The Ultimate Chiefs Team: Defense & Special Teams

The Ultimate Chiefs Team: Defense & Special Teams – As promised, this is the second and last in our Ultimate Chiefs Team series. This one featuring defense and special teams. We received a lot of great feedback on yesterday’s offensive and head coach selections, along with gentle remands for great Chiefs players we overlooked. Please enjoy our selections below. What selections did we nail? Where’d we go completely FUBAR? Who’d we miss? Let us know in the Disqus forums below.

Defensive Line – Alan Haupt

• Curley Culp
• Buck Buchanan
• Neil Smith
• Jared Allen

The Denver Broncos selected defensive tackle Curley Culp in the second round of the 1968 AFL draft. The Broncos foolishly attempted to switch Culp to an offensive guard. The experiment failed and Denver dealt him to the Kansas City Chiefs. Culp instantly became an integral part of the Chiefs dominating defense. As a Chief, Culp flourished and was soon recognized as one of the quickest and strongest defensive linemen in professional football. In just his second year as a pro, he was the starting DT of the 1969 Super Bowl Champions dominating defense. As a tribute to his remarkable contributions, the Kansas City Chiefs inducted him into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2008.

Curley Culp – In 1974, the Chiefs traded Culp to the Houston Oilers in 1974. Culp’s presence helped shore up the Oilers defense, and he quickly became an integral part of the Oilers successful turnaround. The NFL named Culp their 1975 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. As a leader of the Oilers defense Culp was integral in their back-to-back appearances in the AFC Championship games in 1978 and 1979. Culp was named to one AFL All-Star Game and five Pro Bowls during his career. He was also was picked as a first-team All-Pro in 1975 and a second-team selection in 1971, 1977, 1978, and 1979, as well as being selected first or second team All-AFC five times. Culp finished his NFL career with the Detroit Lions in 1982.

Buck Buchanan – The Chiefs drafted defensive tackle Buck Buchanan #1 in the 1963 AFL draft. The 6’7″ and 270 lbs. defensive lineman clocked a 4.9 in the 40 and 10.2 in the 100-yard dash while at Grambling. That speed allowed him to range from sideline to sideline and seemingly making tackles at will. Buchanan was one of the Chiefs defensive leaders in their valiant but losing effort in Super Bowl I, in 1966. In 1967, he batted down 16 passes at or behind the line of scrimmage. He was also the anchor of the Chiefs defense that held two playoff opponents to six and seven points in the 1969 playoffs. It was Buchanan that led the Chiefs in their 23-7 upset of Minnesota in Super Bowl IV. Buchanan helped completely stifle the vaunted Vikings attack.

Former Raiders offensive lineman, and Hall of Famer Gene Upshaw, paid Buchanan the ultimate compliment,

“I was big, but Buck was bigger and stronger and turned me every which way but loose. When you played Buck, you couldn’t sleep the night before a game. You don’t imagine a guy 6″-8″, 300 pounds being so quick. You’d go to hit him, and it was like hitting a ghost.”

Buchanan captured the hearts of Chiefs Kingdom via his tenacity and superlative, awe-inspiring efforts on the field. Later, he was the recipient of well-earned accolades for his accomplishments away from the gridiron. Grambling University distinguished their standout alumni Hall of Famer with an award named in his honor, “The Buck Buchanan Award:” awarded annually to the most outstanding defensive player in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA).

DE Jared Allen and DE Neil Smith are both members of 100 sack club, which is why I’ve selected them. Neil teamed with Derrick Thomas to form one of the best sack duos as Chiefs, pressuring the opponents QBs throughout most of the 1990s.

During Neil’s best years, the Chiefs had a top ranked defense. Yes, we hated seeing him go to the Denver Donkeys, but he was a vital part of their defense that helped win 2 Super Bowls. Neil was selected as the overall #2 pick of the 1988 NFL draft, from the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He played for the Chiefs for 9 years, and attained 85.5 sacks, led the NFL with 15 sacks in 1993. Neil made the Pro Bowl from 1991 to 1995, the Kansas City Chiefs had 102 wins in the 90s, largely because of DT and Neil’s leadership qualities and their dominating defense.

Jared Allen was drafted in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft, out of Idaho State. He played for the Chiefs four years, attained 43 sacks, making the Pro Bowl in 2007. Jared found a way to get traded to Minnesota, leaving behind a porous Chiefs team — a 30-and-34 record — after just 4 years, yet he continued to post excellent career numbers. He played for 12 years, made 5 Pro Bowls, 136 career sacks with 22 in 2011, 57 pass deflections, including 31 forced fumbles.

