Paul Dekker

Paul Nelson Dekker (February 24, 1931 – May 8, 2001) was an American professional football end who played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Redskins in the third round of the 1953 NFL draft after playing college football for the Michigan State Spartans.

Early life Paul Nelson Dekker was born on February 24, 1931, in Muskegon, Michigan. He was inducted into the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.

College career Dekker was a member of the Michigan State Spartans of Michigan State College from 1949 to 1952. After his senior year, he played in the East–West Shrine game, the Chicago Charities College All-Star Game, and the Hula Bowl. He played in 11 games, starting eight, during his rookie year in 1953, catching 14 passes for 182 yards and one touchdown.

Dekker played in 90 games for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL) from 1956 to 1962, recording 234 receptions for 3,718 yards and 27 touchdowns. He was a CFL East All-Star four times from 1958 to 1961.

Personal life Dekker died on May 8, 2001, in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.