Two of the best NFL defensive backs in recent history retired this offseason. Both Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu have hung up their cleats, ending what could be Hall of Fame careers for each of them. At the time of their retirements, they were tied for second among active NFL players in career interceptions with 36.
The only active player with more is Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith, who has 37.
While Smith has the most among active players, who has the most of all-time? That would be Paul Krause, who hauled in 81 over the course of his 16-year career.
Krause was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round out of Iowa. His ball-hawking ability was evident immediately as he picked off two passes in his first game as a rookie. That season, Krause also led the league in interceptions with twelve. He continued to rack up interceptions throughout his career, with at least two interceptions for fourteen straight seasons. Krause never topped the twelve interception mark he reached in his rookie season, but he did finish with ten in 1975 with the Minnesota Vikings.
Krause’s record likely will never be broken, and frankly, it is not talked about enough. Krause went into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1998, but 27 years later, I feel it is time to recognize the NFL’s interception king once again.
OUTTA HERE!
Clarknado Sports 