The 10 most underrated players in Kansas City Chiefs history
By Matt Conner
Most underrated players in Kansas City Chiefs history
2. Jim Tyrer, offensive tackle
Let’s get the tragic news out of the way, because it’s the primary hurdle between Tyrer and the respect his memory deserves—at least on the field.
On September 15, 1980, a 41-year-old Tyrer, retired from the game, decided to shoot and kill his wife while sleeping before turning the gun on himself. Tyrer reportedly dealt with depression and struggled to move on after his playing career with some failed financial ventures. Those dark clouds have understandably caused voters in Canton to move on to other worthy Hall candidates without having to sort through such disastrous personal choices.
That said, Tyrer was undoubtedly a game-changer for the Chiefs at left tackle, the anchor of a strong line that dominated the AFL for years. Tyrer was a first-team All-Pro, won three AFL championships, and won the Super Bowl with the Chiefs in ’69. From ’61 to ’73, he started 180 consecutive games for the Chiefs, a pillar of a man who had the sort of stature that could have played in today’s game at 6’6, 280 lbs.
Given the level of respect for left tackles among linemen, it’s surprising that Tyrer hasn’t generated greater levels of real consideration decades after his death. He was the best blindside blocker in the entire AFL and showed he was just as good in the NFL.