Kansas City Chiefs legendary player Ed Budde, renowned for his pivotal role in leading the team to its first Super Bowl victory in 1970, died on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the age of 83.
The announcement of his death was made by his family through a statement issued by the Chiefs.
Budde, born on November 2, 1940, in Highland Park, Michigan, emerged as a dominant force on the offensive line for the Kansas City Chiefs during his impressive 14-year career.
His time with the team was marked by remarkable achievements and stability. His resilience was evident in that he didn’t miss a game throughout his first nine seasons, an extraordinary achievement.
His contribution was crucial in leading the Chiefs to AFL titles in 1966 and 1969, and subsequently, their triumph over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. His prowess on the field was acknowledged through his selection to two Pro Bowls post the NFL-AFL merger and being a five-time AFL All-Star.
Before his professional career, Budde made his mark at Michigan State University, earning the title of an All-American in 1962. He was a sought-after player in both the NFL and AFL drafts, eventually choosing to play for Kansas City.
When his playing days ended, Budde continued to contribute to the Kansas City community and was the longtime president of the Kansas City chapter of the NFL Alumni organization. He was also a founding member of the Kansas City Ambassadors, a group of former players, coaches, and other influential people dedicated to supporting the community with local scholarship programs, charity golf tournaments, and other community initiatives.
Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt remembered Budde as a cornerstone of the early Chiefs teams and praised his contributions both on and off the field.
A unique aspect of Budde’s legacy is his connection with his son, Brad Budde. In 1980, Brad followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a first-round pick for the Chiefs. This selection marked the first instance of a father-son duo being chosen in the same position and round by the same team. The duo recently made an appearance together at April’s draft, announcing the Chiefs’ second-round selection.
Ed Budde was enshrined into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1984.
