1969 Kansas City Chiefs season

10th season in franchise history; first Super Bowl win

1969 Kansas City Chiefs season
OwnerLamar Hunt
General managerJack Steadman
Head coachHank Stram
Home fieldMunicipal Stadium
Results
Record11–3
Division place2nd AFL Western
Playoff finishWon Divisional Playoffs
(at Jets) 13–6
Won AFL Championship
(at Raiders) 17–7
Won Super Bowl IV
(vs. Vikings) 23–7
Pro Bowlers
11[1]
  • LB Bobby Bell
  • DT Buck Buchanan
  • G Ed Budde
  • DT Curley Culp
  • QB Len Dawson
  • RB Robert Holmes
  • LB Willie Lanier
  • QB Mike Livingston
  • CB Jim Marsalis
  • K Jan Stenerud
  • OT Jim Tyrer
AP All-Pros
14[2]
The Chiefs topped the Raiders in the 1969 AFL championship game (left) and went on to defeat the Vikings in Super Bowl IV (right).

The 1969 Kansas City Chiefs season was the team's tenth, their seventh in Kansas City, and the final season of the American Football League (AFL). It resulted in an 11–3 regular season record and three postseason road victories, including a 23–7 victory in Super Bowl IV over the NFL's heavily favored Minnesota Vikings.

After two close losses to division rival Oakland in the regular season, the visiting Chiefs upset the Raiders in the final AFL Championship Game, claiming their third AFL title. The Chiefs were led by head coach Hank Stram, quarterback Len Dawson, and a powerful defense led by Bobby Bell, Willie Lanier, Buck Buchanan, Emmitt Thomas, Johnny Robinson, and Curley Culp. The Chiefs' defense became the fourth defense in the history of pro football to lead its league in fewest rushing yards, fewest passing yards and fewest total yards.[3] The Chiefs were the second AFL team to win the Super Bowl and last AFL team to do so before the AFL-NFL Merger in the following season.

The season was marred not only by an injury to quarterback Len Dawson, but also controversy surrounding Dawson and his purported involvement in a sports gambling ring. Back-up quarterback Mike Livingston and the Chiefs' stellar defense led the Chiefs back to the Super Bowl, this time, to win it all.

Along with owner Lamar Hunt, nine future Hall of Famers were members of the 1969 Chiefs, including QB Len Dawson, LB Willie Lanier, LB Bobby Bell, DT Buck Buchanan, DT Curley Culp, CB Emmitt Thomas, S Johnny Robinson, K Jan Stenerud, and head coach Hank Stram.

In 2006, the 1969 Kansas City Chiefs were ranked as the 18th greatest Super Bowl champions on the NFL Network's documentary America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions, the 1969 Kansas City Chiefs, with team commentary from Len Dawson, Willie Lanier and Jim Lynch, and narrated by Martin Sheen.[4]

In 2007, ESPN.com ranked the 1969 Chiefs as the seventh-greatest defense in NFL history,[5] noting "Hank Stram's 'Triple Stack' defense, which gave the linebackers lots of room to roam, was superb, holding five opponents to fewer than 10 points and giving up an average of less than two touchdowns a game.... Then they got serious. Against the [defending] Super Bowl champion Jets in the AFL divisional playoff game at Shea Stadium, the Chiefs held on for a 13–6 victory, thanks to a remarkable three-play goal line stand that stifled the Jets on the one. After losing twice to the Raiders during the regular season, the Chiefs allowed a single touchdown, in the first quarter, to win the AFL title over Oakland 17–7. The Chiefs defense then stifled the Vikings in the Super Bowl, allowing only two rushing first downs and picking off three passes in the fourth quarter to win 23–7. Total points against the Chiefs in the playoffs: 20." Kansas City is the only team in the Super Bowl era to win the title without allowing as much as 10 points in any postseason game.

The Chiefs did not return to or win the Super Bowl again until Super Bowl LIV in the 2019 season.

Offseason

1969 AFL Draft

In the first round of the 1969 AFL Draft, the Chiefs selected cornerback Jim Marsalis from Tennessee State. Marsalis became an immediate starter at cornerback alongside veteran Emmitt Thomas. He was the only Chiefs rookie to start for the 1969 team, as Ed Podolak and Bob Stein were benched, and Morris Stroud and Jack Rudnay sat out the season with injuries.

