University of North Carolina Athletics
Patterson Medal Winners

Paul Severin
- Induction:
- 1941
- Class:
- 1941
1941— Paul Severin: Football, Men’s Basketball, Golf (Natrona, Pa.)
The son of Czechoslovakian parents was a two-time All-America football end in 1939 and 1940 and All-Southern Conference basketball forward in 1940. His career was filled with big plays—a touchdown catch to tie Tulane in 1939, two scoring receptions against Penn that same season and a touchdown-saving tackle from behind of Duke’s great Steve Lach in a 6-3 win over the Blue Devils in 1940.
Selected in the 10th round of the 1941 NFL Draft by Pittsburgh. Spent 1942-46 in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Later coached football at the University of Florida and was the head coach at Randolph-Macon.
His number 87 is honored at Kenan Stadium.
The son of Czechoslovakian parents was a two-time All-America football end in 1939 and 1940 and All-Southern Conference basketball forward in 1940. His career was filled with big plays—a touchdown catch to tie Tulane in 1939, two scoring receptions against Penn that same season and a touchdown-saving tackle from behind of Duke’s great Steve Lach in a 6-3 win over the Blue Devils in 1940.
Selected in the 10th round of the 1941 NFL Draft by Pittsburgh. Spent 1942-46 in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Later coached football at the University of Florida and was the head coach at Randolph-Macon.
His number 87 is honored at Kenan Stadium.
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