Paul Flatley, the 1963 AP NFL Rookie of the Year, has passed away at the age of 84. Over five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, he achieved 3,222 receiving yards, ranking eighth in the league in his rookie year. His successful transition from halfback to flanker was pivotal to his career. Flatley credited his success to coach Norm Van Brocklin and quarterback Fran Tarkenton, noting their influence on his understanding of the game. After his on-field career, he served as a commentator for University of Minnesota football broadcasts for years.
"He had been an all-star quarterback and knew the passing game very well... I learned the game because of those two people, and I was very fortunate to be a Minnesota Viking."
Flatley was a fourth-round pick by Minnesota in the 1963 draft, joining a team in just its third season, and had five catches for 72 yards in his debut.
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