Beloved Former Chiefs, Packers Coach Willie Peete Dies at 87

Willie Peete, a beloved NFL assistant coach, former player, and father of two notable figures in the league, has passed away at the age of 87.

More News: Bill Belichick's Buyout Price at North Carolina Makes NFL Return Very Possible

Peete, a respected former NFL coach and influential figure in football, passed away on December 2, 2024, at the age of 87. A celebration of his life is planned for Saturday in Mesa, Arizona, his hometown.

Peete's career spanned several decades and included significant coaching stints in both the NFL and college football. His journey in coaching began in 1960 when he became a graduate assistant at the University of Arizona, where he had played as a fullback in the 1950s.

After two seasons, he returned to Mesa, Arizona, and worked as an assistant coach and junior varsity basketball coach for seven years. In 1971, he returned to Arizona as an assistant coach, a role he held for the next 12 seasons.

In 1983, Peete transitioned to the NFL as a coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he served as running backs and special teams coach until 1986. He then moved on to the Green Bay Packers, where he worked as running backs coach under Forrest Gregg and later Lindy Infante from 1987 to 1991.

Peete's next stop was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he coached the running backs from 1992 to 1994. There, he mentored a talented group of players, including Errict Rhett, who became the University of Florida's all-time leading rusher and surpassed 1,000 rushing yards as a rookie under Peete's guidance. Peete concluded his NFL coaching career with the Chicago Bears, where he worked from 1995 to 1997.

Beyond his NFL career, Peete's influence extended to college football, where he spent many years as an assistant coach. He was known for his ability to develop players and his commitment to their growth on and off the field.

Peete also had an impressive athletic background, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball during his high school years. He earned a degree in physical education from the University of Arizona and later a master's degree in secondary education from Arizona State.

Peete's legacy lives on through his family. His son, Skip Peete, is currently the running backs coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, following in his father's footsteps as an NFL coach. Skip has been an assistant coach in the league since 1998.

More News: Seahawks' Kenneth Walker III Given Unfortunate Injury Update For Week 15

Willie's younger son, Rodney Peete, had a distinguished 16-year career as an NFL quarterback and was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 1988 while at USC. Willie Peete was also the second cousin of Calvin Peete, one of the most successful Black golfers in PGA Tour history before Tiger Woods.

Peete's impact on the game of football, both at the college and professional levels and his lasting influence on his family remain a testament to his dedication and love for the sport. RIP, Coach Peete.

For more on the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.