Former Sun Devil Curley Culp inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame
Aug 4, 2013, 2:07 AM | Updated: 2:22 am
Former Arizona State Sun Devil and Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Curley Culp was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a senior nominee on Saturday evening in Canton, Ohio.
Culp, who was one of seven inductees in the Class of 2013, was presented by his son Chad for enshrinement.
“This is an occasion that has long been in my dreams and has now become a reality,” Culp said during his speech.
Culp was born in Yuma, Arizona and was an All-American in football and wrestling at ASU.
He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 1968 NFL Draft. The Broncos dealt Culp to Kansas City where he went on to play an integral role in Chiefs’ dominant defense, culminating in a Super Bowl IV championship.
Culp became the fifth defensive player of the 1960 Chiefs to be inducted in the NFL Hall of Fame.
“I cannot express how glorious a feeling this is for me and my family, who have long hoped with me that this day would come,” Culp said. “So to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame gives me joy and inspiration that will last the rest of my life.”
After spending six and a half successful seasons in Kansas City, the Chiefs traded Culp to the Houston Oilers in 1974. With the Oilers, Culp helped transform a defense that later rose to prominence. He was honored with the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1975, after an 11.5 sack season.
He also led the Oilers to back-to-back AFC championship games in 1978 and 1979.
The five-time NFL Pro Bowler was known for his strength and quickness.
Culp played in 179 games and finished his prestigious 14-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions.
The 67-year-old ended his gracious speech with enthusiastic appreciation.
“I am honored to be wearing Hall of Fame gold,” Culp said.