1969 Kansas City Chiefs Draft
Round Selection Player Position College Notes
1 23 Jim Marsalis Defensive back Tennessee State
2 48 Ed Podolak Running back Iowa
3 61 Traded to Denver from Boston
76 Morris Stroud Tight end Clark
4 101 Jack Rudnay Center Northwestern
5 126 Bob Stein Linebacker Minnesota
6 155 John Pleasant Running back Alabama State
7 179 Tom Nettles Wide receiver San Diego State
8 204 Clanton King Tackle Purdue
206 Maurice LeBlanc Defensive back Louisiana State from Oakland
9 231 Dan Klepper Guard Omaha
10 257 John Spoonheimer Defensive tackle Cornell
11 282 Skip Wupper Defensive end C.W. Post
12 309 John Lavin Linebacker Notre Dame
13 335 Rick Piland Guard Virginia Tech
14 360 Al Bream Defensive back Iowa
15 388 Leland Winston Offensive tackle Rice
16 413 Eural Johnson Defensive back Prairie View
17 438 Ralph Jenkins Defensive back Tuskegee

Personnel

Staff

1969 Kansas City Chiefs staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

  • Offensive backfield - John Beake
  • Offensive ends – Darrel Brewster
  • Offensive line – Bill Walsh
 Defensive coaches
  • Defensive backs - Tom Bettis
  • Defensive assistant – Tommy O'Boyle
  • Defensive line – Tom Pratt



Roster

1969 Kansas City Chiefs final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad Complete team roster
Rookies in italics
Starters in bold
Positions in parentheses
Rookies in italics
 53 active, 10 inactive, 7 practice squad

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game Site Attendance Recap
1 August 2 vs. Oakland Raiders W 23–17 1–0 Legion Field (Birmingham) 21,000 Recap
2 August 9 Detroit Lions W 38–13 2–0 Municipal Stadium 38,000 Recap
3 August 16 vs. Cincinnati Bengals W 23–7 3–0 Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium (Jackson) 24,513 Recap
4 August 23 at Los Angeles Rams W 42–14 4–0 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 58,306 Recap
5 August 29 at St. Louis Cardinals W 31–21 5–0 Busch Memorial Stadium 48,006 Recap
6 September 6 Atlanta Falcons W 14–10 6–0 Municipal Stadium 37,273 Recap

Regular season

The Chiefs began the regular season with four consecutive road games for the only time in team history, due to a scheduling conflict with the Kansas City Royals about usage of Municipal Stadium.[6] After a decisive 27–9 win at San Diego (9/14), the club posted a 31–0 shutout at Boston (9/21), but QB Len Dawson sustained a knee injury against the Patriots. The once-optimistic picture for the Chiefs went from bad to worse the following week when backup QB Jacky Lee went down with a broken ankle in a 24–19 loss at Cincinnati (9/28). That injury left the team's most crucial position in the hands of second-year QB Mike Livingston, who took just five snaps as a rookie in ‘68.[6]

However, Livingston engineered a five-game winning streak, while getting plenty of help from the club's defense. The team's home opener at Municipal Stadium was played in a daylong deluge referred to as a "frog-strangler" by Chiefs radio broadcaster Bill Grigsby. The Chiefs and Oilers combined for 14 fumbles in a 24–0 Kansas City victory (10/12).[6]

Dawson returned to the starting lineup in a 27–3 win vs. San Diego (11/9) and guided the club to three wins in the season's next four games. Denver Broncos coach Lou Saban was infuriated following the Chiefs 31–17 win vs. Denver (11/27). Trailing 24–17 late in the game, Denver attempted an onside kick that was recovered by LB Bobby Bell, who promptly returned that kick for a 53-yard TD. Mike Livingston started the following week vs. Buffalo (12/7) for an again-injured Dawson, who returned for the regular-season finale at Oakland (12/13). A 10–6 loss vs. the Raiders gave the Chiefs an 11–3 record, good for second in the division behind Oakland (12–1–1).[6]

