Paul Flatley, a former Vikings wide receiver who became the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1962, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 84, surrounded by his loving family.
The Minnesota Vikings took to their official site to announce the demise of their former star, Paul Flatley, and extend their heartfelt condolences to his family.
While the team did not disclose the cause of his death, according to Flatley’s brother, Carl, he passed away from sepsis, a life-threatening condition that happens when the body has an extreme response to an infection.
The #Vikings are mourning the loss of Paul Flatley.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 16, 2025
Flatley, a former Vikings receiver and the 1963 AP NFL Rookie of the Year, passed away Saturday at the age of 84.https://t.co/WkWxdEGgAo pic.twitter.com/ZXCpfOm19X
According to Carl, Paul’s sepsis was caused by a urinary tract infection that became severe and spread through his body.
The post reads,
“My brother, Paul Flatley, NFL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, 1962, joined my daughter, Erin, in Heaven last night! Another victim of Sepsis! His was from a UTI!
Carl Flatley
I CAN NOT STRESS ENOUGH THAT YOU MUST MONITOR and MANAGE ALL INFECTIONS. Visit www.sepsis.org 🐞! It could save your life!”
Born on January 30, 1941, in Richmond, Indiana, Paul Flatley began his sports career at a young age.
Paul started playing football while attending Richmond High School. He later joined the Northwestern University men’s football team, the Wildcats, from 1960 to 1962, which became a crucial foundation for his professional career.
Paul began his professional journey by joining the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL in 1963.
He played with the Vikings from 1963 to 1967 before joining the Falcons in 1968. Paul played two seasons with the Falcons from 1968 to 1970.
Likewise, as a Vikings wide receiver, Paul showcased his remarkable performance. He was also an NFL Rookie of the Year and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1966.
Paul Flatley was inducted into the Indiana and Chicagoland Hall of Fame for his exceptional career.
His contributions to sports will always be remembered. The entire sports community and his loved ones mourn the loss of their beloved Paul Flatley.
Paul Flatley Is Survived By His Three Daughters, Grandchildren, And The Entire Family!
While it is unsure if Paul Flatley was married, he was blessed with three beautiful daughters: Allison Flatley, Brooke Flatley, and Leslie Reuter Flatley.
Flatley was not only an amazing athlete but also a loving father to his three daughters, whom he cherished until his last breath.
Moreover, all of his daughters excel in their respective careers; his daughter, Brooke Flatley, works at Kabafusion Hom Infusion Pharmacy.
Brooke graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and attended Minnetonka Senior High School.
Similarly, Paul’s other daughter, Allison Flatley, has worked in the health and fitness industry for over 30 years.
She currently serves as the Chair of REX Roundtvles for Leader and CEO of Allision Flatley Consulting. She also operates a fitness business podcast.
Allison is also an executive member of the Women in Fitness Association and the National Health and Fitness Alliance.
Moreover, she earned her master’s in health and sports sciences degree from Miami University in 1989 and attended Minnetonka High School.
While very little information about Paul’s other daughter, Leslie Reuter, is available, as she prefers to maintain a low profile, her social media displays that she loves hiking and cycling.
Paul Flatley’s beloved grandchildren, Mia, Reis, Ellie, Taylor, Ava, Gracie, Sydney, and Jack Paul, are also left to cherish his life.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Paul Flatley was preceded in death by his sister, Ellen Kay Flatley, his mother, Bernadine Reis Flatley, his father, and his niece, Erin.
- In addition to playing, Paul pursued his career in sports broadcasting for a while, serving as a color commentator for the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Gophers on WCCO Radio.
- He founded Flatley Staffing and Technical in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
