Curley Culp

Curley Culp was born on March 10, 1946, in Yuma, Arizona, where his journey as one of the state’s greatest athletes began. At Yuma Union High School, he excelled in both football and wrestling, winning multiple state heavyweight titles and developing the strength and technique that would define his career. His balance, leverage, and power—refined on the wrestling mat—became the foundation for his dominance on the football field. Culp continued his athletic success at Arizona State University, where he became a two-sport star under legendary coach Frank Kush. As a defensive lineman, he earned All-American honors in 1967 for his relentless play and physicality. That same year, he captured the NCAA heavyweight wrestling championship and received the Gorriaran Award for the most pins in the tournament. His achievements in both sports established him as one of ASU’s all-time greats and a rare example of excellence across multiple disciplines. Drafted in 1968, Culp went on to an exceptional 14-year career in the NFL, most notably with the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Oilers. He helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl IV, earned six Pro Bowl selections, and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1975. Known for his strength and intelligence on the defensive line, Culp revolutionized the nose tackle position and became one of the most respected players of his era. Despite his national success, Culp’s Arizona roots remained central to his legacy. He was inducted into the Arizona State University Sports Hall of Fame, the Pac-12 Hall of Honor, and ultimately the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013. Remembered as both a champion and a trailblazer, Curley Culp’s story embodies the spirit of Arizona athletics—proving that greatness can be built from hard work, humility, and a deep connection to where it all began.