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game Site Attendance Recap
1 September 14 at San Diego Chargers W 27–9 1–0 San Diego Stadium 47,988 Recap
2 September 21 at Boston Patriots W 31–0 2–0 Alumni Stadium 22,002 Recap
3 September 28 at Cincinnati Bengals L 19–24 2–1 Nippert Stadium 27,812 Recap
4 October 5 at Denver Broncos W 26–13 3–1 Mile High Stadium 50,564 Recap
5 October 12 Houston Oilers W 24–0 4–1 Municipal Stadium 45,805 Recap
6 October 19 Miami Dolphins W 17–10 5–1 Municipal Stadium 49,809 Recap
7 October 26 Cincinnati Bengals W 42–22 6–1 Municipal Stadium 50,934 Recap
8 November 2 at Buffalo Bills W 29–7 7–1 War Memorial Stadium 45,844 Recap
9 November 9 San Diego Chargers W 27–3 8–1 Municipal Stadium 51,104 Recap
10 November 16 at New York Jets W 34–16 9–1 Shea Stadium 63,849 Recap
11 November 23 Oakland Raiders L 24–27 9–2 Municipal Stadium 51,982 Recap
12 November 27 Denver Broncos W 31–17 10–2 Municipal Stadium 48,773 Recap
13 December 7 Buffalo Bills W 22–19 11–2 Municipal Stadium 47,112 Recap
14 December 13 at Oakland Raiders L 6–10 11–3 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum 54,443 Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: at San Diego Chargers

Week 1: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 3 10 7727
Chargers 3 0 609

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: September 14
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C)
  • Game attendance: 47,988
  • Referee: Bob Finley
  • TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph and George Ratterman
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • KC – Wendell Hayes 1-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 10–3.
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 17-yard field goal. Chiefs 13–3.

Third quarter

  • SD – John Hadl 9-yard run (kick failed). Chiefs 13–9.
  • KC – Otis Taylor 55-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 20–9.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Otis Taylor 9-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 27–9.

Top passers

  • KC – Len Dawson – 19/34, 224 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • SD – John Hadl – 16/29, 224 yards, 4 INT

Top rushers

  • KC – Robert Holmes – 14 rushes, 58 yards
  • SD – Marty Domres – 1 rush, 12 yards

Top receivers

  • KC – Otis Taylor – 5 receptions, 112 yards, 2 TD
  • SD – Lance Alworth – 4 receptions, 94 yards

Week 2: at Boston Patriots

Week 2: Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 14 7 10031
Patriots 0 0 000

at Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

  • Date: September 21
  • Game time: 1:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 22,002
  • Referee: John McDonough
  • TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph and George Ratterman
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • KC – Mike Garrett 4-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 21–0.

Third quarter

  • KC – Robert Holmes 1-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 28–0.
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 16-yard field goal. Chiefs 31–0.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Top passers

  • KC – Len Dawson – 12/20, 140 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • BOS – Mike Taliaferro – 12/23, 77 yards

Top rushers

  • KC – Mike Garrett – 14 rushes, 79 yards, TD
  • BOS – Jim Nance – 7 rushes, 22 yards

Top receivers

  • KC – Otis Taylor – 3 receptions, 58 yards, TD
  • BOS – Carl Garrett – 5 receptions, 20 yards

Week 3: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week 3: Kansas City Chiefs at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 6 7 0619
Bengals 7 3 01424

at Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: September 28
  • Game time: 1:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C)
  • Game attendance: 27,812
  • Referee: Walt Fitzgerald
  • TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph and Elmer Angsman
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • KC – Gloster Richardson 11-yard pass from Jacky Lee (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 13–7.
  • CIN – Horst Mühlmann 38-yard field goal. Chiefs 13–10.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • CIN – Bob Trumpy 80-yard pass from Sam Wyche (Horst Mühlmann kick). Bengals 17–13.
  • CIN – Jess Phillips 10-yard run (Horst Mühlmann kick). Bengals 24–13.
  • KC – Wendell Hayes 10-yard run (run failed). Bengals 24–19.

Top passers

  • KC – Mike Livingston – 9/17, 99 yards
  • CIN – Sam Wyche – 9/14, 128 yards, TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

  • KC – Robert Holmes – 17 rushes, 77 yards
  • CIN – Jess Phillips – 11 rushes, 58 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • KC – Otis Taylor – 6 receptions, 72 yards
  • CIN – Bob Trumpy – 4 receptions, 100 yards, TD

Week 4: at Denver Broncos

Week 4: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 3 6 31426
Broncos 0 3 01013

at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: October 5
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C)
  • Game attendance: 50,564
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • DEN – Bobby Howfield 13-yard field goal. Tied 3–3.
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 12-yard field goal. Chiefs 6–3.
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 54-yard field goal. Chiefs 9–3.

Third quarter

  • KC – Jan Stenerud 11-yard field goal. Chiefs 12–3.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Warren McVea 12-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 19–3.
  • KC – Jim Kearney 60-yard interception return (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 26–3.
  • DEN – Bobby Howfield 47-yard field goal. Chiefs 26–6.
  • DEN – Al Denson 22-yard pass from Pete Liske (Bobby Howfield kick). Chiefs 26–13.