Honorable Mentions: Jerry Mays and Bill Maas

Linebacker – David Bell

• Bobby Bell
• Derrick Vincent Thomas
• Willie Lanier

The Chiefs have used both the 3-4 and 4-3 defense, which brings to light a three-fold discussion. I’ll first address OLB from the Interior position, and the OLB from the 3-4 defense. Last, I’ll address the middle linebacker position or interior LB position. To say this has been a difficult task to tackle, is an understatement.

Outside Linebacker, Bobby Bell — 4-3 defense. Bobby Bell, was probably the most complete football player the Chiefs ever had take the field. He was skilled enough to have been able to play many positions — and was a completely dominant player. What’s amazing to me is that for such a big man (6-4, 230) he had 26 interceptions during his career. Bell was drafted 16th by the Chiefs in 1963 and was a dominant force throughout his career. In fact, I cannot imagine the Chiefs at all without having Bobby Bell come to the forefront of my thinking. Bell’s career spanned the years 1963-1974. Just a  year or two ago, Bell went back to college and earned his college diploma, which he set aside to play NFL Football. A very admirable man, and to think he was keeping a promise to go finish his college degree.

Bell was born 17 June 1940 and was drafted out of Minnesota. Collegiately he was 2-time All-American, finished 3rd in the Heisman Trophy voting as a senior and his team won the Rose Bowl that season. Bell was an AFL All-Star 1964-1969, and a NFL Pro Bowler 3 times. Bell was great at blitzing and played from the right side (interior LB). Bell recovered fumbles or intercepted the ball and scored 9 TDs (6 from interceptions). Hank Stram said of Bobby Bell:

“He could play all 22 positions on the field, and play them well.”

To add to his inventory of skills, Bobby Bell was also a great long snapper in the AFL.

Outside LB – 3-4 Defense, Derrick Vincent Thomas (January 1, 1967 – February 8, 2000). What a great thing to be able to see him play in person. He was “Stupendous.” Thomas played his entire career, start to finish, during his 11-year NFL career, with the Kansas City Chiefs. Derrick was drafted in 1989 as the 4th overall pick. When I heard the news on the radio of his tragic accident and the nature of his injury, I was heartbroken. Derrick Thomas did things as an OLB that were magical. He not only was a playmaker, but a true game-changer. Derrick Thomas was remembered in 2020 and his son had appreciation of the recognition his father garnered and KHSB did a great segment on it.

This year, Thomas will be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. “D.T.” was quickly added to the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Honor.

I had a great respect for Derrick Thomas during his playing career and I was grieved upon news of his tragic death. Some facts: (Alabama)… 6’3”, 243, drafted in 1989. Thomas was Defensive RoY, led the NFL with 20 sacks, and had a game in which he had a total of 7 sacks in a single game (1990). He was a Pro-Bowler nine times and with a total of 126.5 sacks. He was all NFL 3 times, and All AFC seven times. Derrick Thomas was 33 years old when he passed.

Chiefs Interior Linebacker: Willie Lanier. There is no doubt in my mind who the most dominate middle linebacker in Chiefs history was. He was a hero of mine – Mr. Lanier. Lanier was a monster and very fast in the old era of Inside Linebackers (43 or 34). I saw them all play back in the late 50’s and early 60’s and names that come to mind immediately are Dick Butkus and Ray Nitschke. Lanier was one of the greatest defenders from the position of all time and doesn’t get enough credit for his ability to defend the pass. Lanier had 27 career interceptions. He was better at this latter than almost every other linebacker.Lanier played for the Chiefs from 1967 to 1977. He was 8 times an All-Pro, 6 times a Pro Bowler, 2 times All-AFL, and a 2 times AFL-Star. He was inducted to the HoF in 1986 and listed on the NFL 100 All-Time Team when it was constructed in 2019. Lanier had a nickname: “Contact.” He was a destructive tackler and a head-hunter.

When I consider who my all-time Ultimate Kansas City Chiefs player is, I can only list one name. It’s very tough. I’ve swapped across intervening years. Len Dawson is tops and Willie Lanier is second. Then I have to add Bobby Bell and Derrick Thomas.

Honorable Mentions: Justin Houston, Johnson (DJ) continuously slighted by the NFL (Chiefs career: 2005-21018), and Gary Spani

Cornerback – Emmitt Thomas – Travis Rose

Of all the selections I had to make for our Ultimate Chiefs Team, Emmitt Thomas was by far the easiest. A no-brainer, as they say. The 1966 undrafted free agent roamed the defensive backfield with impunity for thirteen seasons, striking fear in the hearts of quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, alike. His 58 career interception still stands as the franchise record, almost 45-years since he hung up his cleats. It was Thomas who snagged the interception on the final play of the Chiefs 23-7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. A lifelong Chief, the NFL Hall of Famer served as the Chiefs defensive backs coach from 2010 until his retirement last season.

