Fred Arbanas

Frederick Vincent Arbanas (born January 14, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan) is an American former college and professional football player. Drafted out of Michigan State by the American Football League's Dallas Texans (later the Kansas City Chiefs) in 1961, he missed the 1961 season with injuries. Arbanas was selected by his peers as The Sporting News' All-AFL tight end in 1963, 1964, and 1966. He was an American Football League Western Division All-Star in 1962, 1963, and 1964. He received a blow to his left eye in December 1964, and lost sight in the eye in January 1965, causing him to miss the All-Star game. He was again a Western All-Star in 1965, 1966 (when he did not play due to injury), and 1967. Because of his heart and perseverance, he was a driving force behind one of the greatest teams in the history of the American Football League. Arbanas retired from Pro Football after the 1970 season.

He was the AFL's prototype tight end. His 198 receptions and 3,101 receiving yards were Chiefs records for a tight end until they were broken by Tony Gonzalez.

Arbanas starred for two Chiefs Super Bowl teams, and one World Championship team, and used the playing field to write a legacy for the AFL. "I remember when the Chiefs played the Chicago Bears the summer after the loss to Green Bay in the first Super Bowl," team owner Lamar Hunt said. "We won the pre-season game 66-24, but there was a lot at stake in that game. I heard Fred say that was his most memorable game, and I feel the same way."

His talents would eventually earn a spot on the All-time All-AFL Team.

Fred currently lives with his wife Sharon Arbanas in Lee's Summit, Missouri. He has four children and eight grandchildren. Fred serves on the Jackson County Legislature in Kansas City, Missouri. He has also had a golf course named after him. The Fred Arbanas Golf Course at Longview Lake is a favorite for many Kansas City golfers.