Ed Budde Obituary, Cause Of Death, Wife, Children, Parents, Ethnicity, Net Worth & BIO
Ed Budde, one of the greatest offensive linemen in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs and the American Football League (AFL), passed away on December 19, 2023, at the age of 83. He was a key member of the Chiefs team that won the Super Bowl IV in 1970, and a five-time AFL All-Star. He is also the father of Brad Budde, another former Chiefs player and the first-round draft pick in 1980.
Early Life and College Career
Ed Budde was born in Highland Park, Michigan on November 2, 1940. He attended Denby High School in Detroit, where he excelled in football and basketball. He was named to the All-City and All-State teams in both sports. He also set a state record in the shot put with a throw of 58 feet and 9 inches.
He received a scholarship to play football at Michigan State University, where he became a standout guard and a team captain. He was a part of the Spartans team that won the national championship in 1962, and was selected as a first-team All-American by the Associated Press. He was also a finalist for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the best interior lineman in college football.
Ed Budde BIO/WIKI
| Name | Ed Budde |
|---|---|
| Age | 83 years (at the time of his death) |
| Date of Birth | November 2, 1940 |
| Education | Denby High School in Detroit, Michigan; Michigan State University |
| Parents | Unknown |
| Siblings | Unknown |
| Family | Son: Brad Budde (former Chiefs player and first-round draft pick) |
| Ethnicity | Unknown |
| Nationality | American |
| Death Date | December 19, 2023 |
| Cause of Death | Unknown |
| Personal Life | Married his high school sweetheart, Judy, in 1961; enjoyed camping, bird-watching, and being outdoors |
| Wife | Carolyn Budde |
| Girlfriend | Carolyn Budde |
| Wedding | 1961 |
| Children | Son: Brad Budde |
| Net Worth | 10 million US dollars (approx.) |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 265 lb (120 kg) |
| Stats | Games played: 177 |
Professional Career
Ed Budde was drafted by both the NFL and the AFL in 1963. He was the fourth overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL Draft, and the eighth overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFL Draft. He chose to sign with the Chiefs, who offered him a higher salary and a better opportunity to play.
If the History of the Arrowheaded Ones is something worthy of utmost interest, it's because of men like Ed Budde, who as a Kansas City Chief through and through, was diligent, dependable and caring enough to make it so. All condolences to his family. May He Rest in Peace … https://t.co/J8qXo0omuY pic.twitter.com/PT299NL4YS
— Chiefs Throwback (@ChiefsThrowback) December 20, 2023
He played for the Chiefs for 14 years, from 1963 to 1976, as the left offensive guard. He was known for his size, strength, agility, and durability. He did not miss a single start from 1963 to 1971, playing in all 14 games each season. He was also a versatile player, who could play any position on the offensive line.
He was a key part of the Chiefs’ powerful offense, which featured stars like quarterback Len Dawson, running back Mike Garrett, and wide receiver Otis Taylor. He helped the Chiefs win two AFL Championships in 1966 and 1969, and a world championship in Super Bowl IV in 1970. In that game, he dominated the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive tackle Alan Page, who was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Chiefs won the game 23-7, becoming the second AFL team to defeat an NFL team in the Super Bowl.
Ed Budde was recognized as one of the best offensive linemen in the AFL. He was selected to the AFL All-Star team five times, from 1963 to 1969. He was also named to the All-AFL First Team twice, in 1966 and 1969, and to the All-AFL Second Team twice, in 1967 and 1968. He was the first offensive lineman to be selected by the Associated Press as an Offensive Player of the Week.
After the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, he continued to play at a high level in the NFL. He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice, in 1970 and 1971. He retired after the 1976 season, having played in 177 games, the second-most in Chiefs history behind punter Jerrel Wilson.
He was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1983 and was named to the All-Time All-AFL Team First Team. He is also a member of the Michigan State University Athletics Hall of Fame, and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.
Personal Life, Wife, and Family
Ed Budde married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Budde, in 1961. They had one son named Brad Budde. Ed was a devoted husband and father, who enjoyed spending time with his family. He also loved camping, bird-watching, and being outdoors.
His son, Brad Budde, followed in his footsteps and became a football player. He was an All-American guard at the University of Southern California, and was drafted by the Chiefs in the first round in 1980. He played for the Chiefs for seven years, from 1980 to 1986. He and his father are the only father-son duo to be first-round draft picks by the same NFL team.
Budde died on December 19, 2023, at the age of 83. He is survived by his spouse, Carolyn Budde, his son Brad Budde, and his grandchildren. He is remembered as a legend, a leader, and a gentleman by his former teammates, coaches, fans, and friends.
Ed was one of the greatest offensive linemen in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs and the American Football League. He was a part of the Chiefs team that won the Super Bowl IV in 1970, and a five-time AFL All-Star. He was also a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who cherished his family. He left behind a legacy of excellence, integrity, and generosity. He will be missed by many, but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Ed Budde.
