The Kansas City Chiefs have lost one of their own. Frank Pitts Jr., who served as a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1965 to 1970, passed away on January 16, 2026, at the age of 82.
Pitts played in the NFL for 10 years and was part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ first Super Bowl-winning team. In addition to the Chiefs, Pitts served on the Cleveland Browns‘ team from 1971 to 1973 and the Oakland Raiders in 1974.
“Frank Pitts, age 82, entered eternal rest on January 16, 2026,” his official obituary reads. “He was born on November 12, 1943 and was united in marriage to Diane Guidry Pitts. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife; three children, Marva Bolden, Maurice Pitts, and Monika Pitts; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, along with a host of other relatives and friends.”
The obituary notes that visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Greater King David Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. “Services are entrusted to Hall Davis & Son. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area,” the post adds.
NFL historian Kevin Gallagher notes that Pitts was an “unsung hero of #ChiefKingdom‘s Super Bowl IV victory” and a two-time AFL Champion. He also “twice led his team in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns” and had a “clutch grab late in Oakland’s 1974 ‘Sea of Hands’ game.”
Kansas City Chiefs’ First Super Bowl Legacy
The Kansas City Chiefs’ first Super Bowl win with Pitts came at a time when the game, and the league, looked very different than it does today. Super Bowl IV took place on January 11, 1970, and it was more than just a championship game for the Chiefs. It was a statement.
Facing off against the favored Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City walked in as underdogs and walked out with a 23–7 victory that helped cement their legitimacy on the biggest stage.
Quarterback Len Dawson was at the center of it all. Dawson didn’t put up flashy numbers by today’s standards. But that totally didn’t matter, right? He controlled the game and delivered when it mattered most. His leadership was a huge reason the Chiefs were able to dictate the pace and keep the Vikings on their heels throughout the night.
Kansas City’s defense deserves just as much credit. They totally smothered Minnesota’s offense, shutting down what many believed was the best team in football, according to Pro Football research. The Chiefs controlled the line of scrimmage and never let the Vikings find any real rhythm. It was an amazing game by any standards and historic in nature.
It’s a game that still gets talked about for a reason. Super Bowl IV still has a legacy to it. The Chiefs didn’t just win. They announced themselves. They walked in overlooked and made it look easier than anyone expected. There was confidence, personality and a whole lot of attitude wrapped into that 23–7 win. That game set the tone for what Kansas City football could be: tough, prepared and strong. Even decades later, it still shines as one of the franchise’s proudest moments.
Former Chiefs Super Bowl Champion Dead