Former & Current Chiefs Players Reflect, Share Stories and Pay Respect to Marty Schottenheimer

The passing of former Chiefs coach Marty Schottenheimer rocked Chiefs Kingdom in 2021.

Sadly, Schottenheimer died from Alzheimer’s complications at age 77.

During Schottenheimer’s 10 seasons as Head Coach of the Chiefs, he led the team to seven playoff appearances and three division titles. He recorded a regular season won-loss record of 101-58-1 with the KC Chiefs.

At the news of his passing, many of Marty’s former players with the Chiefs took to social media to express reactions to the sad news.

Former Chiefs Respond to the Death of Marty Schottenheimer

1. Former Chiefs RB Christian Okoye, who had his biggest seasons under Marty Schottenheimer, tweeted this:

Sad day in #ChiefsKingdom #rip Marty Schottenheimer I will always remember you pic.twitter.com/tuL5aArLgX

— Christian Okoye (@ChristianOkoye) February 9, 2021

2. Former Chiefs WR JJ Birden, who played five seasons in KC under Schottenheimer, shared this story about Marty:

Kansas City Chiefs fans, I promised last night I’d share one of my #MartySchottenhiemer stories. He made such an impact on me in many different ways but this is probably one of my favorites.

You’ll be missed Coach 🥲#ChiefsKingdom #chiefs pic.twitter.com/mGqnKRRdrd

— JJ Birden (@jjbirden) February 11, 2021

3. Former Chiefs LB Donnie Edwards played a total of 8 seasons in KC. 6 of those seasons were under Marty Schottenheimer. Edwards also played for Schottenheimer in San Diego. Marty obviously meant a lot to Donnie:

Marty was like a father figure to me,
He was a rare coach that had the ability to relate football to the game of life. ‘One play at a time’ will continue to guide me forever in my life. Rest Easy Coach, you will be forever missed. #MartySchottenheimer #MartyBall #gameoflife pic.twitter.com/4CfmsHzCT9

— Donnie Edwards (@DonnieEdwards) February 9, 2021

4. Former Chiefs WR Marc Boerigter did not technically play for Schottenheimer, but Marty still left a big impression on Marc:

My prayers go out to Marty and his family. I never played for Marty, but grew up watching his teams. And was fortunate to play against his teams in San Diego. I had my best career games against his teams.

— Marc Boerigter (@mboerigter) February 4, 2021

I remember him saying to me. You burned us for 4 tds this year. I don’t know how the Chiefs found you, but it’s a great organization, you will love it there and then said you’re one hell of a player. Then he said. “Go beat the Raiders next week.

— Marc Boerigter (@mboerigter) February 4, 2021

5. Former All-Pro Quarterback Ron Jaworski, who played most of his career in Philadelphia, did play in Kansas City under Marty Schottenheimer in the 1989 season. He pays respects to Marty on Twitter:

So sorry to hear of the passing of Marty SCHOTTENHEIMER .
Marty was my last NFL Head Coach . Marty was a terrific coach and a better person! RIP my friend!

— Ron Jaworski (@JawsCEOQB) February 9, 2021

6. Clark Hunt, Owner, Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, who was still working under his father Lamar Hunt when Marty coached the Chiefs, nevertheless has vivid memories of Schottenheimer’s time in KC and released this statement:

Additional player and colleague responses will be added when located. If you can, drop any player reactions we have missed down in the comments.