Favorite Vikings Safety Duos

The safeties are up on this series of favorite duos in Minnesota Vikings franchise history. The Vikings have a decent tradition at the position. They have one in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Paul Krause, one that played at a Hall of Fame level for several years, Joey Browner, and one that will get Hall of Fame consideration, Harrison Smith. Those players are the highlights at the position but the Vikings' 59 years have been populated by several fine safeties.

Favorite Vikings Safety Duos

1. Paul Krause-Karl Kassulke
This isn't the original safety duo in Vikings franchise history. That honor belongs to Rich Mostardo and Charlie Sumner. It only felt to me like Krause and Kassulke were the originals. Kassulke became a starter in 1964. Krause came to the Vikings in 1968. They were a beautiful pairing. Kassulke was a hammer. Krause was a roving centerfielder. Kassulke destroyed ball-carriers. Krause collected interceptions. The pair played together for five seasons. They would've played together for a few more if a motorcycle accident in 1973 hadn't left Kassulke paralyzed. He was on his way to training camp when the accident occurred. Krause's 81 career interceptions is an NFL record that may never be challenged.

2. Harrison Smith-Anthony Harris
Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris have only played one full season together. I'm hoping that they are together for many more. Smith has been one of my favorite players since he was drafted in 2012. I've been a fan of Harris since he was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He finally stepped in as a starter at the end of the 2018 season. The number-massagers at Pro Football Focus had Smith and Harris as the top safety duo in the league last season. I don't need analytics to numbersplain what I easily see on the football field. These two are terrific football players individually and as a duo.

3. Joey Browner-John Harris
No offense to John Harris but Joey Browner carries this duo. In all of Browner's 7+ seasons as the starting strong safety the Vikings were looking for a safety to pair with him. At three years, veteran Harris had the longest stint as that safety. I remember the name more than I remember his play. Browner was a fantastic football player. Vikings fans loved him. Opposing coaches and offenses hated him. After Browner pretty much single-handedly removed his team from the playoffs, Rams head coach John Robinson said that the safety was the best defensive player in the league. With six Pro Bowls, three All-Pros, and second-team All-Decade honors, Browner has Hall of Fame credentials.

4. Robert Griffith-Orlando Thomas
This is a safety duo that could've been much more. Orlando Thomas was on pace to be an all-timer. He led the NFL in interceptions as a rookie. When he was on the field he routinely made an impact. Unfortunately, injuries often took him off the field and ultimately shortened his career. ALS took Thomas way too soon in 2014. Robert Griffith made one Pro Bowl but was deserving of a few more. He's another fan favorite. With Browner, Griffith, and Smith the Vikings have a strong tradition of fan-favorite safeties.

5. Corey Chavous-Brian Russell
Brian Russell had a couple of nice seasons as a Vikings starter. He even led the league with nine interceptions in one of them. This duo's place on this list is all about Corey Chavous. His 2003 season was incredible. It felt like he made every defensive play and every tackle that season. He played the middle four seasons of his career in Minnesota. I wish that he had played all of them with the Vikings. He was a very good, very underrated football player.

Other Duos Deserving Mention:
Dale Hackbart-Karl Kassulke
Paul Krause-Jeff Wright
Paul Krause-Tom Hannon
Tom Hannon-Kurt Knoff
Todd Scott-Vencie Glenn
Tyrell Johnson-Madieu Williams
Husain Abdullah-Madieu Williams
Harrison Smith-Robert Blanton
Harrison Smith-Andrew Sendejo
Harrison Smith-and a box of crayons

I was convinced that Todd Scott and Tyrell Johnson were each destined for greatness. Never happened.

Tom Hannon was a favorite of mine. I thought the he was very underrated throughout his solid nine-year career. If asked my favorite underrated player in Vikings franchise history, Tom Hannon is probably my choice.