The Kansas City Chiefs have lost another member of the teams that appeared in Super Bowls I and IV.
On Saturday, Chiefs Hall of Famer E.J. Holub died at the age of 81. Known as a fiery competitor, Holub was a first-round draft pick by the Dallas Texans of the AFL before they moved to Kansas City and became the Chiefs in 1963. The Lubbock, Texas, native played collegiately for Texas Tech on both offense and defense.
After he left Texas Tech for the AFL, his No. 55 jersey was retired by Texas Tech. Holub was eventually inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Texas Tech Ring of Honor.
Holub started 113 games combined for the Texans and Chiefs over his nine-year pro football career. He’s the only player to start on both offense and defense in the history of the Super Bowl. He started Super Bowl I at linebacker and later became the center for the Chiefs in their Super Bowl IV victory after a series of knee injuries forced the position change. In his final season with the Chiefs, he served as long snapper.
In every season from 1961-1966, Holub was either an AFL All-Star or first-team All-AFL selection. During the 1963 season, he tied for the most interceptions by a linebacker with five. He’d go on to finish his career as a three-time AFL champion and a Super Bowl IV champion.
Later in life, Holub was known for his signature western attire and his candid attitude. Holub recently made our Chiefs top-100 list, where he was recognized for his versatility, toughness and longevity.
