Building the 1969 Super Bowl champion Chiefs: Smart drafting, key free agents
By 1969, only one member of the Dallas Texas/Kansas City Chiefs franchise that played in the inaugural season of the American Football League remained on the team: safety Johnny Robinson.
But important pieces were added during the Dallas days. Center E.J. Holub, tackle Jim Tyrer, defensive end Jerry Mays and tight end Fred Arbanas were selected in the 1961 AFL Draft and were Super Bowl IV starters. In 1962, the Chiefs signed quarterback Len Dawson, a free agent who had spent five seasons in the NFL and had recently been released by the Cleveland Browns.
The 1963 draft, the first with the team in Kansas City, was one of the greatest in pro football history. It produced two Hall of Famers who were just named to the NFL’s 100 Anniversary team — Buck Buchanan and Bobby Bell — plus guard Ed Budde and punter Jerrell Wilson, who were named to the AFL’s all-time team, and tackle Dave Hill. All five are in the Chiefs Hall of Fame.
Stars like wide receiver Otis Taylor (1965), running back Mike Garrett (1966), kicker Jan Stenerud (1966), cornerback Emmitt Thomas and linebackers Willie Lanier (1967) and Jim Lynch (1967) arrived over the next few seasons.
Below awaits a look at how the 1969 Chiefs came together, with a brief note on each player. Most of those notes came from the 1969 and 1970 Chiefs media guides, which often provided insights into players beyond their statistics.
For instance, you probably know Dawson was the MVP of Super Bowl IV. But did you know, according to the media guide, that he qualified for pensions in both the AFL and NFL?
Here are the players who suited up for the Chiefs during their historic 1969 season.
1960
S Johnny Robinson (Draft-1st round)
The only original Chief remaining on the roster … and a top tennis player in college.
1961
C E.J. Holub (D-1)
Has had eight major operations on his legs … and raised quarter horses.
OT Jim Tyrer (D-3)
Selected as the AFL’s offensive player of the year (1969) by the NFLPA.
DE Jerry Mays (D-5)
Had always been noted for his great second effort.
TE Fred Arbanas (D-7)
Lost sight in one eye in an accident, and it was feared his football career was over.
RB Curtis McClinton (D-14)
An amateur singer specializing in classical music.
1962
QB Len Dawson (free agent)
One of the few players to qualify for pension in both the AFL and NFL.
1963
DT Buck Buchanan (D-1)
Considered one of the top defensive tackles in the AFL.
OG Ed Budde (D-1)
Picked by AP as Offensive Player of the Week — the first time an offensive lineman won the award.
LB Bobby Bell (D-7)
One of the Chiefs’ most gifted athletes.
P Jerrell Wilson (D-11)
Named to the AFL’s all-time team by Pro Football Hall of Fame.
OT Dave Hill (D-24)
Part owner of a sprint car and Indianapolis 500 racer.
1964
DT Ed Lothamer (D-4)
A judo and karate enthusiast and owner of a Kansas City cocktail lounge.
CB Willie Mitchell (free agent)
Called “Top Cat” by his teammtes. Hobby was refurbishing antiques.
1965
WR Otis Taylor (D-4)
One of the most exciting pass receivers in pro football.
SE Frank Pitts (D-4)
Had run the 100 in 9.5. Nicknamed the “Riddler” by his teammates.
WR Gloster Richardson (D-7)
Was a school teacher in the offseason. Hobby was singing.
LB Chuck Hurston (waivers-Buffalo)
Starting right defensive end in 1966 and 1967.
1966
DE Aaron Brown (D-1)
Hobbies included chess and scuba diving.
HB Mike Garrett (D-20)
Most honored college player in the country in 1965 (Heisman Trophy winner).
K Jan Stenerud (draft-futures)
Kicked 16 consecutive field goals (1969) to set pro football record.
CB Emmitt Thomas (free agent)
Led league with nine interceptions, and had four more in the playoffs.
1967
DE Gene Trosch (D-1)
Played in 27 games over two seasons for Chiefs.
LB Willie Lanier (D-2)
Nicknamed “Contact” by his teammates for his ferocious style of tackling.
LB Jim Lynch (D-2)
Spent summer before senior year helping underprivileged children in Peru.
WR Noland Smith (D-6)
Smallest player in pro football at 5-6, 154 pounds. Nicknamed “Super Gnat.”
QB Jacky Lee (trade-Houston)
Gave Chiefs one of the top quarterback duos in pro football.
S Jim Kearney (free agent)
Was Otis Taylor’s quarterback in college (Southern).
1968
OG Mo Moorman (D-1)
Played last half of one season on a bad leg.
OG George Daney (D-1)
Started three games when Mo Moorman was out. Used to break up wedge on kickoffs.
QB Mike Livingston (D-2)
Started six games for Chiefs when Len Dawson was sidelined, won all six (1969).
TE Mickey McCarty (D-4)
One of four athletes, including Dave Winfield, to be drafted in the NFL, NBA, MLB.
RB Robert Holmes (D-20)
Playing with 102-degree fever and shin infection, yet rushed for 102 yards in pro debut at Denver.
S Ceaser Belser (free agent)
Known as a headhunter. Used speed and toughness to great advantage covering kicks.
DT Curley Culp (trade-Denver)
Was NCAA wrestling (heavyweight) champion in 1967.
RB Wendell Hayes (trade-Denver)
Set up first touchdown in Super Bowl with 13-yard draw play.
OL Remi Prudhomme (trade-Buffalo)
Hobbies included archery and reading historical novels.
CB Goldie Sellers (trade-Denver)
Was to be switched to wide receiver for 1970 season.
1969
CB Jim Marsalis (D-1)
Two interceptions during the regular season, three in the playoffs.
RB Ed Podolak (D-2)
Played in four games in 1969. Podolak’s greatest game was two years away.
LB Bob Stein (D-5)
Holds Minnesota Golden Gophers’ record for longest field goal: 40 yards.
QB Tom Flores (free agent)
Was holder for Jan Stenerud’s place kicks. Future two-time Super Bowl-winning coach for Raiders.
RB Paul Lowe (free agent)
An AFL original with the Chargers in 1960, Lowe won a ring in his final year as a pro.
RB Warren McVea (trade-Cincinnati)
Threw a 50-yard TD pass to Frank Pitts vs. San Diego.
This story was originally published January 12, 2020 at 4:00 AM.