NFL Hall Of Fame Induction: Curley Culp Enshrined

Aug 2, 2013; Canton, OH, USA;Kansas City Chiefs former guard Curley Culp gives his induction speech during the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Former Kansas City Chiefs NT Curley Culp was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last night in Canton, Ohio.

Culp played for the Chiefs for seven years (1968-74) and was a starter on the defensive line when Kansas City beat the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV.

The Chiefs released some statements on Culp ahead of his induction last night.

Clark Hunt:

"“On behalf of the entire Chiefs family, we’d like to congratulate Curley Culp on his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.“Curley was one of many great players that helped lead this franchise to a Super Bowl victory in 1970, and that team, including Curley, helped build the tradition and foundation of the Kansas City Chiefs. Curley was a fierce competitor and a difference maker who commanded a great deal of respect. I know my father would be very proud of Curley and his enshrinement in Canton.”"

Len Dawson:

"“Curley Culp was a tremendous athlete. He had such strength and quickness. I remember Jack Rudnay used to say that every center in the league should have to go against Curley, in order to know what it’s like to go against the very best.”"

Culp gave a relatively short induction speech but it was clear just how much being a Hall of Famer means to him. Culp retired from the NFL in 1981 and has been waiting a long time to make it to Canton.

“You know, this is an occasion that has long been in my dreams, and now lives in reality,” Culp said last evening. “I cannot express how glorious a feeling this is for me and my family, who have long hoped with me that this day would come. So to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame gives me joy and inspiration that will last the rest of my life.”

Congratulations, Curley!