Paul Warfield

The NFL's all-time leader in yards per reception (20.1) among players with at least 300 catches.

Paul Dryden Warfield (born November 28, 1942) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) from 1964 to 1977 for the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins, except for a year in the World Football League (WFL) with the Memphis Southmen in 1975. He was known for his speed, fluid moves, grace, and jumping ability. A consistent big-play threat throughout his career, his 20.1 average yards per reception is the highest in NFL history among players with at least 300 receptions.

Quick Facts

Position: Wide receiver
Born: 28 November 1942
Birthplace: Warren, Ohio, U.S.
High school: Warren G. Harding (Warren, Ohio)
College: Ohio State
Draft year: 1964
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 11

Lore & Background

Warfield played in seven championship games in his professional career—four NFL Championship Games with the Browns and three Super Bowls with the Dolphins—and earned victories in the 1964 NFL Championship Game, Super Bowl VII, and Super Bowl VIII. After his playing career, he served as a scout and adviser for the Browns for several years. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983, and is a member of the Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor and the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll.

Reader's Guide

Warfield was born in Warren, Ohio. He attended Warren G. Harding High School, where he was a star running back and defensive back. He attended Ohio State University, where he played for the Buckeyes under coach Woody Hayes, earning a national championship and All-American honors. The Cleveland Browns selected him in the first round of the 1964 NFL draft. He was converted to wide receiver and helped the Browns win the 1964 NFL Championship. He was traded to the Miami Dolphins, with whom he won Super Bowl VII and Super Bowl VIII. He also played one season in the WFL for the Memphis Southmen before returning to the Browns for his final two seasons.

Did You Know?

He was an Olympic prospect in the broad jump before deciding to play professional football.
President Richard Nixon famously telephoned Dolphins coach Don Shula before Super Bowl VI to suggest a pass play to Warfield.