'Pray to God for healing': Oiler Hall of Famer Culp diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer

Houston Oilers Hall of Fame Defensive Lineman Curley Culp announced through Twitter on Nov. 16 that he has stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Culp, 75, is a six-time pro-bowler who played 14 seasons in the NFL with the Oilers, Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions. He is widely considered one of the top Oilers in team history and one of the best defensive linemen of his generation.

“To my followers, family and friends I have stage 4 pancreatic cancer,” Culp tweeted. “Do donate to your local cancer organizations so this dreaded disease is eradicated. Love life, family and friends. Pray to God for all physical and spiritual healing. Love, Curley Culp HOF#13.”

ESPN.com said Culp was a standout at Arizona State where he was a football All-American and a heavyweight national champion wrestler. Culp was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos but was traded to the Chiefs before the season started. He won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs in 1970, during a game where the defense shut down the Minnesota Vikings 23-7. In 1974, he was traded to the Oilers where he helped turn around the franchise. ABC13 reported that he was a "key member" of the Houston squad during the time Coach Bum Phillips was at the helm.

Culp was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1975, when he had a career high 11.5 sacks, according to Pro Football Reference. That year he was also first team All-Pro. He went to four straight Pro Bowls with the Oilers in what is considered the prime of his career. He helped lead the team to back-to-back AFC championships in 1978 and 1979. Culp had 68.5 total sacks and ESPN.com called him “one of the best interior linemen during his career.” He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 3, 2013.