Ed Budde
Guard
Career: 1963-1976
Induction: 1983
The news release read: Offensive Player of the Week in the American Football League: Ed Budde.
It wasn't a mistake. The Kansas City Chiefs starting guard was indeed, the AFL's Player of the Week.
It was the first time in the league's history an offensive lineman had won the honor. It showed what the "rock" of the Chiefs offensive line meant to his team.
A member of the All-time AFL team, the product of Michigan State was the team's No. 1 draft pick in 1963. He went on to enjoy a stellar career that lasted longer (14 years) that any other player to wear the Chiefs crimson and gold with the exception of punter Jerrel Wilson.
He was the heart of the group of interior linemen who made their living in "the pit." He made life a bit easier for the Dawsons, Garretts, Podolaks, and Taylors. He helped them earn their spot in the limelight, then used his extraordinary skill to rise above the anonymity of the line and enjoy national recognition himself.
He was a mountain of a man, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 260 pounds. His explosive blocks would spring a back or keep defenders away from Dawson so he could complete pass after pass.
Budde appeared in six AFL All-Star games, the first two Pro Bowl games ('71 & '72) and anchored the offensive line for two Chiefs championship teams.
When his playing days were over, Budde enjoyed watching his son, Brad, play offensive line for eight seasons. Ed is key account manager for Coca Cola Enterprises in Lenexa.