Top passers

  • KC – Mike Livingston – 14/27, 214 yards
  • DEN – Pete Liske – 13/22, 149 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • KC – Otis Taylor – 3 receptions, 71 yards
  • DEN – Floyd Little – 8 receptions, 70 yards

Week 5: vs. Houston Oilers

Week 5: Houston Oilers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Oilers 0 0 000
Chiefs 14 10 0024

at Municipal Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: October 12
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C)
  • Game attendance: 45,805
  • Referee: Jack Reader
  • TV announcers (NBC): Bill Enis and Elmer Angsman
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter

  • KC – Mike Garrett 2-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 7–0.
  • KC – George Daney 5-yard fumble return (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 14–0.

Second quarter

  • KC – Jan Stenerud 30-yard field goal. Chiefs 17–0.
  • KC – Robert Holmes 33-yard pass from Tom Flores (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 24–0.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • HOU – Jim Beirne – 4 receptions, 47 yards
  • KC – Robert Holmes – 4 receptions, 58 yards, TD

Week 6: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 6: Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 0 0 3710
Chiefs 7 10 0017

at Municipal Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: October 19
  • Game time: 12:30 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C)
  • Game attendance: 49,809
  • Referee: Bob Finley
  • TV announcers (NBC): Jim Simpson and Al DeRogatis
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • KC – Mike Garrett 9-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 14–0.
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 44-yard field goal. Chiefs 17–0.

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

  • MIA – Mercury Morris 9-yard run (Karl Kremser kick). Chiefs 17–10.

Top passers

  • MIA – Bob Griese – 21/45, 192 yards, 3 INT
  • KC – Mike Livingston – 17/34, 308 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • MIA – Larry Seiple – 6 receptions, 71 yards
  • KC – Otis Taylor – 4 receptions, 131 yards

Week 7: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week 7: Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bengals 0 12 7322
Chiefs 7 14 71442

at Municipal Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: October 26
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 50,934
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph and Elmer Angsman
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter

  • KC – Wendell Hayes 4-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 7–0.

Second quarter

  • CIN – Horst Mühlmann 35-yard field goal. Chiefs 7–3.
  • KC – Robert Holmes 27-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 14–3.
  • CIN – Bob Trumpy 59-yard pass from Sam Wyche (Horst Mühlmann kick). Chiefs 14–10.
  • CIN – KC fumble recovery endzone for a Safety. Chiefs 14–12.
  • KC – Gloster Richardson 10-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 21–12.

Third quarter

  • KC – Mike Garrett 10-yard pass from Mike Livingston (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 28–12.
  • CIN – Harry Gunner 70-yard interception return (Horst Mühlmann kick). Chiefs 28–19.

Fourth quarter

  • CIN – Horst Mühlmann 27-yard field goal. Chiefs 28–22.
  • KC – Warren McVea 80-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 35–22.
  • KC – Goldie Sellers 21-yard special teams fumble return (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 42–22.

Top passers

  • CIN – Sam Wyche – 11/21, 154 yards, TD
  • KC – Mike Livingston – 15/25, 208 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

  • CIN – Sam Wyche – 3 rushes, 32 yards
  • KC – Warren McVea – 17 rushes, 141 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • CIN – Bob Trumpy – 3 receptions, 74 yards, TD
  • KC – Mike Garrett – 5 receptions, 101 yards, TD

Week 8: at Buffalo Bills

Week 8: Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 0 3 32329
Bills 7 0 007

at War Memorial Stadium, Buffalo, New York

  • Date: November 2
  • Game time: 1:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C)
  • Game attendance: 45,844
  • Referee: Jack Vest
  • TV announcers (NBC): Jim Simpson and Al DeRogatis
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • KC – Jan Stenerud 34-yard field goal. Bills 7–6.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Jan Stenerud 37-yard field goal. Chiefs 9–7.
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 44-yard field goal. Chiefs 12–7.
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 18-yard field goal. Chiefs 15–7.
  • KC – Mike Garrett 34-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 22–7.
  • KC – Mike Garrett 5-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 29–7.

Top passers

  • KC – Len Dawson – 7/14, 94 yards
  • BUF – Dan Darragh – 10/25, 132 yards, TD, 4 INT

Top rushers

  • KC – Mike Garrett – 14 rushes, 71 yards, 2 TD
  • BUF – Wayne Patrick – 12 rushes, 66 yards

Top receivers

Week 9: vs. San Diego Chargers

Week 9: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 3 0 003
Chiefs 0 10 10727

at Municipal Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: November 9
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C)
  • Game attendance: 51,982
  • Referee: Bob Finley
  • TV announcers (NBC): Curt Gowdy and Al DeRogatis
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • KC – Mike Garrett 5-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 7–3.
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 30-yard field goal. Chiefs 10–3.

