Champion (1964)
Eight-time Pro Bowler (1964, 1968–1971, 1973–1975)
Two-time First-Team All-Pro (1971, 1973)
Three-time Second-Team All-Pro (1968, 1969, 1970)
NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor
Miami Dolphins Honor Roll
Career Receptions: 427
Career Receiving Yards: 8,565
Career Touchdowns: 85
Career Yards Per Reception: 20.1 (One of the highest in NFL history)

Warfield didn’t need 100 receptions per season to be dominant. Instead, he made every single catch count, averaging over 20 yards per reception, a number few receivers in history have ever matched.

The Early Years – From Small-Town Star to Ohio State Legend

Paul Warfield’s journey to NFL greatness began in Warren, Ohio, where he first showcased the speed, agility, and athleticism that made him a football icon.

Born to Be Great

Born on November 28, 1942, in Warren, Ohio, Warfield grew up as an all-around athlete.
He excelled in football, basketball, and track, setting records in sprinting and long jump that foreshadowed his blazing speed on the football field.

Ohio State – The Development of a Superstar

Warfield played college football at Ohio State (1961–1963) under legendary coach Woody Hayes.
In college, he was used primarily as a running back, leading the Buckeyes in rushing yards twice.
He displayed exceptional footwork, vision, and speed, proving he could excel at multiple positions.
Though he played in a run-heavy offense, his ability to catch passes and stretch the field set the foundation for his NFL career.

By the time the 1964 NFL Draft arrived, Warfield was seen as a versatile offensive weapon, leading to his selection by the Cleveland Browns in the first round (11th overall pick).

Cleveland Browns Years (1964–1969) – Becoming an NFL Superstar

Warfield made an instant impact in Cleveland, helping the team win an NFL Championship in his rookie season.

A Rookie Sensation & NFL Champion (1964)

The Browns converted Warfield to wide receiver, recognizing his elite speed and catching ability.
In his rookie year (1964), he caught 52 passes for 920 yards and 9 touchdowns, helping the Browns win the NFL Championship over the Baltimore Colts.
His deep-threat ability made Cleveland’s offense one of the most dangerous in the league.

A Rising Star in Cleveland

Over the next five seasons, Warfield became one of the most feared receivers in football.
He was named to five Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro honors multiple times.
He averaged over 21 yards per reception during his time in Cleveland, proving that no defensive back could cover him one-on-one.
He played alongside Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown, forming one of the most dangerous offensive duos in NFL history.

Though he had established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, his career took a dramatic turn in 1970 when he was shockingly traded to the Miami Dolphins.

The Miami Dolphins Years (1970–1974) – The Missing Piece to a Dynasty

In one of the most unexpected trades in NFL history, the Browns sent Paul Warfield to the Miami Dolphins for a first-round draft pick. The Dolphins, led by head coach Don Shula, had just landed the most explosive receiver in football.

Instant Impact in Miami

Warfield immediately transformed the Dolphins offense, giving quarterback Bob Griese a true deep-threat weapon.
In 1971, he helped the Dolphins reach their first Super Bowl (Super Bowl VI), though they lost to the Dallas Cowboys.

The Perfect Season & Super Bowl Glory (1972)

In 1972, Warfield played a crucial role in the Dolphins’ undefeated 17-0 season, the only perfect season in modern NFL history.
Though Miami was a run-heavy team, Warfield’s presence stretched defenses, creating openings for Hall of Fame running backs Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris.
The Dolphins won Super Bowl VII, capping off the greatest season in NFL history.

Back-to-Back Championships (1973)

In 1973, Warfield and the Dolphins won their second consecutive Super Bowl, defeating the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl VIII.
Though he didn’t post massive receiving numbers, his ability to pull defenders away from Miami’s dominant rushing attack made him irreplaceable.

By the end of his Dolphins career (1974), Warfield had cemented his legacy as one of the greatest wide receivers in history.

The Final Years – A Return to Cleveland & Retirement

After five legendary seasons in Miami, Warfield returned to the Browns in 1976 for two final seasons before retiring.

Though he was past his prime, Warfield remained one of the most respected and admired players in football.
He retired in 1977, having redefined what it meant to be a deep-threat receiver.

Defining Moments of Warfield’s Career

1964 – Drafted by Cleveland & Wins NFL Championship as a Rookie: Instantly proves he’s a superstar receiver.
1968 – Leads the NFL in Receiving Touchdowns (12): Establishes himself as the league’s top deep threat.
1970 – Traded to the Miami Dolphins: Becomes the key offensive weapon in Don Shula’s dynasty.
1972 – Helps Lead the Dolphins to a Perfect 17-0 Season: Becomes a Super Bowl champion.
1973 – Wins Back-to-Back Super Bowls: Cements himself as one of the most efficient and clutch receivers in NFL history.
1983 – Inducted into the Hall of Fame: Recognized as one of the greatest receivers ever.

A Legacy That Redefined the Wide Receiver Position

Paul Warfield wasn’t just a great receiver—he was a pioneer.

He proved that wide receivers didn’t need massive numbers to be game-changers.
His grace, athleticism, and ability to stretch the field paved the way for future deep threats.
His two Super Bowl rings and NFL Championship solidified him as a true winner.

A Champion, A Record-Setter, and One of the Most Elegant and Dangerous Wide Receivers in NFL History.