Jerry Mays
Defensive Tackle, End
Career: 1961-1970
Induction: 1971
Jerry Mays was the captain during the Kansas City Chiefs glory years. At 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, he hardly fits today's standard for a NFL linebacker, let alone a defensive end or tackle. Yet, during his sterling career that lasted from 1961-1970, he wrote the book on those demanding positions. Former Chiefs coach Hank Stram once said, "Jerry is the only man I've known who could play every offensive and defensive position in the line".
He was named to the 10-year All AFL selection at defensive tackle tow times and later switched to defensive end, where he was voted to the All-League team four times.
He ruled with desire. He was the heart and soul of a defense that became the stingiest unit in the AFL. He might not manhandle an opponent, but he would use his quick feet and wits to sack an opposing quarterback or tackle a running back for a loss.
"I love football, every part of it," Mays once said. "I enjoyed being exhausted and feeling as if I had paid the price; I loved the glory of winning; I even enjoyed the practices." If any single player could serve as a representative of the American Football League, it would be Mays.
He was what the upstart league was all about. "I loved the AFL," he said. "It was part of me. The merger (with the NFL) made it easier for me to retire. I was AFL from start to finish. It was the little guy against the big guy."
And this little guy never backed down from a challenge and proved to be a winner. Off the field, Mays operated a successful construction business in Dallas, Texas.
May died July 18,1994 at the age of 54 from a five-year battle with cancer. "He was one of a Kind." Stram said after his death. "He was a tremendous leader. To lose him at such a young age is just a tragedy
