Jerell Wilson Dies at 63 - Page 2

ChiefsCountry · 04-09-2005, 08:40 PM

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/11355923.htm

Former Chief punting great Jerrel Wilson dies

By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star

Longtime Chiefs punter Jerrel Wilson, a member of the team's Hall of Fame and an integral part of the great teams of the 1960s and '70s, died Saturday of cancer in Bronson, Texas.

He was 63.

Wilson was known as “Thunderfoot” for his booming punts while playing for the Chiefs from 1963 through 1977. He still is considered one of the best punters in NFL history.

“The excellence of his talent was easy for everybody to see,” said former Kansas City linebacker Willie Lanier, another member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame. “He was incredible to watch. Jerrel was a big part of our success. He would always give us a boost when it came to field position. That made the job of the defense that much easier.”

Wilson played 15 seasons for the Chiefs, which is still more than any other player in franchise history. He played in 203 games for Kansas City, second only to Nick Lowery's 212 in a Chiefs uniform. Wilson finished his career with one season with New England in 1978.

Wilson was a member of the all-time American Football League team that was selected after the league became part of the NFL. He had a career average of 43.0 yards per kick and was at his best during big games. His Super Bowl average of 46.5 yards in 11 punts is a record.

“He could really boom it,” former Chiefs general manager Jack Steadman said. “There were many times he kicked us out of trouble with a 65-yard punt, a 70-yard punt.

“My feeling is that he should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”

Wilson was drafted by the Chiefs in the 11th round in 1963 out of Southern Mississippi, which also turned out former Oakland punter Ray Guy, regarded by many as the best punter ever.

Wilson led the league in punting four times, tied with Sammy Baugh for the most ever, and was selected to the Pro Bowl three times (1970-72).

“(Former Chiefs coach) Hank Stram used to say he's never seen anyone who could attack a football like Wilson could,” said Bill Richardson, who used to cover the Chiefs for The Kansas City Star and saw Wilson play for many years.

Wilson's value to the Chiefs as a punter became evident early in his career. He was occasionally pressed into duty as an emergency running back in an era of limited rosters. He carried the ball 22 times for 53 yards in his career.

“After watching him play running back,” Lanier said, “it was even more obvious his skills were as a punter.”

After leaving football, Wilson moved to Texas to be near his ailing parents, according to Sean Wilson, the eldest of his two sons. Wilson worked in the fishing industry, selling boats, guiding tours and running a marina for a time.

But football was always his main interest.

“Even after leaving football, it was everything he ever talked about,” Sean Wilson said.

“If his body would have allowed it, he would have kept on playing. He never stopped with the stories of all the guys and all the good times he had with the Chiefs.”

Wilson will be buried Saturday in Huntsville, Texas.

TEX · 04-09-2005, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

The only difference being, of course, that Wilson punted for good and Guy punted for evil.

That's true, I HATED Guy like all the other Raiders, but the reason was that he, like they, were so good.

sparkky · 04-09-2005, 11:45 PM

Hog's Gone Fishin · 04-10-2005, 05:59 AM

He and my dad used to share a cabin down at grand lake many years ago , I was about 5 or 6 years old. He showed me how to kick a football at that age although I dont really remember, just hearing the stories from my dad. They havent been in touch for years. My dad is 77 now. He will be sad when I break the news to him.

RIP Jerrell.

**HemiEd** · 04-10-2005, 06:07 AM

Very sad,

Kicking used to be something the team did not have to worry about with Wilson and Stenerud. RIP

siberian khatru · 04-10-2005, 07:31 AM

That sucks. I remember him at the end of his career, but I'm well aware of his impact and accomplishments. RIP.

FloridaChief · 04-10-2005, 07:37 AM

Godspeed, Jerell...

tomahawk kid · 04-10-2005, 08:16 AM

Rest In Peace, Thunderfoot......

WEIRDWOLF · 04-10-2005, 09:01 AM

JW was the best. If they would ever put a punter in the HOF he should be it for that era of football! Rest In Peace.

whoman69 · 04-10-2005, 10:05 AM

Its a shame he will never get into Canton. Punter is just not considered important enough.

