Chiefs to Honor Past & Present at this Sunday's Game

Oct 13, 2008, 4:44:39 AM

This weekend brings the annual alumni celebration once again to Kansas City. Retired Chiefs players from all over the country journey back to Kansas City for a couple of days of golf, charitable events, comradeship, an NFL game, and to honor a former teammate who has been named the latest member of the team’s Hall of Fame.

This year’s Alumni Weekend carries a special significance because it will honor three players as Curley Culp, the newest member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame, is joined by Emmitt Thomas, who will receive his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring by a representative from the hall in pre-game ceremonies. The entire list of visiting players will be introduced at halftime with Culp the last to take the field as his name is added to the stadium’s wall of fame.

The pre-game will also feature a tribute to current Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez who last week set the NFL record for receiving yards by a tight end in the team’s loss to Carolina in Charlotte. Gonzalez will be singled out as the team is introduced to all those in attendance.

All past Chiefs players will meet at a banquet Saturday night here at Arrowhead to rehash old times. The Chiefs alumni group is among the largest in the NFL and ex-players have made the trip back to Kansas City for as long as there has been a franchise here.

The Chiefs Hall of Fame will eventually become part of the New Arrowhead’s Hall of Honor which is planned as part of the stadium renovation already underway at the Truman Sports Complex. Each member will have his bust displayed on a pedestal with accompanying memorabilia and highlights of his career.