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Willie Edward Lanier (born August 21, 1945), is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL) from 1967 through 1977.
Willie Lanier was the first African-American middle linebacker in the NFL and a key player on the Kansas City Chiefs' defense. He was All-Pro, All-AFL or All-AFC every year from 1968 to 1975 and intercepted 27 passes in his career.
Jun 3, 2016 · Pro Football Hall of Fame Linebacker Willie Lanier comes in at number 53 on NFL Films' "The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players" list produced in 2010.
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Willie Lanier was a Hall of Fame middle linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1960s and ’70s, a time when some questioned the ability of Black players to succeed at the key position.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Checkout the latest stats for Willie Lanier. Get info about his position, age, height, weight, college, draft, and more on Pro-football-reference.com.
- August 21, 1945
Learn about Willie Lanier's career as a two-time All-Pro and Super Bowl IV champion with the Kansas City Chiefs. See his bronze bust in the Hall of Fame Gallery and read his answers to questions about his hobbies, influences, and memories.
Jun 28, 2024 · Willie Lanier was a Pro Football Hall of Famer and a key member of the Chiefs' Super Bowl IV team. He played 11 seasons as a middle linebacker, intercepted 27 passes, and recovered 15 fumbles for the Chiefs.
