After a triumphant Lombardi Trophy season, the Kansas City Chiefs have faced a noticeable downturn since the season’s inception, further compounded by recent fines for Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. While Mahomes is poised for a comeback, the team received another blow with the unfortunate news of the passing of their former player, Ed Budde.
A revered figure who left an indelible mark on the football field, particularly with the Chiefs under the mentorship of head coach Hank Stram, has departed at the age of 83. With the loss of this stalwart Chiefs player, the team could not hold themselves back from expressing their deepest respect and affection for the late Budde.
KC Chiefs saddened by death of Ed Budde
The Kansas City Chiefs are mourning the loss of Ed Budde, a legendary figure in the franchise’s history. Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt expressed deep sadness over Budde’s passing, endorsing his significant contributions to the team.
In a heartfelt statement, Hunt reflected on Ed Budde’s remarkable 14-year career with the Chiefs, emphasizing his role as a cornerstone during the early years when professional football was established in Kansas City.
Budde’s exceptional commitment to the team was evident as he never missed a single game in the first nine seasons of his career. His exceptional performance on the field garnered him recognition as an All-Star, Pro-Bowler, and Super Bowl Champion.
“My family and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Chiefs Hall of Famer Ed Budde. Ed spent his entire 14-year career with the Chiefs, and he was a cornerstone of those early Chiefs teams that brought pro football to Kansas City. He never missed a game in the first nine seasons of his career, and he rightfully earned recognition as an All-Star, a Pro-Bowler, and a Super Bowl Champion.
The Chiefs’ chairman honored Budde’s lasting impact, not only as a player but also as a vital part of the Chiefs’ legacy. After retiring from the game, Ed remained connected to the organization and played a key role as a founding member of the Kansas City Ambassadors.
“After his playing career, Ed remained connected to the Chiefs organization and was a founding member of the Kansas City Ambassadors. He was well-loved in the Kansas City community, and he was a great father to Brad, Tionne and John.”
In extending condolences to Carolyn and the Budde family, Hunt expressed not only the organization’s sorrow but also the collective sentiment of the entire Chiefs family. Ed Budde was not only a football icon but also a beloved figure in Kansas City.
“My family and the entire Chiefs organization extend our sincere condolences to Carolyn and the Budde family.”
Ed Budde embarked on his professional football career after being chosen as the fourth overall pick by the Eagles in the 1963 NFL draft and the eighth overall pick by the Chiefs in the AFL draft. His decision to join the Chiefs, who were led by coach Hank Stram, demonstrated his dedication to the team during the years leading up to the NFL and AFL merger.
Over the course of 14 seasons, Budde left an indelible mark on the Chiefs, participating in 177 regular-season games.
Ed Budde’s NFL legacy
Ed Budde, a ray of hope for the formidable Chiefs teams that clinched AFL titles in 1966 and 1969, followed by a triumphant victory against the Vikings in Super Bowl IV, has left an indelible mark on the football legacy.
Throughout his illustrious career, he earned recognition as a five-time AFL All-Star, participated in two Pro Bowls post-merger with the NFL, and secured a coveted spot on the All-AFL Team before retiring in 1976.
Ed Budde’s remarkable career spanned from 1963 to 1976, and his entire tenure was devoted to the Chiefs. The recently belated player amassed an impressive 177 career games with 161 starts. Notably, as a rookie drafted eighth overall, he made an immediate impact with nine starts.
The former offensive guard played a crucial role in the Chiefs’ inaugural Super Bowl victory during the 1969 season, per the Kansas City Chiefs. This achievement was part of his seven AFC All-Star and Pro Bowl campaigns and two All-Pro years, solidifying his status as a linchpin in the team’s success.
Ed Budde’s contributions were further acknowledged with his inclusion in the AFL All-Time Team, sharing this honor with iconic teammates like Len Dawson, Bobby Bell, Buck Buchanan, and Johnny Robinson.
His legacy continued with his son, Brad Budde, who distinguished himself as an All-American offensive lineman in Southern California. In 1980, the Chiefs selected Brad with the 11th overall pick in the NFL draft, making the Budde duo the only father-son pair to be first-round picks by the same franchise.
Beyond the gridiron, Ed Budde remained actively involved in the Kansas City community after hanging up his cleats. Serving as the longtime president of the Kansas City chapter of the NFL Alumni organization, he contributed significantly to the welfare of former players.
Today, he takes his rightful place alongside this quartet in the esteemed Chiefs Hall of Honor, leaving an enduring legacy in Kansas City football history.
