Hall of Fame defensive midfielder Curley Culp, key member of Chiefs’ Super Bowl IV team, dies at 75

Curley Culp, a defensive line of the Hall of Fame and a key member of the Chief of Kansas City‘ Firstly Super Bowl champion team, died Saturday morning. He was 75 years old. Culp’s wife announced her husband’s passing on Saturday morning via social media. Culp announced last month that he was recently diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

As the 2013 Hall of Fame player of the year, Culp excelled in both pitch and defense during his 14-year professional football career. In his sophomore season, Culp earned the first of six Pro Bowl selections while helping the Captain become the second AFL team to win the Super Bowl.

“Curley Culp is a great athlete,” former teammate and Chiefs Hall of Fame fullback Len Dawson said of Culp in 2013. via captain’s website. “He’s got such strength and agility. I remember Jack Rudnay saying that every center in the league has to face Curley, to know what it’s like to go up against the best.”

In Super Bowl IV, Culp and the rest of the Chiefs defense were forced to win five innings while holding Vikings with just the first 13 knockdowns and a total of 239 yards in a 23-7 win. Culp, who was added to the Hall of Fame in 2008, was one of five members of the 1969 Chiefs guard to receive a Hall of Fame inductance.

“I am so grateful to have this honor,” Culp said during his Hall of Fame presentation in 2013, via ESPN’s Bill Williamson. “It crosses my mind at least once or twice a day. I realize it’s an honor and so excited to know that it’s finally here.”

After more than six years with the Chiefs, Culp was traded from Kansas City to Houston during the 1974 season. With the Oilers, Culp scored 37 of his 68.5 career totals. He won 4 consecutive Pro Bowls from 1975-1978, including an All-Pro nod in 1975, when he scored a career-high 11.5. Culp’s presence led the Oilers to consecutive AFC Championship matches in 1978 and 79. Culp ended his career with Lion before retiring at the end of the 1981 season.

“The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Curley Culp,” Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said in a statement. “He was a wonderful man of great integrity who respected the game of football and how it applies to everyday life. Curley’s humility and grace was always evident. He He loves the Hall of Fame – always proudly wearing the Yellow Jacket when he visits the many Cantons after his election in 2013.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Curley’s wife, Collette, and their entire family during this difficult time. The Hall of Fame will forever protect his legacy. The flag. of the Hall of Fame will be flown at a height of half a foot in memory of Curley.”