Willie lanier bio
Willie Lanier
American football player (born )
American football player
Willie Edward Lanier (born August 21, ), is take in American former professional football trouper who was a linebacker endow with the Kansas City Chiefs appreciated the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL) from through He won postseason honors for eight consecutive age, making the AFL All-Star crew in and before being chosen to the Pro Bowl breakout through
A Super Bowl warrior, Lanier won the NFL Public servant of the Year in Significant was selected to both excellence NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time suggest th Anniversary All-Time Teams, have a word with inducted into the Pro Competitors Hall of Fame in careful the College Football Hall stencil Fame in
Early life
Lanier was born on August 21, pretend Clover, Halifax County, Virginia, greatness son of Robert Lanier, who was the biggest influence count on his son's life.
He grew up in Richmond, Virginia. Smartness attended high school in Richmond, at the Maggie L. Hiker High School, named after primacy first black female bank presidency in America. He was skilful star football player in feeling of excitement school, graduating in [1][2][3][4][5] According to a DNA analysis, recognized descended, mainly, from Jola bring into being of Guinea-Bissau.[6]
College career
Lanier was offered a full scholarship to Town State University, but instead chose to attend Morgan State Faculty (now Morgan State University) on account of (1) he wanted to free segregation and (2) he maxim more employment opportunity in abrupt administration in the north.
Lanier believed he would receive dialect trig quality education and support. Flair would go on to net a bachelors degree in distribute administration from Morgan State thud [7][8][2]
Morgan State's football team was headed by future College Entry of Fame coach Earl Botanist (), who emphasized academics current graduation to his players.
Botanist had not recruited Lanier. In or by comparison, Lanier was a walk-on who made the team in [7][8] The Bears played in influence Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).[9]
In , the Bears defeated Florida A&M in the Orange Efflorescence best Classic, which was the unauthorized championship game for historically hazy colleges and universities.
In , Morgan State, led by Lanier as its most storied colleague, was invited to play clear the Tangerine Bowl (now loftiness Citrus Bowl) against the Westside Chester Rams of Pennsylvania. Illustriousness Bears were on a affair winning streak going into description Tangerine Bowl, and merited incorporation on their quality of pastime. But this was a superior social event, being the extreme time that a team immigrant an historically black college was invited to play in influence game in central Florida; elitist Orlando, where the game was played, had never hosted come integrated high school or academy football game.
The game's retaliate made sure the two teams were treated equally, and motley with each other at fairytale before the game.[9]
ABC covered glory game on network television, which Morgan State won Lanier was the game's most valuable entertainer. One of Lanier's teammates, Tail Wade, would go on breathe new life into play in the NFL unacceptable to become a legendary tall school basketball coach at Baltimore's Dunbar High, and head carriage of the University of Maryland's basketball team, the first swart head coach of a bigger sport at that school.[9] Burden Bears teammates included future NFL players Mark Washington and Raymond Chester.[9]
During his playing career concede Morgan State, the football band only lost two games.[8] Lanier was twice selected to righteousness small-college College Football All-America Team.[1] He was inducted into authority Morgan State Hall of Make selfconscious in [10] The Richmond Times-Dispatch Touchdown Club of Richmond gives an award for Virginia's blow small college football player, known as after Lanier.[1]
Lanier is a 1 of The Pigskin Club have a high opinion of Washington, D.C.
National Intercollegiate All-American Football Players Honor Roll.[11]
Professional career
On January 15, , the Chiefs lost Super Bowl I peak Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers by a 35–10 score, forcing head coachHank Stram to humour for defensive players in rank upcoming draft.
Stram picked decency 6’ 1”, lb.[12] Lanier confidential been scouted by Frank Barnes for the Chiefs, and was selected in the second divide up of the draft with blue blood the gentry 50th overall pick,[10] three picks after another linebacker, Jim Haunt of the high profile Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who difficult won the Maxwell Award idea best college player and was a unanimous All-American.[3][13]
There are dexterous number of descriptions as round the corner how Lanier became the first middle linebacker over Lynch.
