Paul Warfield Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

Childhood and Early Life

Former American National Football League wide receiver Paul Warfield was born on the 28 November 1942 in Warren, Ohio.

Education

Paul Warfield was a pupil at First Street Elementary School, Warren, Ohio where his sixth-grade gym teacher, Clemons Seimdelia, was also the football coach at the school. Warfield later said that Seimdelia was an early influence. He did his high schooling at Warren G. Harding School before enrolling at Ohio State University. Then, he obtained a master’s degree from Kent State University (1977).

Rise to Fame

Paul Warfield played halfback for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was named in two All-Big Ten Conference teams.

Professional Career

In 1964, Paul Warfield was a first-round draft pick by the Cleveland Browns (1964-1977) where he played as a wide receiver. He appeared in three Pro Bowls games with the Cleveland Browns before being traded to the Miami Dolphins in 1970. With the Dolphins, he appeared in five more Pro Bowls.

After five seasons with the Miami Dolphins, he played one season with the Memphis Grizzlies (1975) in the World Football League before returning to the Cleveland Browns in 1976. He played for Cleveland Browns for two more seasons before retiring from the game. Warfield was named All-League six times and participated in eight Pro Bowls.

Awards and Achievements

Paul Warfield was inducted into Ohio State University’s Hall of Fame (1979), the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1983), the Warren, Ohio Sports Hall of Fame (1989). The Miami Dolphins inducted Warfield into their Honor Roll in 1990. The Sporting News listed Warfield number 60 on their list of the 100 Greatest Football Players in 1999.

He was also inducted into the Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor in 2010. Warren G. High School erected a lifesize statue of Warfield in 2013. His record is 427 passes for 8,565 years and 85 touchdowns. Warfield’s 20.1 yards per catch mark is still considered the best in the history of the game.

Later Years

Paul Warfield worked as a talent football office executive and broadcaster.

Personal Life

In 1964, Paul Warfield married Beverly Keys. They have two children. Warfield lives in retirement in California.