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.
Ernie Ladd, Kansas City Chiefs
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 Chargers Ernie Ladd & Earl Faison close in on the Patriots Ron Burton in 1962 AFL
The Big Cat Strikes! Ernie Ladd & Bill Hudson bring down Texans quarterback Cotton Davidson in early AFL action
The Big Cat Strikes! Ernie Ladd & Bill Hudson sack Cotton Davidson
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.
Ernie Ladd and Earl Faison stop Gene Mingo in 1962
6-foot 9-inch 300 pound Ernie Ladd (#77) takes down an unfortunate runner.
Ernie Ladd of the San Diego Chargers
Big Ernie Ladd (#77) puts some heat on Buffalo Bills Quarterback Jack Kemp.
Ernie Ladd of the Chargers puts the pressure on Bills QB 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 Starting Defensive Line of the 1966 Houston Oilers
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).
Jim Otto Lead Blocking in 1962
The Big Cat - From Grambling he played 5 seasons with the Chargers. 3 time AFL All-League and 4 times AFL All-Star.
The Big Cat - Ernie Ladd of the San Diego Chargers
Played the last 2 seasons of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ernie Ladd Kansas City Chiefs
Won an AFL Championship in 1963 when the Chargers beat the Boston Patriots 51-10.
Chargers Ernie Ladd
Here he takes down Bill Munson of the Rams.
Ernie Ladd Sacks Bill Munson
Ernie Ladd San Diego Chargers
Ernie Ladd
Ernie Ladd brings down Babe Parilli 1963
