Curly Culp, born on March 10, 1946, in Yuma, Arizona, was a dominant force in American football throughout his 14-year career (1968-1981) as a defensive tackle. He began his college career at Arizona State University, where he excelled in both football and wrestling, winning the NCAA heavyweight wrestling championship in 1967. His exceptional athleticism and impressive performance at the collegiate level caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his drafting by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 1968 NFL Draft.

However, Culp's career truly took off after being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs later that same year. As a member of the Chiefs, he played an instrumental role in their Super Bowl IV victory over the Minnesota Vikings in 1970. Culp's impact on the field, especially as a key component of the Chiefs' famed "Triple Stack" defense, earned him a reputation as one of the league's premier defensive linemen.

In 1974, Culp was traded to the Houston Oilers, where he continued to build on his already impressive career. With the Oilers, he became the cornerstone of the team's "Luv Ya Blue" era, helping to lead the Oilers to back-to-back AFC Championship games in 1978 and 1979. Culp's stellar play in Houston earned him six Pro Bowl selections and first-team All-Pro honors in 1975.

Culp's final NFL stint was with the Detroit Lions in 1980 and 1981. Though his time with the Lions was shorter, his overall impact on the NFL was immense. Curly Culp's tenacity, strength, and skill as a defensive tackle made him a force to be reckoned with throughout his career. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Culp was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats.

🏈