Top 5 Kansas City Chiefs Players By The Decade: The 1960’s

NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 11: Willie Lanier #63 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during Super Bowl IV on January 11, 1970 at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Chiefs won the Super Bowl 23-7. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

NUMBER 3: Willie Lanier

Willie Lanier was the first African American middle linebacker in professional football history. He outplayed his small frame of 6’1, 245 pounds and was a ferocious hitter that could stuff you in the run. He was also outstanding in converage across the middle of the field, where he intercepted 27 passes throughout his career.

During the Chiefs Super Bowl run in 1969, Lanier put forth an effort against the New York Jets during a playoff game that was for the ages. The Jets had just earned a first and goal after Kansas City was called for pass interference on the previous play.

Leading 6-3 on a bitterly cold day, the Chiefs had their backs against the wall and Willie Lanier, along with the rest of the defense, came up three straight stops, including two clutch tackles from the hall of fame linebacker. The Jets settled for a field goal to tie that game and the Chiefs eventually scored the go-ahead touchdown to win the game 13-6.

Lanier anchored the Chiefs defense from 1967-1977, earning six pro bowl selections, eight all pro selections, a Super Bowl ring and an induction into the pro football Hall Of Fame in 1986. He’s not only one of the greatest Chiefs, but greatest players at his position of all time. He makes this list at number 3.

Next: Number 2