Budde Ball

I remember Ed Budde (aka ‘Bluto’ for those old enough to remember Popeye’s foil in vintage cartoons) not only for his standout ’68 offensive player of the week performance vs the Raiders & Hall of Fame worthy career, but also for something he did in Superbowl IV.

A cheap shot distinguishable from a clean hard hit, near the end of the game the Chiefs had said well in hand, and QB Len Dawson scrambled to use up some clock. Vikings DT Alan Page delivered a cheapie to Dawson square in the back while Len was already on the ground (think Ben Davidson a couple years later during a game in KC, regular season; same type deal.)

Today’s rules, would’ve been called a penalty. Then, it was called ‘football’ – so – no penalty to be had, enter ‘Bluto’ Budde – the enforcer – who delivered a nice ‘wake up’ call to Page: don’t do that/mess with Len. The Vikings/Page were frustrated due being dominated by KC Superbowl IV, but Page diminished himself.

Too, Ed Budde ‘schooled’ Page all day just as Jim Tyrer did Jim Marshall, Dave Hill did Carl Eller, Mo Moorman did Gary Larsen, all ably assisted by EJ Holub. When Budde started as a rookie in 1963 a (listed) 6’5 OG was rare, 6’2 or less the norm. Though Budde actually stood 6’4 1/2, was still OT height & size (nigh on 270 lbs.)

How good was Ed Budde? No other offensive lineman had ever won the player of the week award he did ’68. Ed Budde & Jim Tyrer were Gene Upshaw & Art Shell before the latter two came along, later; Ed & Jim were ‘at least’ as good as the two Raiders, biased HOF voters be damned.

I recall one other thing Budde once said. Paraphrasing, Ed said despite Lenny’s small 6’0 190 lb. frame, ‘the Dawson look’ (or glare) in the huddle could scare a massive offensive lineman who wasn’t doing his job or paying attention.