Greatest Viking Of All Time Tournament: (4) Paul Krause vs (5) Matt Birk

Our Greatest Viking Of All Time Tournament marches on with this second round match-up, and the winner of this one gets the right to take on Cris Carter in our Sweet 16. This match-up pits the Minnesota Vikings' (and the National Football League's) all-time interception leader against one of the best offensive linemen in team 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
How He Got Here: Defeated Jerry Burns 149-23 in Round 1

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.

Matt Birk

Alma Mater: Harvard University
Acquired by Vikings: Round 6, 1998 NFL Draft
Seasons in Minnesota: 11 (1998-2008)
Position: Center
How He Got Here: Defeated Fred Cox 105-84 in Round 1

Another in the Vikings' long line of outstanding play at the center position, local guy Matt Birk did an incredible job of following in the footsteps of the departed Jeff Christy. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time All-Pro (2000 and 2003). He was also named the Minnesota Vikings Man of the Year an incredible six years in a row, every year from 2002 to 2007. And, in case you had forgotten. . .

If you need a primer on how the voting for our contest works, we have one for you at this link here. Remember, rec the comments to register your vote. Putting "Vote - Name" in the subject line of a post does not count.

If you want to vote for Pau Krause, rec the comment that says "Vote - Paul Krause"
If you want to vote for Matt Birk, rec the comment that says "Vote - Matt Birk"

Voting is open for 24 hours, just like always, folks. Have at it!