Ernie Ladd

Ernie Ladd (November 28, 1938 – March 10, 2007) was a professional football defensive tackle who played in the American Football League. Known as "the Big Cat," Ladd attended Grambling State University on a basketball scholarship before the San Diego Chargers selected him in 1961. Standing 6′9″ and weighing 290 pounds, he was among the largest players in professional football history. Ladd helped San Diego reach four AFL championship games in five years, winning the title in 1963. He also played for the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Oilers before a knee injury ended his football career in 1969.