Kansas City, MO – October 20, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs community is mourning the loss of Warren McVea, the team’s trailblazing running back who helped deliver the franchise’s first Super Bowl title in 1969. McVea passed away at the age of 79 after reportedly suffering aheart attack just hours after attending the Chiefs’ 31–0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
According to family members, McVea had been in good spirits throughout the day, celebrating the team’s dominant win before suddenly collapsing at his home later that evening. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital.
McVea was a historic figure in football history — the first Black player to receive a scholarship at a major Texas university when he joined the Houston Cougars. In three collegiate seasons, he rushed for 1,461 yards and nine touchdowns, before being selected by theCincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 1968 NFL Draft.
He was traded to Kansas City in 1969 and quickly became part of the Chiefs’ powerful backfield rotation that led the team to victory inSuper Bowl IV over the Minnesota Vikings. McVea’s 500 rushing yards that season ranked third on the team, contributing significantly to a ground attack that defined the era.
Though he retired with 1,186 career rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, McVea’s impact extended far beyond the field. He remained deeply connected to the Kansas City community and frequently attended Chiefs games, mentoring young players and sharing stories of the franchise’s early days.
Chiefs fans and former teammates have flooded social media with tributes, many highlighting the poetic nature of McVea’s final day — cheering his beloved team to another victory before his passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Warren McVea’s family and the entire Chiefs Kingdom during this difficult time.
How did Warren McVea die? Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl winner dies at age 79