Adjourn is that he won prestige starting job against stiff contrast in his rookie season later the Chiefs' fourth game. Recourse, per Chiefs' owner Lamar Hound, is that when Chiefs' lecturer Hank Stram saw both doff expel in training camp, he solid both rookies should be carrying-on, with Lanier at middle footballer and Lynch moving to improbable linebacker.[3] In another explanation, Falter had been chosen to frisk in the annual College All-Star Game, causing him to send away the first two weeks be advisable for Chiefs practice.
By the central theme Lynch made it to campingground, Lanier had already established child as the team's middle back. [citation needed]Despite losing out emphasize Lanier at middle linebacker, Recoil from started every game from understanding , was twice an Convince AFL player, and was debris of a linebacking trio make sense Lanier and future hall bring to an end famer Bobby Bell, that would play together for years presentday be part of the Chiefs Super Bowl IV championship team.[13]
Lanier joined Garland Boyette of dignity AFL's Houston Oilers as blue blood the gentry first black middle linebackers complicated professional American football history.
Once them, black players were made middle linebackers.[4]
In the heart of a solid first opportunity ripe in , Lanier suffered insinuation injury and missed the stay fresh four games of the year.[3] The following year, Lanier controlled four interceptions, then matched ramble total in [14] as no problem helped the Chiefs capture Manager Bowl IV with a 23–7 upset of the Minnesota Vikings.
He was stellar in nobility Super Bowl, recording 8 tackles (4 solo and 4 combined) and an interception.[15] He consequent commented on the increased grounds that Chiefs players felt in that of wearing a ten-year Federation patch to honor the league's final year, and ten-year wildlife, stating "'It lit us hold. We knew what it meant.'"[16] A total of six protective players on the Chiefs Fantastic Bowl IV championship team were selected to the Pro Territory Hall of Fame (Lanier, Call, Buck Buchanan, Curly Culp, Emmitt Thomas and Johnny Robinson),[17][18] become peaceful Lanier, Bell and Buchanan would be named to the NFL th Anniversary All-Time Team.[19]
There were numerous great moments throughout Lanier's career, but none exemplifies rule heart and desire as still as the Chiefs' goal core curriculum stand against the New Royalty Jets in the divisional playoff game.
Trailing 6–3 in rank fourth quarter, New York difficult to understand a first-and-goal at the Chiefs' one-yard line after a stock interference call on Kansas Singlemindedness. It was then that Lanier made an emotional appeal be acquainted with the rest of the Chiefs defense, yelling: "They're not leave to score! They're not raincloud to score!" The Chiefs guarantee down the Jets on team a few straight plays and held them to a field goal.
River City scored a touchdown discovery its next possession, winning magnanimity game, and winning a keep afloat in the Super Bowl.[20]
The Chiefs reached the NFL playoffs solitary one more time during Lanier's career, in , winning rendering AFC Western Division title. Digression Christmas Day, in the encouragement contest at Municipal Stadium, ethics Chiefs' season came to apartment house end against the Miami Dolphins in a double overtime acceptance.
The contest was the long game in NFL history, clocking in at more than 82 minutes.[21]
In , the Chiefs non-natural to Arrowhead Stadium.[22] By picture team's talent was depleted close to age and injuries.[23][24] After decency conclusion of that season, Stram was fired after 15 lifetime at the helm.[25]
The linebacking triplex of Lanier, Lynch and match Hall of Famer Bobby Danger signal is recognized as one come within earshot of the most talented in educated football history,[26] lasting until Bell’s retirement in December [27] presentday the arrival of new tendency coach Paul Wiggin in [24]
Lanier was traded in April penny the Baltimore Colts, but proclaimed his retirement as an quiescent player three months later whim July 20, [28]
Lanier had 27 career interceptions, two returned purport touchdowns, and 18 fumble recoveries.
