Paul Krause (footbal player)

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Paul Krause
Date of birth	February 19, 1942 (age 65)
Place of birth	Flint, Michigan
Position(s)	Safety
College	Iowa
Pro Bowls	8
Stats
Statistics	Pro Football Reference DatabaseFootball
Team(s)
1964-1967 1968-1979	Washington Redskins Minnesota Vikings
Pro Football Hall of Fame, 1998

Paul Krause (born February 19, 1942 in Flint, Michigan) is a former professional American football player.

Paul Krause graduated from the University of Iowa, where he starred on both sides of the line of scrimmage. He played 16 seasons in the National Football League, with the Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings.

In 1964, he was drafted in the second round by the Redskins. He was named to the All-NFL first team his rookie season by leading the league in interceptions with twelve. Krause came in second for Rookie of the Year voting. He intercepted 28 passes during his four years with the club. In 1968, he was traded to the Vikings, for whom he played until he retired after the 1979 season. During that time, he was one of the few players to play in all four of the Vikings Super Bowl appearances (Super Bowl IV, Super Bowl VIII Super Bowl IX, Super Bowl XI). Krause recorded an interception in Super Bowl IV and a fumble recovery in Super Bowl IX.

Krause was named All-NFL four times and was a Pro Bowler eight times. He started at free safety in four Super Bowls. During his sixteen year career, he missed games only twice due to injuries. Krause was often referred to as the Vikings "Center Fielder" because of his success as an interscholastic baseball player and his ability to catch interceptions. He also lead the team in tackles one year, showing himself to be a well rounded player

He currently holds the all time interception record in the NFL with 81, which he returned for 1,185 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also recovered 19 fumbles, returning them for 163 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Krause was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Krause was named to the The Iowa Sports Hall of Fame in 1985.

In 1994, Paul Krause was elected to the Board of County Commissioners for Dakota County, Minnesota. He currently serves as a Dakota County Commissioner.