Get to Know Bryce Paup
Learn how grit, faith, and perseverance carried Bryce from the farm fields of Iowa to the national stage.
College Years
Rising Through the Ranks
Bryce’s collegiate career at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) was nothing short of remarkable. As a three-year starter, he showcased his versatility, playing inside and outside linebacker, defensive end, and nose tackle. Amassing 298 tackles, 15 sacks, two interceptions, and six forced fumbles, he set a school record for most tackles in a season (115 in 1989) and earned second-team All-American honors, third-team All-America by the Associated Press, and All-Gateway Conference accolades. His dominance at UNI led to his selection by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1990 NFL Draft.
College Years
Rising Through the Ranks
Bryce’s collegiate career at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) was nothing short of remarkable. As a three-year starter, he showcased his versatility, playing inside and outside linebacker, defensive end, and nose tackle. Amassing 298 tackles, 15 sacks, two interceptions, and six forced fumbles, he set a school record for most tackles in a season (115 in 1989) and earned second-team All-American honors, third-team All-America by the Associated Press, and All-Gateway Conference accolades. His dominance at UNI led to his selection by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1990 NFL Draft.
1995–1997
Buffalo Bills
1995: Led the NFL with 17.5 sacks
Named Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Earned the George Halas Award, AFC Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-Pro, and All-Madden Team honors
Selected to the Pro Bowl in 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997
Recognized as one of the Top 50 players in Bills history
2000
Minnesota Vikings
Concluded his NFL career after 148 games played, 113 starts
Career totals: 545 tackles, 75 sacks, and 6 interceptions
NFL Career Timeline
1990–1994
Green Bay Packers
Drafted in the 6th round of the 1990 NFL Draft
Nicknamed the “Paup Smear” for his aggressive style
1994: Recorded 3 interceptions and 7.5 sacks, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Month honors
1998–1999
Jacksonville Jaguars
Continued to contribute as a versatile defensive leader
Played multiple defensive positions, showcasing adaptability
2007–2012
Green Bay Southwest High School (Head Coach)
Compiled a 43–21 record
Led the school to its second playoff victory in 2009
2017–2018
University of Minnesota (Defensive Line & Pass Rush Specialist Coach)
Focused on developing elite defensive line and pass rush talent
Coaching Career
2000
Transition to Coaching
Retired from the NFL and began developing the next generation of athletes.
2013–2016, 2018–2024
University of Northern Iowa (Defensive Line Coach)
Elevated UNI’s defensive line to top-40 national rankings in rushing defense, total defense, and sacks
Mentored standout Karter Schult, winner of the 2016 FCS STATS Buck Buchanan Award
Helped Schult set UNI records with 56 career tackles for loss and 35.5 sacks
2024–2025
Iowa State University (Assistant Defensive Line Coach)
Served as Assistant Defensive Line Coach, bringing decades of playing and coaching experience to the Cyclones
Family & Faith
A devout Christian, Bryce lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with his wife, Denise, and their six children: daughters Rachel, Hailey, and twins Paige and Lauren, and sons Nathan and Alex. A proud UNI alum, Bryce was inducted into the UNI Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001 and served on the Green Bay Packers’ Board of Directors, reflecting his enduring connection to the communities that shaped him.
Early Years
Foundations of Grit
Raised in Scranton, Iowa, Bryce grew up on a family farm, where he developed a strong work ethic that would define his career. At Scranton High School, one of just 19 graduates in his 1986 class, he excelled as a four-year letterman in football and a three-year letterman in basketball, laying the foundation for his athletic prowess.