Ken Lanier was a professional football player who played as an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He was born on December 20, 1959, in Richmond, Virginia, and attended Virginia State University, where he played college football.
Lanier was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 1982 NFL Draft. He played for the Chiefs for four seasons, from 1982 to 1985, and was a starter for most of his time there. In 1986, he was traded to the San Diego Chargers, where he played for two seasons, from 1986 to 1987. He then played for the Los Angeles Raiders for two seasons, from 1988 to 1989, before finishing his career with the Denver Broncos in 1991.
During his career, Lanier was known for his size and strength, as well as his ability to protect the quarterback and open up holes for the running game. He was also known for his durability, as he played in 128 games over his career, starting in 117 of them.
Lanier's best season came in 1984, when he was named to the Pro Bowl and was also named a first-team All-Pro. He helped lead the Chiefs to a 8-8 record that season, and was a key part of their offensive line.
After retiring from football, Lanier went on to work as a coach and scout for several NFL teams. He also worked as a broadcaster for the NFL on Fox, and was a regular contributor to various sports radio shows.
Overall, Ken Lanier had a successful career in the NFL, playing for four different teams over the course of ten seasons. He was a reliable and consistent player, and was recognized as one of the best offensive tackles in the league during his prime.
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