Third quarter

  • KC – Jan Stenerud 47-yard field goal. Chiefs 13–3.
  • KC – Frank Pitts 50-yard pass from Warren McVea (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 20–3.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Warren McVea 2-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 27–3.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • SD – Russ Smith – 8 rushes, 30 yards
  • KC – Mike Garrett – 9 rushes, 46 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • SD – Rick Eber – 3 receptions, 66 yards
  • KC – Frank Pitts – 4 receptions, 99 yards, TD

Week 10: at New York Jets

Week 10: Kansas City Chiefs at New York Jets – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 10 10 7734
Jets 3 7 0616

at Shea Stadium, New York, New York

  • Date: November 16
  • Game time: 1:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 35 °F (2 °C)
  • Game attendance: 63,849
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • TV announcers (NBC): Curt Gowdy and Kyle Rote
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter

  • KC – Otis Taylor 18-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 7–0.
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 21-yard field goal. Chiefs 10–0.
  • NYJ – Jim Turner 10-yard field goal. Chiefs 10–3.

Second quarter

  • NYJ – George Sauer 40-yard pass from Joe Namath (Jim Turner kick). Tied 10–10.
  • KC – Otis Taylor 7-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 17–10.
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 38-yard field goal. Chiefs 20–10.

Third quarter

  • KC – Warren McVea 2-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 27–10.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Otis Taylor 10-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 34–10.
  • NYJ – Don Maynard 10-yard pass from Joe Namath (run failed). Chiefs 34–16.

Top passers

  • KC – Len Dawson – 23/38, 285 yards, 3 TD, INT
  • NYJ – Joe Namath – 24/40, 327 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT

Top rushers

  • KC – Warren McVea – 15 rushes, 102 yards, TD
  • NYJ – Emerson Boozer – 6 rushes, 45 yards

Top receivers

  • KC – Otis Taylor – 7 receptions, 96 yards, 3 TD
  • NYJ – Don Maynard – 9 receptions, 137 yards, TD

Week 11: vs. Oakland Raiders

Week 11: Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 3 14 10027
Chiefs 7 10 0724

at Municipal Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: November 23
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 47 °F (8 °C)
  • Game attendance: 51,982
  • Referee: John McDonough
  • TV announcers (NBC): Curt Gowdy and Kyle Rote
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • KC – Otis Taylor 31-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 14–3.
  • OAK – George Atkinson 22-yard interception return (George Blanda kick). Chiefs 14–10.
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 14-yard field goal. Chiefs 17–10.
  • OAK – Warren Wells 22-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (Geoge Blanda kick). Tied 17–17.

Third quarter

  • OAK – George Blanda 14-yard field goal. Raiders 20–17.
  • OAK – Dan Conners 75-yard interception return (George Blanda kick). Raiders 27–17.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Frank Pitts 42-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Raiders 27–24.

Top passers

  • OAK – Daryle Lamonica – 9/24, 142 yards, TD
  • KC – Len Dawson – 13/24, 269 yards, 2 TD, 5 INT

Top rushers

  • OAK – Hewritt Dixon – 16 rushes, 82 yards
  • KC – Robert Holmes – 14 rushes, 80 yards

Top receivers

  • OAK – Warren Wells – 3 receptions, 59 yards, TD
  • KC – Otis Taylor – 6 receptions, 103 yards, TD

Week 12: vs. Denver Broncos

Thanksgiving Day games

Week 12: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 3 01417
Chiefs 3 14 01431

at Municipal Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: November 27
  • Game time: 12:30 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 38 °F (3 °C)
  • Game attendance: 48,773
  • Referee: Jack Reader
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Elmer Angsman
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • KC – Warren McVea 1-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 10–0.
  • DEN – Bobby Howfield 42-yard field goal. Chiefs 10–3.
  • KC – Warren McVea 1-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 17–3.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Emmitt Thomas 45-yard interception return (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 24–3.
  • DEN – Fran Lynch 1-yard run (Bobby Howfield kick). Chiefs 24–10.
  • DEN – Wandy Williams 1-yard run (Bobby Howfield kick). Chiefs 24–17.
  • KC – Bobby Bell 53-yard kickoff return (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 31–17.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • DEN – Fran Lynch – 12 rushes, 65 yards, TD
  • KC – Mike Garrett – 20 rushes, 88 yards

Top receivers

  • DEN – John Embree – 3 receptions, 72 yards
  • KC – Fred Arbanas – 2 receptions, 67 yards

Week 13: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 13: Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bills 3 3 10622
Chiefs 7 6 3622

at Municipal Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: December 7
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 34 °F (1 °C)
  • Game attendance: 47,112
  • Referee: Jack Vest
  • TV announcers (NBC): Curt Gowdy and Kyle Rote
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter

  • BUF – Bruce Alford 16-yard field goal. Bills 3–0.
  • KC – Robert Holmes 1-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 7–3.

