Paul Krause

The Ultimate Ball Hawk of the NFL

In the history of the National Football League, few players have possessed the sheer playmaking ability of Paul Krause, the all-time leader in interceptions. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, eight-time Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl veteran, Krause was the definition of a ball hawk, a safety whose instincts and anticipation turned him into one of the most feared defenders of his era.

With an astonishing 81 career interceptions, Krause was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, always lurking in the secondary and making game-changing plays. He wasn’t just a turnover machine—he was an ironman, missing just two games in his 16-year career (1964-1979) and solidifying himself as the centerpiece of the legendary Purple People Eaters defense for the Minnesota Vikings.

Krause played the game like a chess master—always one step ahead, reading quarterbacks' eyes, and knowing exactly where the ball was going before it was even thrown. His ability to create turnovers helped define a generation of hard-hitting, opportunistic defenses, and his impact on the game remains unmatched to this day.

The Numbers Behind Krause’s Greatness

Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1998)
NFL’s All-Time Interception Leader (81 career interceptions)
Eight-time Pro Bowler (1964, 1965, 1969, 1971-1975, 1977)
Six-time All-Pro Selection (1964, 1965, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1975)
Four-time NFC Champion (1969, 1973, 1974, 1976) with the Minnesota Vikings
Super Bowl IV, VIII, IX, XI participant
16-year career (1964-1979) with the Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings
1,185 interception return yards (third all-time at retirement)
13 career fumble recoveries
12 interceptions as a rookie (1964, most in the league that season)

Krause’s 81 interceptions remain the NFL’s all-time record, a mark that has stood the test of time. His ability to disrupt passing games made him the ultimate weapon in the secondary, and his impact on the Vikings’ defense helped shape one of the greatest defensive units in NFL history.

Rookie Stardom and a Shocking Trade – The Washington Years (1964-1967)

Krause’s NFL journey began with the Washington Redskins, who selected him in the 2nd round of the 1964 NFL Draft out of the University of Iowa.

He burst onto the scene as a rookie, leading the NFL with 12 interceptions, a feat that immediately cemented him as one of the league’s elite defensive backs.
Named a First-Team All-Pro in his debut season, Krause was instantly recognized as a generational talent.
He continued his dominance with Washington, making two Pro Bowls in four seasons.
In 1968, Washington shockingly traded Krause to the Minnesota Vikings—a move that would define the rest of his career.

While Washington made a franchise-altering mistake, Minnesota gained a future Hall of Famer who would become the face of their defense for over a decade.

The Heart of the Purple People Eaters – Minnesota’s Defensive Mastermind (1968-1979)

After being traded to the Minnesota Vikings, Krause became the defensive captain of the Purple People Eaters, one of the most dominant defensive units in NFL history.

Helped lead the Vikings to four Super Bowls (Super Bowls IV, VIII, IX, XI), serving as the leader of the secondary.
In 1969, he was a crucial part of the Vikings' first-ever NFC Championship, leading the team to Super Bowl IV.
Known for his elite range and anticipation, he made game-changing plays week after week, finishing his career with 38 multi-interception games.
Despite playing in an era where quarterbacks threw the ball far less than today, he still recorded at least four interceptions in nine different seasons.

Krause wasn’t just an interception machine—he was a defensive general, ensuring that the Vikings’ defense remained one of the most disciplined and opportunistic units in the NFL throughout the 1970s.

Defining Moments of Krause’s Career

1964 – Record-Breaking Rookie Season: Led the league with 12 interceptions, a rare feat for a first-year player.
1968 – The Trade That Changed Minnesota: Became the centerpiece of the Vikings’ defense after Washington sent him to Minnesota.
1969 – NFC Champions: Led the Vikings’ defense to its first-ever Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl IV.
1975 – One of His Best Seasons: Recorded 10 interceptions, showcasing that even in his 30s, he was still one of the game’s best.
1979 – The Final Season: Retired as the NFL’s all-time interception leader, a record that still stands today.

The Most Iconic Paul Krause Football Cards

Krause’s football cards remain some of the most sought-after for collectors, representing one of the greatest defensive players in history.

1965 Philadelphia #189 Paul Krause Rookie Card – His official rookie card, a must-have for vintage collectors.
1971 Topps #100 Paul Krause – A classic card from the Vikings’ Super Bowl era.
1975 Topps #225 Paul Krause – Released the same year he posted 10 interceptions, proving he was still at the top of his game.

These cards remain essential pieces of football history, capturing the legacy of one of the greatest safeties to ever play the game.

A Legacy That Stands the Test of Time

Paul Krause wasn’t just a great safety—he was the greatest ball hawk the NFL has ever seen. His 81 interceptions remain the gold standard, a number that no player in modern football has come close to breaking.

His leadership and intelligence were crucial in making the Vikings one of the most feared defenses of the 1970s.
His eight Pro Bowls and six All-Pro selections cemented him as the best defensive back of his generation.
His durability and consistency allowed him to play 16 seasons, retiring as one of the most accomplished safeties in NFL history.

Despite his record-setting career, Krause was shockingly overlooked by Hall of Fame voters for nearly two decades, finally receiving his long-overdue induction in 1998.

Even today, his name remains synonymous with defensive excellence, and his interception record still stands untouched—a testament to just how dominant he was.

The Ultimate Ball Hawk and One of the Greatest Defenders of All Time.