Paul Giel

Paul Giel (September 29, 1932 - May 22, 2002) was a football and baseball player from Winona, Minnesota.

Giel attended the University of Minnesota, where he was a star quarterback player for the Gophers. His career totals were 2,188 yards rushing, 1,922 yards passing. Giel received the Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player twice, in 1952 and 1953, was named All-American twice, and was the runner-up to Johnny Lattner of Notre Dame for the Heisman Trophy in 1953. Giel was United Press International Player of the Year, Associated Press Back of the Year, and captain of his team in 1953. He was inducated into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1975.

Giel was also a baseball pitcher. After his collegiate days he pitched in the major leagues for the New York and San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins, and Kansas City Athletics. He served as the University of Minnesota's Director of Athletics from 1971 to 1989.