Greatest Viking Of All Time Tournament: (4) Paul Krause vs (13) Jerry Burns

We continue along in the first round of our Greatest Viking Of All Time Tournament with another first round match-up. This one pits a Hall of Fame defensive back against a coach that many believe invented the most well-known offense in NFL history.

Paul Krause

Alma Mater: University of Iowa
Acquired by Vikings: Trade with Washington Redskins before 1968 season
Seasons in Minnesota: 12 (1968-1979)
Position: Safety

Paul Krause was a mainstay on the Vikings' defense for over a decade, and still holds one of the most impressive records in National Football League history. He is the current leader in career interceptions for league history with 81, and 53 of those thefts came when he was wearing purple. He started 146 of 172 career games for the Vikings, and was the starting safety on all four of their Super Bowl teams. According to the statistics, he even recorded a touchdown pass in 1977 at the age of 35. Paul Krause was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

Jerry Burns

Alma Mater: University of Michigan
Acquired by Vikings: Signed as offensive coordinator prior to 1968 season
Seasons in Minnesota: 24 (Offensive coordinator 1968-1985; head coach 1986-1991)
Position: Offensive coordinator/head coach

Jerry Burns, along with Bud Grant, is the man that is largely credited with the evolution of the short passing game in the National Football League, with many concepts that Bill Walsh incorporated into what came to be known as the "West Coast Offense." He was eventually the man that was chosen to replace Bud Grant. . .he stayed with the team as Les Steckel's offensive coordinator for the 1984 season and for Grant's return in 1985. He compiled a 52-43 record as the Vikings' head coach, reaching the playoffs three times and getting to the NFC Championship Game in 1987. And he certainly knew how to hold a press conference. (Warning: Naughty words ahead.)

In a bit of an interesting twist, Jerry Burns actually gave Paul Krause's Hall of Fame induction speech in 1998.

Here's a review of how the voting process works, folks.

-If you want to vote for Paul Krause, rec the comment that says, "Vote - Paul Krause"
-If you want to vote for Jerry Burns, rec the comment that says, "Vote - Jerry Burns"

Don't rec both comments. . .we're on the honor system here, folks. Although I don't know why you'd rec both anyway. . .you'd end up just canceling yourself out.

Please do not reply to either of the top two comments. . .if you want to debate or make your case or what have you, feel free to do so underneath those top two comments. Remember. . .only recs count, so make sure that's how you register your vote.

The voting will remain open until 8 AM Central time tomorrow, at which point the next two match-ups will be posted.

Have at it, everybody!