KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Today, the Kansas City Chiefs released "What We Carry," a visual letter from Pro Football Hall of Famers and Chiefs legends Willie Lanier and Bobby Bell, in honor of Black History Month.
"What We Carry" highlights Lanier's and Bell's lived experiences while reflecting on their storied careers filled with pressure, doubt, and perseverance in a time of high expectations. The piece features a cinematic, voice-over style video with footage of the Super Bowl IV-winning team in 1969. Drawing on their experiences as professional athletes in the 1960s and '70s, Lanier and Bell – who were key leaders during the Chiefs Super Bowl IV run – challenge the viewer in how they will remember their roots, trust who they are, face adversity head on, and honor the legacy of those who came before them.
"Sport has allowed America to see the benefit of where change can be on a national level," Lanier said. "The acknowledgement of Black History Month for me reflects on the journey from where I grew up, where I attended college, and the time period I lived in. The opportunity sport provided as it expanded itself has been crucial for African American and Black people having an opportunity to be a part of a broader portion of America that was at one time restrictive in creating opportunities."
Lanier was drafted 50th overall out of Morgan State in the 1967 NFL/AFL Draft and appeared in 149 games in 11 seasons and totaled 27 interceptions and 18 fumble recoveries. The Clover, Va., native was named NFL Man of the Year Award in 1972, received eight All-Pro (1968-75) and six Pro Bowl (1970-75) nods, and is a member of the NFL's 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams. Lanier was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986, the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000, and was an inaugural member of the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Bell was drafted 56th overall by the Chiefs in the 1963 AFL Draft out of Minnesota and appeared in 168 games (159 starts) in 12 seasons in Kansas City. He totaled 40 sacks, 26 interceptions, and nine fumble recoveries. The Shelby, N.C., native is a six-time All-AFL (1964-69), two-time NFL All-Pro (1970-71), six-time AFL All-Star (1964-69), and three-time NFL Pro Bowl (1970-72) recipient. He was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team and the AFL All-Time Team. Bell was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
"What We Carry" can be viewed now on Chiefs platforms including Chiefs.com, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.
