KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Willie Lanier is one of the greatest linebackers in the history of the NFL.
He’s in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and was recently named one of the 100 greatest players in NFL history.
Lanier helped lead a dominant Chiefs defense that smothered the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV.
The Chiefs won that game, 23-7, the last time the team made to the Super Bowl.
Lanier is confident this year’s Chiefs team is ready to bring home the Lombardi Trophy.
Lanier sat down with 41 Action News anchor Dia Wall ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Q: "What made the team that won Super Bowl IV so special?"
A: "You had a good blend of veteran players and a few of us showed up in '67."
Q: "Do you think it's bad luck to talk about it?"
A: "No, I don't think it's bad luck to talk about it. I think it's bad luck not to do it."
Q: "What was Lamar like?"
A: "Lamar was a special, unique human being. Race was still a factor. Segregation was rampant, as it was in this country. In my view, equal opportunity human beings is who they were. They treated everybody the same."
Q: "What does Kansas City mean to you?"
A: "The time that I might have had to spend in professional sports, I'm more than elated that it was here because of the quality of the family."
Q: "Looking at this team, do you think they have what it takes to not only make it to Super Bowl but win it?"
A: "I expect them to take the whole thing. I expect them to do it in such a dynamic way that it's supposed to be one that will stand for the next 100. I'm not talking about three points, six points, let's go ahead and let's expand this thing."
Q: "This team, what do you see when you look at them on the field?"
A: "The way they came back, did what was required, in my mind sets the tone and I've seen our team do it. We set the tone."
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