Paul Naumoff

Paul Peter Naumoff (July 3, 1945 – August 17, 2018) was an American professional football player who played linebacker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Naumoff attended Eastmoor Academy and was the son of Macedonian immigrants.

Naumoff enrolled at the University of Tennessee and played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers under coach Doug Dickey from 1964 to 1966. He began as an offensive player in 1964 but was moved to defense in 1965. As a defensive end, he helped lead the 1965 Tennessee team to an 8–1–2 record, a #7 ranking in the final AP Poll, and a victory over Tulsa in the 1965 Bluebonnet Bowl. In 1966, he moved to linebacker and was selected as a consensus first-team All-American.

Naumoff played for the Lions from 1967 to 1978. He was selected to play in the Pro Bowl after the 1970 season and was named the Lions' defensive most valuable player in 1975. He once played in 142 consecutive games for the Lions and missed only two games in 12 years with the club.