Willie Lanier

Willie Edward Lanier (born August 21, 1945) is an American former professional football player who played linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL) from 1967 through 1977.

Lanier was born in Clover, in Halifax County, Virginia, the son of Robert Lanier, who was the biggest influence in his life. He grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and attended Maggie L. Walker High School, named for the first Black female bank president in America. A star football player, he graduated in 1963; in his senior year, Walker defeated archrival Armstrong 27–13 in their annual Thanksgiving Day game before 23,000 fans.

Across his career Lanier earned postseason honors for eight consecutive years. He was named to the AFL All-Star team in 1968 and 1969, then selected to the Pro Bowl from 1970 through 1975. A Super Bowl champion, he was named NFL Man of the Year in 1972.

Lanier was selected to both the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team and its 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.