A former Kansas City Chiefs player and coach has passed away.
The Chiefs released a statement on the death of Walt Corey. The former undrafted free agent linebacker joined the Dallas Texans out of the University of Miami in 1960. He played six seasons with the team, including in the first year of the AFL-NFL merger. He was named an AFL All-Star in 1963.
After his playing days were over, Corey took up coaching with multiple stints in Kansas City. From 1972 through 1974 he coached the team’s linebackers before leaving the organization for three seasons to coach with the Cleveland Browns. In 1978, he returned to the Chiefs coaching various position groups through 1985. In 1986, Corey was promoted to the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach under John Mackovic. He’d leave Kansas City in 1987 to join the Buffalo Bills’ staff under Marv Levy, coordinating the defense in Super Bowl XXV through XXVIII.
Chiefs CEO and Chairman Clark Hunt released the following statement on Corey via the team website:
“My family and I are saddened by the news of Walt Corey’s passing. An original Dallas Texan who joined the club in 1960, Walt was part of the formative years of the franchise. After his seven-year playing career, he went on to spend an additional 12 years coaching for the Chiefs. He remained invested in the Kansas City community as an Ambassador once he left the sideline and will be remembered for his determination and humility. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
