Kansas City Chiefs Mount Rushmore: The Fab Four

Kansas City Chiefs former running back Priest Holmes – Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Just Missed The Cut

Willie Lanier, LB — Lanier was the NFL’s first black middle linebacker. The Hall of Famer is ninth all-time among linebackers with 27 career interceptions, according to pro-footballreference.com. He had seven tackles and an interception in a 23-7 victory against the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV.

Priest Holmes, RB — Holmes is the team’s second-leading all-time rusher, behind current starter Jamaal Charles. Had Holmes not spent his first four years in Baltimore, Charles would still be chasing him. He rushed for 8,172 yards and 86 touchdowns in his 10-year career. In Kansas City he totaled 6,070 yards, and had seasons of 1,420, 1,555 and 1,615 yards.

Emmitt Thomas, CB — Thomas, another Chiefs Hall of Famer, played his entire career (1966-78) in Kansas City. According to the team’s website, he has as combined five Pro Bowl/AFC All-Star selections, and finished with 58 interceptions (a team record), five defensive touchdowns and seven fumble recoveries. His 983 interception return yards also are a Chiefs record.

Will Shields, OL — After missing out on the Hall of Fame his first few opportunities, Shields was finally elected this year and will be enshrined in Canton this summer. According to the team’s website, Shields played in 224 games and started 223 of them consecutively — both team records. It also said his 12 consecutive Pro Bowls are tied for first all-time in NFL history.

Stats compiled from pro-footballreferece.com.

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