Honorable Mentions: Albert Lewis, Dale Carter, Brandon Flowers, and James Hasty

Safety – Johnny Robinson – Travis Rose

Okay. I lied when I said that Thomas was my easiest selection in our series. I meant tied for the easiest, tied with safety Johnny Robinson, that is. The then-Dallas Texans nabbed Robinson in the first round of the first AFL draft to play flanker for the fledgling team. For two years he did, admirably. Until Chiefs head coach Hank Stram had the brilliant idea to put Robinson in at safety. Neither Stram, nor Robinson ever looked back.

Robinson gave opposing quarterbacks nightmares for the next twelve seasons, establishing himself as one of the toughest players and most feared defensive backs in professional football. Despite suffering from three broken ribs, Robinson took the field in the Chiefs 23-7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The tough-as-nails Robinson contributed to the Chiefs win by forcing a fumble which he recovered himself and also added an interception. With three broken ribs!

NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver, Lance Alworth, paid Johnny Robinson, now also a Hall of Famer, the ultimate compliment,

“He was the best defensive back I ever played against.”

Honorable Mentions: Deron Cherry, Eric Berry, Tyrann Mathieu

Special Teams – Travis Rose

• Jan Stenerud
• Dustin Colquitt
• Dante Hall
• Albert Lewis

Jan Stenerud is used to being first. While he wasn’t the first “soccer-style” kickers in pro football (Hungarian-born Pete Gogolak of the Buffalo Bills owns that honor), Stenerud was the first to be good at it. In his first three seasons with the Chiefs, all other kickers averaged 53% success on field goals, Stenerud hit 70% of his. He was also uncannily effective in long distance field goals for the Chiefs. Needing a 50-yard field goal, Coach Stram often sent his sure-footed Norwegian in for a quick three points. Other teams? They punted, of course!

“I was starting to make a lot of 50-yard field goals 50 years ago and that was a big deal. Now it’s a big deal, darn near, if you miss from 50.”

– Jan Stenerud

Oh, did I mention that Stenerud is used to being first? Right. He’s also the first kicker inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Dustin Colquitt, is a lifetime Chief, despite his flirtation gone awry with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this season. The Chiefs franchise record holder for most games played is the consummate Chief and just looks downright ridiculously wrong in anything other than red and gold. Prior to this season, the Chiefs 3rd-round draft pick out of Tennessee spent 15-years booming punts in oft-time hopeless efforts to save the Chiefs. It was Colquitt who endured both of the Chiefs absolutely abysmal 2-14 seasons, often the only bright spot in otherwise lackluster performances by his teammates.

As Chiefs punter, Colquitt has punted over 28.63 miles (50,393 yards), averaging 44.8 yards per point. In 1,124 punts, he’s only had five blocked. He ranks eighth in NFL Career Leaders – Punting Yards. Writing this section on Colquitt is even more satisfying now that he’s a Chief again, albeit on the practice squad. It warms my heart to know that he’s once again safe and secure in the confines of One Arrowhead Drive.

Dante Hall – Whether you called him the X-Factor, the Human Joystick, or just plain-ol’ Dante. Dante Hall was the most electrifying kick/punt returner ever to field a kick for the Red and Gold.

In his nine-year career, eight as a Chief, Hall scored eleven touchdowns on punts (5) and kick returns (6), leading Chiefs in both categories. However, mere statistics don’t do him justice. Watching him field a kick was truly poetry in motion. It’s scary to think how gaudy his numbers would be if punters and kickers had not wised up and refused to kick to him.

Albert Lewis – I had originally planned to only include a kicker, punter, and a kick/punt returner, but to not include Chiefs corner back Albert Lewis on special teams on our Ultimate Chiefs team would be downright criminal. We mentioned Lewis above, in the Honorable Mentions of our cornerback segment, but to judge the edge rusher on his offensive play alone does not consider his true forte – blocking punts.

Over the course of his career, Lewis blocked eleven punts, the most in the NFL and a record that still stands, almost 25 years later. Three of his eleven blocked punts were returned for Chiefs touchdowns, plus a pivotal one in a playoff game against the Steelers.

For NFL punters between 1983-1998, Mr. Lewis was the stuff of nightmares.

Honorable Mentions: K – Nick Lowery, Morten Andersen; P – Jerrel Wilson, Louie Aguiar; KR/PR – Emmitt Thomas, J.T. Smith, Tamarick Vanover, and Tyreek Hill

Hopefully, you enjoyed our attempt at building the Ultimate Chiefs Team, even if you disagreed with some selections. In writing and compiling the article, I learned: 1) Laddie’s got a heckuva tough job, and 2) some of the most talented players in the AFL and NFL, at every position on the gridiron, have called the Kansas City Chiefs home. How lucky for us to be spectators and fans of this grand and glorious history!

ArrowheadOne Writers – Michael Travis Rose

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