Ernie Ladd

Image Gallery of Ernie Ladd, Defensive Tackle 1961-1968

The Big Cat breaks through! Ernie Ladd gets into the Chiefs backfield and causes some chaos. That's Len Dawson and Jon Gilliam pictured here.

The Big Cat, Ernie Ladd looks ready to get down to business in the vintage San Diego Chargers photo.

Ernie Ladd, 6-foot 9-inches and 290 pounds. Out of Grambling he played 8 seasons in the AFL starting with the Chargers and ending up with the Chiefs. Injuries led to his retirement after 1968 after which he enjoyed a very successful career in Professional Wrestling.

Early AFL action between San Diego and Boston - Ernie Ladd (#77) and Earl Faison (#86) of the Chargers close in on Boston runner Ron Burton (#22).

The Big Cat Strikes! Ernie Ladd & Bill Hudson bring down Texans quarterback Cotton Davidson in early AFL action

Early AFL action in 1962 - San Diego Chargers legends Ernie Ladd (#77) and Earl Faison (#86) put the stop on Broncos runner Gene Mingo (#21). Both Ladd and Fiason were AFL All Stars in 1962.

6-foot 9-inch 300 pound Ernie Ladd (#77) takes down an unfortunate runner.

Big Ernie Ladd (#77) puts some heat on Buffalo Bills Quarterback Jack Kemp.

The listed starting defensive line of the 1966 Houston Oilers - Don Floyd (#75), Ernie Ladd (#99), Pat Holmes (#79) & Gary Cutsinger (#80). Cutsinger is credited with leading the 66 Oilers with 5 sacks. Unfortunately the Oilers defense was one of the AFL's worst and ranked near the bottom in 1966. Greatly improved by 1967 though only Holmes remained a year later. He was named to the AFL All Stars. Ladd meanwhile would end up in Kansas City.

The Oakland Raiders sporting their black uniforms in 1962. Legendary All-AFL Center Jim Otto (#00) leads the way for runner Bo Roberson (#40). Other Raiders pictured are longtime lineman Wayne Hawkins (#65) and Dan Ficca (#69). The tangled-up Charger is none other than the great Ernie Ladd (#77).