Lanier, Willie E.
Football
b. Aug. 21, 1945, Clover, VA
A Little All-American as a linebacker at Morgan State, Lanier was a remarkable physical specimen, 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds, with a 50-inch chest and 34-inch waist. He joined the Kansas City Chiefs of the American Football League in 1967 and in his 11 seasons he was named all-AFL or all-American Football Conference seven times and was in eight Pro Bowls.
Lanier was a very hard hitter with a nose for the ball. In addition to 27 interceptions, he recovered 15 fumbles. When the Chiefs became the second AFL team to win the Super Bowl, beating the Minnesota Vikings 23-7 after the 1969 season, he had one of the team's 3 interceptions. That was the last game played by an AFL team, since the leagues merged in 1970.
Because of his hard hits, Lanier suffered several concussions in his first couple of seasons and had to be outfitted with a helmet with special padding to prevent the problem. And, he said later in explaining the role of the middle linebacker, "You must learn to control your aggression."
The first black player to star at middle linebacker, Lanier retired after the 1977 season. He ran back his 27 interceptions for 440 yards, a 16.3 average, and 2 touchdowns.