Second quarter

  • KC – Jan Stenerud 52-yard field goal. Chiefs 10–3.
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 8-yard field goal. Chiefs 13–3.

Third quarter

  • BUF – Bruce Alford 34-yard field goal. Chiefs 13–6.
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 47-yard field goal. Chiefs 16–6.
  • BUF – Marlin Briscoe 17-yard pass from Jack Kemp (Bruce Alford kick). Chiefs 16–13.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Jan Stenerud 20-yard field goal. Chiefs 19–13.
  • BUF – O. J. Simpson 32-yard run (pass failed). Tied 19–19.
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 25-yard field goal. Chiefs 22–19.

Top passers

  • BUF – Jack Kemp – 18/32, 165 yards, TD
  • KC – Mike Livingston – 13/23, 142 yards

Top rushers

  • BUF – O. J. Simpson – 11 rushes, 62 yards, TD
  • KC – Mike Garrett – 18 rushes, 67 yards

Top receivers

  • BUF – Bobby Crockett – 4 receptions, 50 yards
  • KC – Mike Garrett – 4 receptions, 43 yards

Week 14: at Oakland Raiders

Week 14: Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 0 0 066
Raiders 0 3 0710

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: December 13
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C)
  • Game attendance: 54,443
  • Referee: Jack Reader
  • TV announcers (NBC): Curt Gowdy and Kyle Rote
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • OAK – Charlie Smith 8-yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (George Blanda kick). Raiders 10–0.
  • KC – Wendell Hayes 1-yard run (run failed). Raiders 10–6.

Top passers

  • KC – Len Dawson – 2/6, 47 yards
  • OAK – Daryle Lamonica – 11/20, 188 yards, TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • KC – Robert Holmes – 2 receptions, 47 yards
  • OAK – Warren Wells – 1 reception, 72 yards

Standings

AFL Western Division
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 W L T PCT DIV PF PA STK
Oakland Raiders 12 1 1 .923 7–1 377 242 W6
Kansas City Chiefs 11 3 0 .786 5–3 359 177 L1
San Diego Chargers 8 6 0 .571 2–6 288 276 W4
Denver Broncos 5 8 1 .385 3–5 297 344 W1
Cincinnati Bengals 4 9 1 .308 3–5 280 367 L5

Note: Tie games were not officially counted in the standings of the AFL.

Postseason

Schedule

Round Date Opponent Result Record Game Site Attendance Recap
Divisional December 20 at New York Jets W 13–6 1–0 Shea Stadium 62,977 Recap
AFL Championship January 4 at Oakland Raiders W 17–7 2–0 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum 53,564 Recap
Super Bowl IV January 11 vs. Minnesota Vikings W 23–7 3–0 Tulane Stadium 80,562 Recap

Game summaries

Divisional Playoffs: at New York Jets

AFL Divisional Playoffs: Kansas City Chiefs at New York Jets – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 0 3 3713
Jets 3 0 036

at Shea Stadium, New York, New York

  • Date: December 20
  • Game time: 1:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 33 °F (1 °C)
  • Game attendance: 62,977
  • Referee: Jack Reader
  • TV announcers (NBC): Curt Gowdy and Kyle Rote
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter

  • NYJ – Jim Turner 27-yard field goal. Jets 3–0.

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • KC – Jan Stenerud 25-yard field goal. Chiefs 6–3.

Fourth quarter

  • NYJ – Jim Turner 7-yard field goal. Tied 6–6.
  • KC – Gloster Richardson 19-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 13–6.