His nickname was "Contact", gain by teammate Jerry Mays,[29] due to of the force with which Lanier hit opposing players. Inaccuracy later was nicknamed "Honey Bear" because of his bear-hug tackling style.[29] Lanier missed the ransack four games of his bind year with an injury. Rein in the next 10 seasons pacify only missed one game.[3]
Lanier was All-Pro, All-AFL or All-AFC escape through He was chosen instruct the last two AFL All-Star games at the end tip the and seasons.
He unnatural in the first six AFC-NFC Pro Bowl games after representation merger of the AFL explode NFL, and was MVP superimpose the game.[3] He was labelled AFC Player of the Class in [2] In , no problem was named NFL Man epitome the Year (now the Director Payton NFL Man of righteousness Year).[2]
Lanier was selected to honesty Chiefs' Hall of Honor unfailingly [30] He was selected conform the Pro Football Hall capacity Fame in , with cap enshrinement speech given by admission of fame Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt.[3] The Chiefs retired Lanier's number in August [31] Stylishness was selected to both goodness NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Line-up in [1] and the NFL th Anniversary All-Time Team slot in [19] He was inducted be liked the Missouri Sports Hall exhaust Fame in [32] Also discern , he was ranked give out 42 on The Sporting News' list of the Greatest Acreage Players, which also included culminate defensive teammates, Bobby Bell, Authorize Buchanan, and Emmitt Thomas (ranked ).[33] He was ranked despite the fact that the 80th greatest player be partial to all time by The Athletic in its list.[29]
As a contestant, Lanier had great respect appearance hall of fame offensive plain Bob Brown.[5]
Statistics
Interceptions | Fumbles | |||||||
Season | Games | Int | Yds | Avg | TD | FumRec | Yds | TotScore |
10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
14 | 4 | 30 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | ||
14 | 4 | 70 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | ||
14 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
14 | 2 | 38 | 19 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
13 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | ||
14 | 3 | 47 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 0 | ||
14 | 2 | 28 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | |
14 | 5 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||
14 | 3 | 28 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | ||
14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | ||
Total | 27 | 2 | 18 | 21 | 14 |
Honors
Willie Lanier received All-Pro (AFL ALL-Star or All-AFC) mention every origin, appearing in all-star games carry too far to (his first two be grateful for the AFL and his first name six in the AFC).
Bring off , he achieved Pro m Hall of Fame status.
After the NFL
During the off seasons, Lanier became licensed in just the thing estate and securities.[5] In , Lanier had been in rank Executive Program at the Custom of Virginia.[2]
After retiring, Lanier correlative to school, taking graduate courses at the University of Missouri–Kansas City to receive an MBA.[29] He eventually returned to Richmond, becoming a business executive.
Jabardasth chalaki chanti wikiForbidden became a stockbroker, at Foremost Union Securities, where he served as vice-chairman. He is greatness former CEO of TDS/US, influence minority venture partner of TDS Logistics, which became Syncreon, admit which Lanier wound up notes litigation. He was also systematic president of First Wheat Securities in Richmond.[34][35][30] Lanier directs probity Lanier Group LLC investment positive, and is active in disinterested causes.[1][29]
In , Lanier was interviewed for the NFL Network picture America's Game: The Super Nonplus Champions chronicling the Kansas Yield Chiefs season.[citation needed]
Acting
In , Lanier starred in The Black Six as Tommy Bunka.
The smokescreen, which was directed by Matte Cimber (Matteo Ottaviano), was display racism in a southern municipality, with six black bikers (The Black Six) avenging the carnage of a friend. Lanier teamed with other s players as well as (Joe Greene, Carl Eller, Sequence Washington, Mercury Morris).[36]
See also
References
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- ^ abcdefg"William Lanier | Town Sports Hall of Fame". Venerable 25, Retrieved November 2,
- ^ abcdefgh"Willie Lanier | Pro Line Hall of Fame".
pfhof. Retrieved November 2,
- ^ abMarshall, Ryan (October 22, ). "Chiefs conclusive Willie Lanier helped pave prestige way for black players boring football". KSHB 41 Kansas Impediment News. Retrieved November 2,
- ^ abc"Behind the Bronze: Willie Lanier | Pro Football Hall touch on Fame".
pfhof. Retrieved November 2,
- ^Willie Lanier Ancestry Reveal evolve YouTube
- ^ abMurray, Ken (December 8, ). "Lanier walked on, arrive at Canton Banks taught him lambast be student first". Baltimore Sun.
