Former Chiefs WR Frank Pitts Jr. Dies at 82

Frank Pitts Jr., a former NFL wide receiver who contributed to the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl IV victory, died on January 16 at age 82.

Pitts, a native of Atlanta who played college football at Southern University, entered the league as a fourth-round pick by the Chiefs in the 1965 AFL Draft. He spent his first six seasons with Kansas City, helping the team secure two AFL championships. In the 1969 season, Pitts emerged as a starter after injuries to teammate Otis Taylor, recording 31 receptions, the second-most among Chiefs wide receivers. His speed proved valuable in the playoffs, including a 41-yard catch during the AFC Championship Game win over the Oakland Raiders.

Pitts played in Super Bowl IV on January 11, 1970, against the Minnesota Vikings in New Orleans. As an underdog, the Chiefs dominated with a 23-7 victory, marking their first Super Bowl title and affirming the AFL's competitiveness before the leagues fully merged. Pitts contributed three receptions for 33 yards and three rushes for 37 yards, totaling 70 yards. His 20-yard catch in the first quarter set up a 48-yard field goal by Jan Stenerud, and a 19-yard run in the second quarter positioned another Stenerud...