04-09-2005, 08:40 PM
ChiefsCountry The Insider Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lake of the Ozarks Casino cash: $818752	Jerell Wilson Dies at 63 http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/11355923.htm Former Chief punting great Jerrel Wilson dies By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Longtime Chiefs punter Jerrel Wilson, a member of the team's Hall of Fame and an integral part of the great teams of the 1960s and '70s, died Saturday of cancer in Bronson, Texas. He was 63. Wilson was known as “Thunderfoot” for his booming punts while playing for the Chiefs from 1963 through 1977. He still is considered one of the best punters in NFL history. “The excellence of his talent was easy for everybody to see,” said former Kansas City linebacker Willie Lanier, another member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame. “He was incredible to watch. Jerrel was a big part of our success. He would always give us a boost when it came to field position. That made the job of the defense that much easier.” Wilson played 15 seasons for the Chiefs, which is still more than any other player in franchise history. He played in 203 games for Kansas City, second only to Nick Lowery's 212 in a Chiefs uniform. Wilson finished his career with one season with New England in 1978. Wilson was a member of the all-time American Football League team that was selected after the league became part of the NFL. He had a career average of 43.0 yards per kick and was at his best during big games. His Super Bowl average of 46.5 yards in 11 punts is a record. “He could really boom it,” former Chiefs general manager Jack Steadman said. “There were many times he kicked us out of trouble with a 65-yard punt, a 70-yard punt. “My feeling is that he should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.” Wilson was drafted by the Chiefs in the 11th round in 1963 out of Southern Mississippi, which also turned out former Oakland punter Ray Guy, regarded by many as the best punter ever. Wilson led the league in punting four times, tied with Sammy Baugh for the most ever, and was selected to the Pro Bowl three times (1970-72). “(Former Chiefs coach) Hank Stram used to say he's never seen anyone who could attack a football like Wilson could,” said Bill Richardson, who used to cover the Chiefs for The Kansas City Star and saw Wilson play for many years. Wilson's value to the Chiefs as a punter became evident early in his career. He was occasionally pressed into duty as an emergency running back in an era of limited rosters. He carried the ball 22 times for 53 yards in his career. “After watching him play running back,” Lanier said, “it was even more obvious his skills were as a punter.” After leaving football, Wilson moved to Texas to be near his ailing parents, according to Sean Wilson, the eldest of his two sons. Wilson worked in the fishing industry, selling boats, guiding tours and running a marina for a time. But football was always his main interest. “Even after leaving football, it was everything he ever talked about,” Sean Wilson said. “If his body would have allowed it, he would have kept on playing. He never stopped with the stories of all the guys and all the good times he had with the Chiefs.” Wilson will be buried Saturday in Huntsville, Texas.
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04-09-2005, 11:45 PM	#17
sparkky Veteran Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Arkansas Casino cash: $10004900	RIP
Posts: 1,090

04-10-2005, 05:59 AM	#18
Hog's Gone Fishin Fish are scared of me Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $230477	He and my dad used to share a cabin down at grand lake many years ago , I was about 5 or 6 years old. He showed me how to kick a football at that age although I dont really remember, just hearing the stories from my dad. They havent been in touch for years. My dad is 77 now. He will be sad when I break the news to him. RIP Jerrell.
Posts: 40,775

04-10-2005, 06:07 AM	#19
HemiEd Supporter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ozarks Casino cash: $1810564	Very sad, Kicking used to be something the team did not have to worry about with Wilson and Stenerud. RIP
Posts: 33,958

04-10-2005, 07:31 AM	#20
siberian khatru 21st Century Schizoid Fan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Gates of Delirium Casino cash: $1044950	That sucks. I remember him at the end of his career, but I'm well aware of his impact and accomplishments. RIP.
Posts: 69,776

04-10-2005, 07:37 AM	#21
FloridaChief Banned Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Tampa Casino cash: $10004900	Godspeed, Jerell...
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04-10-2005, 08:16 AM	#22
tomahawk kid Drunk in the Neighborhood Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Beating the War Drums Casino cash: $10001837	Rest In Peace, Thunderfoot......
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04-10-2005, 09:01 AM	#23
WEIRDWOLF The Chiefs Abide Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: The Basement of Arrowhead Casino cash: $10004900	JW was the best. If they would ever put a punter in the HOF he should be it for that era of football! Rest In Peace. __________________ Matriculate it down the field, boys!! http://www.miniaturefootball.org http://www.weirdwolf.net
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