Kansas City Chiefs: Next 5 Former Chiefs Who Deserve to Be Enshrined

One contributor and six players were enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this past Saturday. Seven figures involved with the NFL accomplished their lifetime dream of entering the biggest stage of the NFL. They have been recognized and rewarded for their efforts during their time involved with the league.

Five former Kansas City Chiefs have made big contributions in helping the team succeed after spending many years with the organization.

Five former Chiefs, from Super Bowl winners to record breakers, deserve to be the next set of former players to get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

I selected five ex-Chiefs who spent a good amount of time in Kansas City and left a legacy behind. Who do you think the next five former Chiefs should be? Let me know in the comments below.

Ed Budde, Offensive Guard

Ed Budde was a key member of the Chiefs offense. He anchored the offensive line to help the Chiefs win their only Super Bowl.

Outside of winning a Super Bowl, Budde’s most prestigious award was when he became the first offensive lineman in league history to become the Associated Press Offensive Player or the Week.

In his 14 years with the Kansas City Chiefs, Budde was a three-time All-AFL player and a five-time AFL All-Star. Budde is also on the All-Time AFL team.

Otis Taylor, Wide Receiver

Otis Taylor was Len Dawson’s favorite target during the AFL era.

Taylor spent all 11 seasons in Kansas City and was a big factor in helping the Chiefs win their only Super Bowl. On January 11, 1970, Taylor caught a 46-yard touchdown pass from Dawson in the fourth Super Bowl to help seal the upset over the Minnesota Vikings.

Taylor ranks third in franchise history in receptions and is second in receiving yards and touchdowns caught.

Taylor earned All-AFL and All-Pro honors a total of four times and was voted to the Pro Bowl twice in his career.

Will Shields, Offensive Guard

Will Shields is known as one of the best offensive guards to ever play the game. Shields was rarely beat by defensive players and could be counted on in critical situations.

Shields paved the way for running backs Marcus Allen, Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson. Shields was also a key contributor in the passing game and blocked for Joe Montana, Steve Bono, Elvis Grbac, Rich Gannon and Trent Green.

Shields has appeared in more games and Pro Bowls than any Chief in franchise history as he spent all 14 seasons in Kansas City. He was voted to 12 Pro Bowls and earned nine All-Pro honors. He was recipient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2003 and is on the NFL 2000s All-Decade team. Shields has appeared in more games than any guard currently in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Willie Roaf, Offensive Tackle

Willie Roaf will most likely represent the Saints when he is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, it won’t erase the four memorable seasons he gave to the Chiefs.

As an offensive tackle, Roaf helped running backs Ricky Williams, Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson earn 1,000-yard seasons at least once in their careers.

Like Shields, Roaf was consistent in his run and pass-blocking. It was rare to see Roaf let a defender slip by to sack the quarterback or allow a running back to lose yards on a play.

Roaf’s ability to protect his teammates in the offensive backfield made him one of the most reliable blockers to ever play the game.

Roaf, also known as “Nasty,” was elected to 11 Pro Bowls with nine All-Pro honors and attained a spot on the NFL 1990s and 2000s All-Decade team.

Tony Gonzalez, Tight End

Although he has never won a playoff game, there is no question that Tony Gonzalez is the best tight end to ever play the game.

Gonzalez has shattered the record for most passes, yards and touchdowns caught by a tight end in a career. He is also the only player in his position to catch 1,000 passes in a career. Gonzalez is currently playing for the Atlanta Falcons and continues to set the bar high for the next potential record breaker as he enters his 15th year in the league.

Gonzalez was selected to 11 Pro Bowls and received nine All-Pro honors. He also placed in the NFL 2000s All-Decade team and is the Pro Bowl’s all-time leader in receptions and touchdowns.