The Minnesota Vikings’ history is like a Midwest hotdish—layered with grit, heart, and legends who flavor every bite. Today, that recipe feels a little less complete.
The Vikings confirmed Sunday that Paul Flatley, the 1963 AP NFL Rookie of the Year, died Saturday at 84. Fans and teammates flooded social media with tributes, mourning a receiver who helped shape Minnesota’s early identity. “Paul was the best receiver in my first stint with the Vikings,” Hall of Fame QB Fran Tarkenton said. “He was the catalyst.”
Flatley’s rookie year rewrote the playbook. Snagged in the fourth round, he broke franchise records with 51 catches and 867 yards—numbers that stood until Randy Moss arrived. “Paul was quick and a smart ball player. He knew how to get open and was great at catching the ball,” said Jerry Reichow, whose record Flatley toppled. His 202-yard explosion against the 49ers in 1965 remains a Vikings milestone, fueling a 42-41 comeback Tarkenton called “unforgettable.”
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
Beyond stats, Flatley’s mentorship echoed. When Justin Jefferson claimed Rookie of the Year in 2020, Flatley urged him to “be creative” like the greats. Fans agreed, one tweeting, “I hated seeing Flatley in a Falcons uniform. Just didn’t look right.” Others felt sombre. “Always a sad day when one of the sports legends passes. RIP,” one of the fans wrote. Some of them sent condolences towards Paul’s family.
“Prayers to the family and organization. ,” one of them wrote. From farm fields to NFL fame, Flatley’s legacy thrives in every Vikings receiver who follows.
This story is unfolding—stay locked in for the latest.
The post “Will Be Missed”: Vikings Legend Joins Fans To Mourn Loss of Paul Flatley Following Sad Update for Former NFL Rookie of the Year appeared first on EssentiallySports.