Four standouts with ties to the Chiefs move closer to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
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At the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony two years ago, Bill Cowher made a powerful plea for his former head coach in Kansas City.
Cowher, who was enshrined in Canton, Ohio, after a successful career as the Steelers head coach, made a point of saying Marty Schottenheimer deserved a spot in the Hall of Fame.
Schottenheimer, who coached the Chiefs from 1989-98, moved a bit closer to the Hall of Fame on Thursday. He is one of 12 coach/contributors who will be considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024.
Eighth in career wins at 205 and seventh in regular season wins at 200, Marty Schottenheimer. pic.twitter.com/eSAMdvhdy8— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) July 27, 2023
Schottenheimer had 200 career victories, including 101 with the Chiefs, and coached 21 seasons. He passed away in 2021.
The other coach/contributor candidates are Tom Coughlin, Mike Holmgren, Frank “Bucko” Kilroy, Robert Kraft, Buddy Parker, Dan Reeves, Art Rooney Jr., Mike Shanahan, Clark Shaughnessy, John Wooten and Lloyd Wells.
Wells made his mark with the Chiefs. He was the first full-time Black scout in the NFL. The Chiefs noted Wells was instrumental in signing many of the players who helped the team win Super Bowl IV.
During his time with the @Chiefs, scout and civil rights activist Lloyd Wells was integral for increasing the opportunities for African Americans in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/cvnMpuyaYG— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) July 27, 2023
Among the players who Wells brought to the Chiefs was wide receiver Otis Taylor, who spent 11 seasons with Kansas City. Taylor was part of the Super Bowl IV team and had 7,306 receiving yards and 57 touchdown catches in his career.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Seniors Committee also announced a dozen candidates for enshrinement, including Taylor.
Otis Taylor won two AFL Championships and a Super Bowl during his 11 seasons with the @Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/yEXLtM4vOV— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) July 27, 2023
The others former players: Ken Anderson, Maxie Baughan, Roger Craig, Randy Gradishar, Joe Jacoby, Albert Lewis, Steve McMichael, Eddie Meador, Art Powell, Sterling Sharpe and Al Wistert.
Lewis played 16 seasons in the NFL, the first 11 with the Chiefs. He made four Pro Bowls and intercepted 38 passes.
What’s next?
Coach/contributor committee members will meet Aug. 15 to select one of the dozen finalists for consideration for the Class of 2024.
The Seniors Committee will meet Aug. 22 and may select up to three seniors for final consideration as members of the Class of 2024, the Hall of Fame said.
