Fred Arbanas
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Fred Arbanas was an American college and professional football player from Michigan State University. Fred Arbanas was the perfect tight end, partly because of his 6-foot-3 frame and 240 pounds of chiseled muscle. Drafted by the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs in 1962, Arbanas was an American Football League All-Star in 1962, '63, '64, '65, and '67. Because of his heart and perseverance, he was the driving force behind one of the greatest teams in the history of the American Football League.
He was the AFL's prototype tight end. His 198 receptions and 3,101 receiving yards are still the Chiefs records for the position. In 1964 he lost vision in one of his eyes, but he rebounded to give the Chiefs six more solid years. Arbanas starred for two Chiefs Super Bowl teams, and one World Championship team, and used the playing field to write a legacy for the AFL. "I remember when the Chiefs played the Chicago Bears the summer after the loss to Green Bay in the first Super Bowl," team owner Lamar Hunt said. "We won the pre-season game 66-24, but there was a lot at stake in that game. I heard Fred say that was his most memorable game, and I feel the same way."
His hard-nosed play and consummate skill earned a spot on the All-time All-AFL Team. Fred Arbanas is a member of the American Football League Hall of Fame.
Links
External links
- American Football League Website (http://www.conigliofamily.com/AFLdotcom.htm)
- Arbanas' citation on the AFL Hall of Fame website (http://www.conigliofamily.com/TexansChiefs.htm#FREDARBANAS)
- American Football League All-time Team (http://www.conigliofamily.com/AFLAllTimeTeam.htm)