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6d ago

Paul Wiggin, Browns Champion and Longtime Vikings Executive, Dies at 91

The two-time Pro Bowler and College Football Hall of Famer later coached John Elway at Stanford before moving into nearly four decades of roles with Minnesota.

Courtesy of Stanford Athletics Then-Stanford coach Paul Wiggin, right, talks with quarterback John Elway during an early 1980s game.
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Overview

  • The Browns, Vikings and the National Football Foundation confirmed Wiggin died Friday at age 91.
  • Wiggin played his entire 11-year NFL career with Cleveland, never missed a game, and helped win the 1964 NFL title.
  • He earned Pro Bowl selections in 1965 and 1967 and finished with 60.5 sacks and 19 fumble recoveries, later entering the Browns Legends program in 2008.
  • His coaching stops included the 49ers, a 11–24 stint as Chiefs head coach, the Saints as defensive coordinator, and Stanford, where he coached John Elway and was on the sideline for 1982’s “The Play.”
  • He joined the Vikings in 1985, coached their defensive line through 1991, then worked in the front office for nearly 40 years, drawing tributes from team owners Mark and Zygi Wilf and NFF chairman Archie Manning.