Ed Budde - AP
Ed Budde, a revered figure who dedicated 14 years to the offensive line of the Kansas City Chiefs, contributing significantly to the franchise’s inaugural Super Bowl victory against Minnesota in 1970, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 83.
The family confirmed his demise in a statement released by the Chiefs, although the cause of death remains undisclosed.
From Michigan to the Chiefs: Athletic Journey
Born on 2, Nov. 1940, in Highland Park, Michigan, Budde showcased athletic prowess at Denby High School in Detroit before heading to Michigan State. There, under the mentorship of Hall of Fame coach Duffy Daugherty, he earned the title of All-American in 1962.
Budde’s professional legacy was forged as a reliable and tenacious lineman. Initially drafted as the fourth overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1963 NFL draft and the eighth overall pick by the Chiefs in the AFL draft, he ultimately chose to align himself with the emerging team led by coach Hank Stram in the pre-merger years of the professional leagues.
“He was a cornerstone of those early Chiefs teams that brought pro football to Kansas City,” Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement Tuesday. “He never missed a game in the first nine seasons of his career, and he rightfully earned recognition as an All-Star, a Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion.”
Championing the Chiefs: Super Bowl Glory
A leader on formidable Chiefs squads, Budde played instrumental roles in securing AFL titles in 1966 and 1969, culminating in a triumphant Super Bowl IV victory over the Minnesota Vikings. His accolades include five-time AFL All-Star selections and two Pro Bowl appearances post the AFL-NFL merger. He also earned honors as a member of the All-AFL Team before retiring after the 1976 season.
Family Tradition: Ed and Brad Budde
Budde’s son, Brad Budde, carried the football legacy forward, achieving All-American status as an offensive lineman at Southern California before the Chiefs drafted him with the 11th overall pick in 1980. Together, they stand as the only father-son duo to be first-round picks by the same NFL franchise.
Beyond the Field: Community Engagement
Even after concluding his playing career, Ed Budde remained actively engaged in the Kansas City community. He served as the longstanding president of the Kansas City chapter of the NFL Alumni organization. In April, alongside his son, he took the stage at Kansas City’s Union Station for the NFL Draft, where they announced the Chiefs’ second-round selection of wide receiver Rashee Rice.
In Memoriam: Tributes and Condolences
“He was well-loved in the Kansas City community,” Hunt said, “he was a great father to Brad, Tionne and John. My family and the entire Chiefs organization extend our sincere condolences to Carolyn and the Budde family.”
This report used information from ESPN.
