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Curtis McClinton

Inducted 2003

Curtis McClinton

CURTIS McCLINTON
1939-
Inducted – 2003

One of the unsung heroes of the early days of the American Football League, Curtis R. McClinton Jr. was a running back who could do it all. Big, strong and fast, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound McClinton was the prototype for his position. He could block like a lineman, run over and around defenders with his power and speed and catch passes like a receiver. McClinton was an all-state player at Wichita North High School. He was also a member of the 1954 Class AA state championship basketball team and was the top hurdler in the state in 1956. Although used primarily as a blocking-back at the University of Kansas, McClinton was named all-conference three times and also won three conference titles in track. He played in the East-West Shrine Game and Hula Bowl before being drafted by the Dallas Texans of the former AFL. He was named the AFL Rookie of the Year in 1962 and played in three AFL All-Star Games. McClinton was the first AFL player to score a touchdown in a Super Bowl, catching a seven-yard pass in the second quarter of Super Bowl I for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a backup tight end on the Super Bowl IV championship squad and retired following the 1969 season. McClinton was named to the University of Kansas’ all-time football team in 1969 to commemorate 100 years of college football and inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1994. Following his playing days, McClinton continued to make his mark as an successful executive, business owner and sportsman. Born June 25, 1939 - Muskogee, Oklahoma. Graduated Wichita North High School, 1956; University of Kansas, 1961.

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