Bryce Paup (2001) - Hall of Fame

Bryce Paup

Induction:
2001
Class:
1990

To sum up this inductee's accomplishments as a player almost is impossible, considering the enormous amount of achievements he has accumulated throughout his career.

A three-year starter at inside and outside linebacker, defensive end/slash nose tackle, Bryce Paup totaled 298 tackles, 15 sacks, two interceptions, six forced fumbles with three fumbles recovered in his career as a Panther. He earned All-Gateway Conference honors and was named third team All-America by the Associated Press in 1989. Born in Scranton, Iowa, Paup came to UNI as a four-year letterman in football and three-year letterman in basketball. He accelerated to the top of the depth chart at UNI, becoming one of the most dominant players of his time. He ended his senior season with 84 solo and 31 assisted tackles, setting the school record for most tackles.

In 1990, he was picked in the sixth round of the NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers, becoming the 159th player selected. In 1991, he played in 12 games before being put on the injury list while playing rover linebacker. Before his injury, he managed to record 7.5 sacks, ranking second on the team and 16th in the NFC, along with 28 tackles and three forced fumbles. He was named NFC Co-Defensive Player of the Week after making 4.5 sacks and seven tackles versus Tampa Bay before tearing his gastric muscle in his left leg. His 1992 season proved to be a little bit luckier. He registered 6.5 sacks, again ranking second on the team, and 20th in the NFC. He had 43 tackles and two fumble recoveries. In 1993, he started 14 of 15 games at four different positions. He accumulated 78 tackles and 10 sacks behind leading tackler and sack artist Reggie White.

His 1994 campaign proved to be one of his most exciting years of his career. He was selected for his first Pro Bowl and named All-Pro by USA Today and All-NFC by United Press International. He started all 16 games for the first time in his career. He finished second on the team with 79 tackles and third in sacks with 7.5. He also was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week and NFC Defensive Player of the Month. A move to Buffalo in 1995 proved to be a great decision, as he provided one of the best seasons ever for a linebacker in NFL history in his first season with the Bills. He earned Defensive Player of the Year accolades from the Associated Press, and the George Halas Award as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, as well. Paup was named first team All-Pro by the Associated Press, was selected the AFC Defensive Player of the Year, and was named to the All-Madden Team. He finished this season with 126 tackles and led the NFL with 17.5 sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

In 1996, he was voted to his third consecutive Pro Bowl and was named All-AFC Second Team. In 1997, he was selected to his fourth Pro Bowl appearance of his career, and was an AFC Defensive Player of the Week. In 1999, he moved to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He started 14 of 16 regular season games, ending the season with 52 tackles, one sack and two passes defended. He ended his career with the Minnesota Vikings.