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NFL Greatest Unsung Heroes In History of All 32 Teams

By Erik Lambert

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 19: Helmets line the sidelines of the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 19, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens won 31-13. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 19: Helmets line the sidelines of the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 19, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens won 31-13. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Kansas City Chiefs

124. . WR. Kansas City Chiefs. Frank Pitts . 16. player

The Kansas City Chiefs of the late 1960s were a pro football marvel. People had not seen a team operate with their style before. So many innovations from how they huddles, changing formations on offense and embracing the zone defense for the first time. These were a big reason why the Chiefs were a powerhouse during the closing period of the old American Football League.

It wasn’t until 1969 though that they finally made their way to a well-deserved Super Bowl championship. Per usual it was the stars leading the way like Len Dawson at quarterback, Willie Lanier at linebacker and Buck Buchanan on the defensive line. Frank Pitts is not a name that comes up much, but it should because without him the outcome of that years could’ve been very different.

In the AFL championship, Kansas City was playing a team who seemed to have their number in the Oakland Raiders for the past couple years. Things didn’t start well as the Chiefs fell behind early 7-0. Then, with just two minutes left in the first half, Dawson connected with Pitts on a huge 41-yard completion, setting up a 1-yard TD run on the next play to tie it right before the half.

Kansas City never looked back. They beat Oakland 17-7 and won the Super Bowl a couple weeks later, aided by Pitts who had a combined 70 yards in the game.

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