The Minnesota Vikings are in the mist of an extremely interesting off-season. However, there are things bigger than football that take precedence. Today it was announced that one former starter has passed away.
Breaking: Former Vikings Starter Passes Away (Report)
Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits idle on the field before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits idle on the field before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Sadly, Paul Flatley, former NFL rookie of the year, passed away:
The team announced Sunday that Flatley, the 1963 Associated Press NFL Rookie of the Year for the Minnesota Vikings, died at the age of 84.
The team stated he passed away on Saturday, but no additional details were provided.
The #Vikings are mourning the loss of Paul Flatley.
Flatley, a former Vikings receiver and the 1963 AP NFL Rookie of the Year, passed away Saturday at the age of 84.https://t.co/WkWxdEGgAo pic.twitter.com/ZXCpfOm19X
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 16, 2025
Flatley played in 64 games and had 202 catches for 3,222 yards and 17 touchdowns in his career with the Vikings.
He would be traded to the Falcons in 1968, where he spent three years.
After his playing career, he was a color commentator for the University of Minnesota football broadcast team.
Richmond native Paul Flatley was the NFL's Rookie of the Year in 1963 for the Minnesota Vikings and an All-Pro in 1966. A week before that game, Flatley attended the first Super Bowl in Los Angeles. © Palladium-Item File
Richmond native Paul Flatley was the NFL’s Rookie of the Year in 1963 for the Minnesota Vikings and an All-Pro in 1966. A week before that game, Flatley attended the first Super Bowl in Los Angeles. © Palladium-Item File
Here is a look at Flatley’s career stats:
Paul Flatley holds two rookie of the year trophies inside the Indiana Football Hall of Fame, he received both after his first year playing football in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings. Flatley started as a running back, switched to quarterback his senior year at Richmond and became a successful wide receiver in college and the NFL. © Palladium-Item File
Paul Flatley holds two rookie of the year trophies inside the Indiana Football Hall of Fame, he received both after his first year playing football in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings. Flatley started as a running back, switched to quarterback his senior year at Richmond and became a successful wide receiver in college and the NFL. © Palladium-Item File
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