Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Warren McVea, who helped the franchise to its first Super Bowl championship in the 1969 season, has passed away at the age of 79.

Per the Associated Press, Warren McVea’s daughter, Tracey Ellis, announced his passing following “a long illness.” Ellis said that McVea was surrounded by family when he died at his home in Los Angeles, California.

After starring at Brackenridge High School in San Antonio, Texas, McVea accepted an offer from the Houston Cougars’ football team. He became the first black player to receive a scholarship to a major Texas school, the AP noted.

In three seasons at Houston, Warren McVea rushed for 1,461 yards and nine touchdowns. He was drafted in the fourth round (109th overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1968, spending two

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