Top passers

  • KC – Len Dawson – 12/27, 201 yards, TD
  • NYJ – Joe Namath – 14/40, 169 yards, 3 INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • KC – Otis Taylor – 2 receptions, 74 yards
  • NYJ – George Sauer – 5 receptions, 66 yards

In the 1969 AFL Divisional Playoff Game at the New York Jets (12/20), Kansas City rode its dominating defense which produced a crucial goal-line stand en route to a 13–6 win over the defending Super Bowl champions to set up a rematch with the Raiders in the final AFL Championship Game.[6]

AFL Championship Game: at Oakland Raiders

AFL Championship Game: Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 0 7 7317
Raiders 7 0 007

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: January 4
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 45 °F (7 °C)
  • Game attendance: 54,443
  • Referee: Jack Vest
  • TV announcers (NBC): Curt Gowdy and Kyle Rote
  • Recap
Game information

First quarter

  • OAK – Charlie Smith 3-yard run (George Blanda kick). Raiders 7–0.

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • KC – Robert Holmes 5-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 14–7.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Jan Stenerud 22-yard field goal. Chiefs 17–7.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • KC – Wendell Hayes – 8 rushes, 35 yards, TD
  • OAK – Hewritt Dixon – 12 rushes, 36 yards

Top receivers

  • KC – Otis Taylor – 3 receptions, 62 yards
  • OAK – Charlie Smith – 8 receptions, 86 yards

The Kansas City Chiefs won the last championship of the AFL, 17–7, by slowing down the Oakland passing attack and capitalizing on big plays. The Raiders looked on their way to their third win of the year against Kansas City when Charlie Smith scored on a three-yard run in the first quarter. But then, Len Dawson who had thrown seven incompletions in a row, hit Frank Pitts for a 41-yard gain to the Raiders' 1. Three plays later, Wendell Hayes blasted in for the tying touchdown. Dawson again pulled out a big play with the game tied, 7–7, in the third quarter. Facing a third-and-14 at the Kansas City 2, Dawson scrambled out of trouble and fired a 35-yard pass to Otis Taylor. That play was the key to a 94-yard drive that culminated in a five-yard scoring run by Robert Holmes. The Chiefs turned the ball over inside their own 30 three times in the fourth quarter, but each time they intercepted Raider quarterback Daryle Lamonica, who was playing despite having severely jammed his throwing hand against the helmet of Aaron Brown early in the final period.

Super Bowl IV: vs. (NFL) Minnesota Vikings

Super Bowl IV: Minnesota Vikings vs. Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 0 707
Chiefs 3 13 7023

at Tulane Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • KC – Jan Stenerud 32-yard field goal. Chiefs 6–0.
  • KC – Jan Stenerud 25-yard field goal. Chiefs 9–0.
  • KC – Mike Garrett 5-yard run (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 16–0.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Dave Osborn 4-yard run (Fred Cox kick). Chiefs 16–7.
  • KC – Otis Taylor 46-yard pass from Len Dawson (Jan Stenerud kick). Chiefs 23–7.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Top passers

  • MIN – Joe Kapp – 16/25, 183 yards
  • KC – Len Dawson – 12/17, 142 yards, TD

Top rushers

  • MIN – Bill Brown – 6 rushes, 26 yards
  • KC – Mike Garrett – 11 rushes, 39 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • MIN – John Henderson – 7 receptions, 111 yards
  • KC – Otis Taylor – 6 receptions, 81 yards, TD

The fourth annual AFL-NFL Championship Game, now officially known as the "Super Bowl", was played on January 11, 1970, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. The AFL champion Kansas City Chiefs defeated the NFL champion Minnesota Vikings, 23–7.

Even though the Vikings were 13-point favorites coming into the game, the Chiefs defense dominated the game by limiting the Minnesota offense to only 67 rushing yards, forcing 3 interceptions, and recovering 2 fumbles. The victory by the AFL evened the Super Bowl series with the NFL at two games apiece.

Kansas City's Len Dawson became the fourth consecutive winning quarterback to be named Super Bowl MVP. He completed 12 of 17 passes for 142 yards and one touchdown, with 1 interception. Dawson also recorded 3 rushing attempts for 11 yards.

The Vikings began the game by taking the opening kickoff and marching from their own 20-yard line to the Kansas City 39-yard line, but were forced to punt. The Chiefs then drove 42 yards in 8 plays to score on kicker Jan Stenerud's Super Bowl record 48-yard field goal. (According to Dawson, the Vikings were shocked that the Chiefs would attempt a 48-yard field goal. "Stenerud was a major factor", he said.)[7] Minnesota then managed to reach midfield on their next drive, but were forced to punt again.

