Let’s Debate! The Best Safety in Minnesota Vikings Franchise History

Paul Krause from vikings.com

By: Ross Blilie
03-29-23

The debate continues! I hope you are learning a lot from me. I am really enjoying writing for you. As you can see, I have a lot to say about the Vikings. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to read my articles. I appreciate it!

Today's topic is all about defense. A question I have for you, the reader, is what makes a good defense? Is it team chemistry? Is it the players communicating well with each other? Is it how well the players perform in stopping the offense from scoring?

Specifically, what makes a pro bowl safety? In my opinion, it is the player who can make big plays such as interceptions and multiple pass break ups when they are needed. They can see the entire field and are fast enough to close on a speedy wide receiver to break up a deep pass.

With that in mind, some of the best safeties in Vikings franchise history that I can name are Paul Krause, Harrison Smith, Orlando Thomas, Robert Griffith, and Joey Browner. In addition to those players listed, there was Karl Kassulke, Darren Sharper, Andrew Sendejo, Anthony Harris, Tom Hannon, Jeff Wright, John Harris, Kurt Knoff, John Turner, Corey Chaveous, and Brian Russell.

Here are my rankings for the best safety in Vikings franchise history:

1. Paul Krause- late 1960’s. Krause was the ultimate Vikings safety back when they were getting going. He ended his career with 81 interceptions over 130 games and 11 playoff games. Overall, he was one of the toughest guys to play the position. He made 8 pro bowls as a starter and could make a big play when it was needed.
2. Joey Browner-Mid-1980’s. Browner was one of those guys that I liked watching as a kid. He was a turnover machine during his first 3 seasons with the team. He ended up going to 5 pro bowls and had 37 career interceptions-best for 4th on the all-time franchise list.
3. Karl Kassulke-Mid 1960’s-Early 1970’s. Kassulke played safety with two dynamic players for the Vikings. First, it was Dale Hackbart, then it was Paul Krause. However, Kassulke earns this spot on my list because he damn near played every game and had 11 interceptions along with 3 fumble recoveries in two seasons with Hackbart. When Krause took over for Hackbart, Kassulke got even better. In four seasons together, The K and K boys had 32 interceptions and 9 fumble recoveries. It was only in 1972 that Kassulke’s career ended because of a motorcycle accident. Had he kept playing, I bet the Vikings would have won a Super Bowl with him and Krause as the safeties.
4. Robert Griffith-Mid-1990’s. Griffith makes this spot because he was not just fun to watch, but he was tough. He always seemed to make a point of hitting the receiver hard when he had the chance. He and Orlando Thomas played six seasons together and made 30 interceptions as a duo. They also recorded eight fumble recoveries and started 163 games combined-the most in franchise history.
5. Harrison Smith-Early 2010’s-Present. I think Harrison Smith should be on this list because he has been a staple of the defense for the last ten seasons. His stats alone rival that of Paul Krause. So far, he has 34 interceptions, returned four of them for touchdowns, and has forced six fumbles in 144 games. Whenever he retires or at least moves on from the Vikings, I’m going to put him at number two.

As you can see, there are plenty of pro bowl players the Vikings have had over the years. I just think that if the defense can be in the top ten again along with the offense, they might have a chance at making a deep run into the playoffs. What do you think? Let me know in the comments.

Ross Blilie is an avid NFL fan of the Minnesota Vikings since the 1990’s. He loves to talk about the NFL and the Vikings every chance he gets. His hobbies also include bowling with his wife and friends, narrating audiobooks, fishing, and even sitting by a campfire with family at Lake Blackduck in Minnesota. You can find Ross on twitter & Instagram @Rossthenarrator.