In the unassuming industrial landscape of southern Minnesota, a nondescript building adorned with a homemade Krause parking sign conceals a treasure trove for Vikings enthusiasts. Once inside, the significance of the Krause name becomes evident, particularly for fans of a specific era. Paul Krause, a National Football League Hall of Famer and Vikings icon, boasts a career marked by extraordinary achievements, including holding the record for the most interceptions in NFL history, a distinction that remains unchallenged even 45 years after his retirement.
As the Vikings’ ball-hawking free safety from the late 1960s through the entire 1970s, Krause played a pivotal role in all four Super Bowl appearances for the team. Notably, he recovered a fumble against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl IX. His illustrious career culminated with an unprecedented 81 interceptions over 16 seasons, a feat combining brilliance and longevity that stands as a testament to his unmatched skill on the field.
Now in his early 80s, Krause welcomed FOX 9’s Paul Blume into his sprawling 12,000-square-foot man cave, located in a rural town about 45 minutes south of the metropolitan area. Describing it as his “home away from home,” Krause’s man cave serves as a repository of memories, unique collectibles, and even houses his prized possession—the Interceptor, a motorcycle adorned with the autographs of 130 Hall of Fame names.
The man cave showcases Krause’s penchant for preserving history, featuring a 1949 Ford convertible covered in autographs from fellow Hall of Fame inductees. Another noteworthy creation is the Vikings rat rod, a homemade vehicle assembled from a tractor and an old cooker, situated beneath the 1971 NFC Central Division championship banner from the Metrodome.
Every nook and cranny of the expansive space holds Vikings jerseys, photographs, and a diverse array of autographs from sports legends like Muhammad Ali, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer. Former teammate Stu Voigt attested to the man cave’s ever-evolving nature, describing it as “unbelievable” and a place where something new awaits every visit.
Used as a communal gathering spot, Krause’s man cave transforms into the ultimate party venue during Vikings games, boasting five televisions, a kitchen, a dining area, and a classic old scoreboard for added ambiance. Despite the festivities, there’s one elusive element—celebrating a Vikings Super Bowl championship, a dream Krause’s former teammate Voigt hopes will materialize with the current roster and coaching staff.
To put Krause’s interception record in perspective, comparing it to the modern-day achievements of Vikings’ #22, Harrison Smith, reveals the magnitude of Krause’s legacy. Smith, after 12 seasons in purple, has amassed 34 career interceptions, highlighting the enduring greatness of Krause’s unparalleled accomplishment.
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