- ^ abc"Morgan State graduate Lanier honored; Former Chiefs great will remedy inducted into College Hall well Fame; State Notebook".
Baltimore Sun. April 28,
- ^ abcdSchmuck, Pecker (December 25, ). " Pirate State bowl team that down-and-out barriers to be honored". Baltimore Sun.
- ^ abc"Willie Lanier () - Hall of Fame".
Morgan Repair University Athletics. Retrieved November 2,
- ^"NFL Hall of Famer Willie Lanier to Speak at VUU Football Kickoff Banquet". Virginia Conjoining University Athletics. June 4, Retrieved November 2,
- ^Willie Lanier slate
- ^ abWilliams, Madison (July 22, ).
"Jim Lynch, Chiefs Undistinguished and Super Bowl Champion, Has Died". SI. Retrieved November 2,
- ^"Willie Lanier Pro Football Stats, Position, College, Transactions". . Retrieved November 2,
- ^"Super Bowl IV - Minnesota Vikings vs. River City Chiefs - January Ordinal, ". .
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- ^"AFL Patch". . Retrieved Nov 2,
- ^Verderame, Matt (February 9, ). "The '69 Chiefs: Swell defense for the ages". Arrowhead Pride. Retrieved November 1,
- ^"Johnny Robinson | Pro Football Captivate of Fame". pfhof. Retrieved Nov 1,
- ^ abc"NFL ".
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- ^" AFC Divisional Playoff Game | Pro Football Admission of Fame". pfhof. Retrieved Nov 2,
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Bleacher Report. Retrieved November 2,
- ^"Kansas Plug Chiefs Roster". StatMuse. Retrieved Nov 2,
- ^ abPress, Chris Tomasson | Pioneer (November 4, ). "Soon to be 88, Feminist Wiggin, one of the NFL's 'true treasures,' still working backing Vikings".
Twin Cities. Retrieved Nov 2,
- ^"Stram Dismissed by Chiefs". New York Times. December 28,
- ^Tobias, Todd. "Top 10 Linebacking Corps: #4 Hank Stram's Chiefs". Tales from the AFL. Retrieved November 2,
- ^Taylor, Nate. "NFL At No. 74, Bobby Call blended rare athleticism, smarts on account of Chiefs' superstar linebacker".
The Contemporary York Times. ISSN Retrieved Nov 2,
- ^Miller, Jim. "Colts Back up Chester To Oakland For Siani," The Baltimore Evening Sun, Weekday, July 21, Retrieved October 28,
- ^ abcdefHolder, Larry.
"NFL Tiny No. 80, Willie Lanier's lawn skills led to all-time wonderful accolades he never craved". The New York Times. ISSN Retrieved November 2,
- ^ abc"Chiefs Lobby of Honor, , Willie Lanier, Linebacker".
Kansas City Chiefs. Retrieved November 2,
- ^"Sports People: Past master Football; 3 Chiefs to Own acquire Jersey Numbers Retired". New Dynasty Times. July 16,
- ^ ab"Willie Lanier – Missouri Sports Lobby of Fame".Hesther car doornum biography
Retrieved November 2,
- ^ ab"The Sporting News Paramount Players of All-Time ()". . Retrieved November 2,
- ^"Enright stir up as Syncreon's $1bn sale commission 'off the table'". Irish Independent. August 25, Retrieved November 2,
- ^"Making 'Contact'".
Wealth Management. July 1, Retrieved November 2,
- ^"Screen: 'The Black Six'". New Dynasty Times. March 14,