One of the saddest responsibilities of being the Chiefs historian is the posting of passings, not that I find the task disagreeable, just sad in seeing a life end.  As the years roll on the idea that the Chiefs are a relatively young organization – young by some NFL standards – is quickly forgotten. The 1960s are a long time ago by any standard and, nearing 65 years myself, I feel it personally.

Players who made up the team’s early rosters are passing from our midst it would seem every year and often I only get the news months – sometimes years – later when a family member or fan thinks to call the team to let someone know. One such recent death was Wayne Frazier, at one time an undersized offensive lineman who built himself up to become one of the nation’s best at his position. Frazier had the distinction of starting on the Chiefs 1966 AFL championship team and later in the first Super Bowl.  (Frazier is pictured here (#66) with fellow Auburn players Dave Hill (#73), Bobby Hunt (#20), and Chuck Hurston (#85) who were with the Chiefs).

His journey to Kansas City was typical of his time.  A product of Alabama, he played for Coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan at Auburn and appeared in the Senior Bowl and College All-Star game after his senior year. As a member of the College All-Star team, he was one of only 33 players to play against the Green Bay Packers in what was once an annual game.

Drafted by the both the NFL’s Chicago Bears and AFL’s San Diego Chargers, he opted for the latter and eventually appeared on rosters of the Houston Oilers (1965), Buffalo Bills (1966) and finally the Chiefs (1966-67).  I imagine he was proud of the fact that he not only played but started in Super Bowl I.

After his playing career ended, he returned to Alabama and spent several years coaching at Troy State and then high school.  He later assisted his wife, Wilodyne, in her insurance agency business.

He was 73 at the time of his death.