KANSAS CITY, Mo. _ Willie Lanier entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986. He recently became one of five former Chiefs (along with Bobby Bell, Buck Buchanan, Tony Gonzalez and Jan Stenerud) recognized among the top 100 players in NFL history.
The first African-American middle linebacker in pro football, Lanier's cerebral approach to the game was further reflected in a radical change to his tackling technique after a life-threatening injury his rookie year. He has been no less enterprising in life after the game, creating a thriving (ongoing) business career and becoming known for his philanthropy.
Among his numerous endeavors and adventures, he has shaken hands with five U.S. presidents, closed the New York Stock exchange and been a valued consultant to NFL commissioners.
Lofty stuff.
But as Lanier contemplates what he would call an autobiography he is considering writing, it would be about a far more basic and urgent point. It would be about "being equal" ... and his ferocious desire to be educated and achieve self-determination and shine that light for others.
That's what makes Lanier a man to salute as Black History Month comes to an end.
