McClinton to be Added to KU's Ring of Honor
Aug. 28, 2004
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Curtis McClinton, a standout fullback at Kansas from 1959-61, will be added to the school’s Ring of Honor during halftime of KU’s season-opener against the University of Tulsa on Sept. 4. McClinton, a native of Wichita, was named All-America in 1961 by both The Sporting News and the Pro Scouts Organization.
A graduate of Wichita North High School, McClinton was a three-time All-Big Eight selection during his career as a Jayhawk. Although used primarily as a blocking back, McClinton was the team’s leading rusher in 1959 with 472 yards and still ranks 21st on KU’s all-time career rushing list with 1,377 yards.
“Curtis McClinton was a terrific football player,” said KU athletics director Lew Perkins. “But more importantly, he is a terrific person and a great representative of this university. We are thrilled to add him to the KU Ring of Honor.”
After being picked in the 14th round by the American Football League’s Dallas Texans (later the Kansas City Chiefs) in 1961, the 6-foot-3, 227-pound back went on to have a brilliant professional career that included countless accomplishments. McClinton earned AFL Rookie of the Year honors after his first year as a pro. In 1963, he was selected as the Most Valuable Player of the AFL’s All-Star game.
He scored the first-ever touchdown in a Super Bowl game, on a 7-yard pass from Len Dawson against the Green Bay Packers. He also scored the first-ever touchdown in Chiefs history, a 73-yard run against the Buffalo Bills in a pre-season game in 1963.
In 1999, McClinton was selected to KU’s All-Time football team. Before embarking on a professional career, McClinton played in the East-West Shrine game (1961), the Hula Bowl (1961) and the College All-Star game (1962).
McClinton, a former Deputy Mayor of Washington D.C., presently owns McClinton Development Co., Inc. He received his master’s degree from Central Michigan University, a doctorate from Miles College and completed post-graduate studies at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He is the father of two daughters and has three grandchildren. He is married to DeVonne McClinton, MD.
