Buck Buchanan was a legendary football player who dominated the defensive line for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1960s and 1970s. He was a six-time All-AFL selection, a two-time Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl champion, and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was also the first black player to be drafted first overall in professional football history. But his illustrious career was cut short by a devastating disease that claimed his life at the age of 51. What was Buck Buchanan’s cause of death and how did it affect his legacy?
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The Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Buck Buchanan was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1991, a year after he retired from coaching football at Central Missouri State University. According to Wikipedia, he had been a heavy smoker for most of his life, which likely contributed to his condition. He underwent surgery to remove part of his right lung, but the cancer had already spread to other parts of his body. He also received chemotherapy and radiation treatments, but they were not enough to stop the disease.
The Final Days of Buck Buchanan
Buck Buchanan spent his final days at his home in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by his family and friends. He was visited by many of his former teammates and coaches, who expressed their admiration and gratitude for him. He also received letters and phone calls from fans and fellow Hall of Famers, who praised his achievements and character. According to Dead or Kicking, he died on July 16, 1992, at the age of 51. His funeral was attended by hundreds of people, including NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt, and Hall of Fame coach Hank Stram.
The Legacy of Buck Buchanan
Buck Buchanan is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players of all time. He was known for his size, speed, strength, and intelligence, which made him a formidable force on the field. He was also respected for his leadership, sportsmanship, and generosity, which made him a beloved figure off the field. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. He is also a member of the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, the AFL All-Time Team, and the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame. His jersey number 86 was retired by the Chiefs in 1990. He is remembered as a pioneer, a champion, and a hero by the football world and beyond.
