The Kansas City Chiefs have become synonymous with Super Bowl glory in recent years, thanks to the dynamic duo of Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. But long before this modern era of dominance, there were foundational players who helped carve out the franchise’s championship pedigree. One of those early heroes, wide receiver Frank Pitts, passed away late last week at the age of 82.
Pitts etched his name into Chiefs lore during Super Bowl IV, when Kansas City took down the Minnesota Vikings, 23-7, in 1970. That win wasn’t just a Super Bowl victory-it was a landmark moment for the AFL, coming just a year after the New York Jets stunned the football world by toppling the Baltimore Colts. The Chiefs’ triumph validated the league’s talent and proved the AFL could go toe-to-toe with the NFL’s best.
And Pitts? He was right in the middle of it all.
Known for his game-breaking speed, Pitts played a crucial role in the Chiefs' offense that season. He finished second on the team in receptions with 31, serving as a vertical threat who could stretch defenses and open up the field. His 41-yard grab in the AFC Championship Game against the Raiders was a turning point in that win, and he carried that momentum straight into the Super Bowl.
In the biggest game of his career, Pitts delivered. He hauled in three catches and added three carries on reverses-an early example of the kind of misdirection and pre-snap motion that’s become a hallmark of today’s NFL offenses.
His 20-yard reception helped set up the Chiefs’ first field goal, and a 19-yard run on an end-around led to another. When it was all said and done, Pitts had racked up 70 total yards in a game where every inch mattered.
Drafted by Kansas City in the fourth round in 1965 out of Southern University, Pitts didn’t make an immediate splash. At the time, the Chiefs’ passing attack revolved around Hall of Famer Otis Taylor.
But Pitts stayed ready, and when his number was called, he made the most of his opportunities. He eventually earned a starting role and became a key contributor in Hank Stram’s innovative motion-heavy offense-a scheme that, in many ways, laid the groundwork for what Andy Reid’s Chiefs are doing today.
After his time in Kansas City, Pitts was traded to the Cleveland Browns, where he spent three seasons before finishing his career with the then-Oakland Raiders. Over a ten-year NFL run, Pitts totaled 175 receptions for 2,897 yards, averaging an impressive 16.6 yards per catch, and scored 27 touchdowns. He also added 257 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 28 carries-further proof of his versatility and value in a creative offense.
Pitts’ contributions went beyond the stat sheet. He was a trailblazer, a reliable weapon in a transformative era for pro football, and a player whose impact still echoes in the way the game is played today.
Originally from Atlanta, Pitts eventually settled in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where his funeral services will be held. He is survived by his wife, Diane Guidry Pitts, and their three children. His legacy also lives on through his grandson, Brandon Bolden, a running back who carved out his own NFL career with the Patriots, Dolphins, and Raiders.
Frank Pitts may not be a household name in today’s game, but for those who know Chiefs history, his contributions are unforgettable. He helped bring a championship to Kansas City before it became routine-and that’s the kind of legacy that never fades.