Paul Flatley, a 1959 Richmond High School graduate who later played in the National Football League’s Pro Bowl, is being remembered nationally for his contributions to football and his hometown loyalty.
The Richmond native died March 15 at age 84, returning home after years of athletic competition, sports broadcasting and founding a technical services business.
Flatley was an all-conference and all-state player for the Red Devils, which led to an outstanding college and professional career.
Flatley had a three-year college career at Northwestern University, where he was named Academic All-American in 1962 and 1963 and was named to the All-Big Ten team in 1962.
Flatley was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, where he played from 1963 to 1967. He was named the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1963 and played in the 1967 Pro Bowl game.
Flatley completed his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons from 1968 to 1970 before retiring at the end of the 1970 season.
He received many awards during and after his playing career, including induction into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1978.
Eric Coulter, chief executive officer of Well Care Community Health, which was previously part of Wayne County Health Department, had admired Flatley for years before they met.
Coulter said they played the same position for the same Richmond High School football coach, Hub Etchison.
Their paths later crossed when Flatley quickly needed a favor. Coulter received a call from a former Wayne County official seeking help when Flatley and his friend Chuck Wellings were to travel to Germany. Flatley needed help from the health department, which issues birth and death certificates.
Flatley’s passport had been stolen, but he could still make the trip if he could secure a birth certificate. Coulter invited Flatley to his home on a Sunday to get the certificate made. Flatley told Coulter to ask if he ever needed something.
Flatley eventually became the face of WCHD’s advertising for flu shots and other public health offerings. He appeared in an estimated 30 campaigns, ranging from billboards to radio spots, Coulter said.
Flatley’s experience in broadcasting was a great asset, Coulter said.
Coulter once mailed a check to Flatley for his efforts, which Flatley mailed back.
“He never took a dime,” Coulter said, noting Flatley’s commitment to promoting immunizations.
Coulter remembers last seeing Flatley stop in to receive his flu and COVID shots in 2022.
A version of this article appeared in the March 26 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.