On the first play of their ensuing drive, Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson threw a 20-yard completion to wide receiver Frank Pitts, followed by a 9-yard pass to wide receiver Otis Taylor. Four plays later, on the first play of the second quarter, a pass interference penalty on Vikings defensive back Ed Sharockman nullified Dawson's third down incompletion and gave Kansas City a first down at the Minnesota 31-yard line. However, on third down and 4 at the 25-yard line, Vikings cornerback Earsell Mackbee broke up a deep pass intended for Taylor. Stenerud then kicked another field goal to increase the Chiefs lead to 6–0.

On the second play of their next drive, Vikings wide receiver John Henderson fumbled the ball after catching a 16-yard reception, and Chiefs defensive back Johnny Robinson recovered the ball at the Minnesota 46-yard line. But the Vikings made key defensive plays. First defensive tackle Alan Page tackled running back Mike Garrett for a 1-yard loss, and then safety Paul Krause intercepted Dawson's pass at the 7-yard line on the next play.

However, the Vikings also could not take advantage of the turnover. Quarterback Joe Kapp's two incompletions and a delay of game penalty forced Minnesota to punt from their own 5-yard line. The Chiefs then took over at the Viking 44-yard line after punter Bob Lee's kick only went 39 yards. A 19-yard run by Pitts on a reverse play then set up another field goal by Stenerud to increase the Chiefs' lead to 9–0.

On the ensuing kickoff, Vikings returner Charlie West fumbled the ball, and Kansas City's Remi Prudhomme recovered it at Minnesota 19-yard line. Defensive tackle Jim Marshall sacked Dawson for an 8-yard loss by on the first play of the drive, but then a 13-yard run by running back Wendell Hayes and a 10-yard reception by Taylor gave the Chiefs a first down at the 4-yard line. Two plays later, running back Mike Garrett's 5-yard touchdown run gave Kansas City a 16–0 lead. The play call was “65 Toss Power Trap”, which became a classic play call in NFL history. It was heard because head coach Hank Stram was wearing a microphone for NFL Films, making him the first person to ever do that.[4]

West returned the ensuing kickoff 27 yards to the 32-yard line. Then on the first play of the drive, Kapp completed a 27-yard pass to Henderson to advance the ball to the Kansas City 41-yard line. However, on the next 3 plays, Kapp threw 2 incompletions and was sacked by defensive tackle Buck Buchanan for an 8-yard loss. Then on fourth down, kicker Fred Cox's 56-yard field goal attempt fell short of the goal posts.

In the third quarter, the Vikings managed to build some momentum. After forcing the Chiefs to punt on the opening possession of the second half, Minnesota drove 69 yards in 10 plays to score on fullback Dave Osborn's 4-yard rushing touchdown to cut the lead, 16–7. However, Kansas City responded on their next possession with a 6-play, 82-yard drive to score on Dawson's 46-yard touchdown completion to Taylor three minutes later.

The Chiefs would then go on to shut out the Vikings in the fourth quarter, forcing three interceptions on three Minnesota possessions, to clinch the 23–7 victory. The defeat was total for the Vikings, as even their "Indestructible" quarterback Joe Kapp had to be helped off the field in the fourth quarter after being sacked by Chiefs defensive lineman Aaron Brown.

Garrett was the top rusher of the game, recording 11 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown. He also caught 2 passes for 25 yards and returned a kickoff for 18 yards. Taylor was the Chiefs' leading receiver with 6 catches for 81 yards and a touchdown. Kapp finished the game with 16 of 25 completions for 183 yards, with 2 interceptions. Henderson was the top receiver of the game with 7 catches for 111 yards.

This was the last game where the winner was awarded the World Championship Game Trophy, as later that fall the trophy was renamed the Vince Lombardi Trophy due to Lombardi's death and the AFL-NFL Merger.

Honors & Awards

AFL All-Star Game

The Chiefs sent nine players to the American Football League All-Star game to represent the AFL West.[8]

References

  1. ^ "1969 AFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  2. ^ "1969 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  3. ^ The Best Show in Football:The 1946–1955 Cleveland Browns, p.294, Andy Piascik, Taylor Trade Publishing, 2007, ISBN 978-1-58979-360-6
  4. ^ a b America's Game: The 1969 Kansas City Chiefs Archived January 1, 2007, at the Wayback Machine KCChiefs.com December 7, 2006.
  5. ^ The List: Best NFL defense of all-time, 2007
  6. ^ a b c d e Chiefs History: 1960's Archived April 21, 2007, at the Wayback Machine KCChiefs.com, retrieved January 1, 2007.
  7. ^ Dawson, "Super Bowl IV"
  8. ^ 1969 Kansas City Chiefs on Pro Football Reference

External links

  • 1969 Kansas City Chiefs on Database Football
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