Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Warren McVea, who joined the team in time for KC’s first Super Bowl championship season, has died at age 79 in Los Angeles. McVea’s family announced his death.

McVea was drafted by the expansion Cincinnati Bengals in 1968 and played one season there before he was traded to the Chiefs.

In Kansas City, McVea rushed for 500 yards and seven touchdowns in 1969 as part of a running backs group that included Mike Garrett, Robert Holmes and Wendell Hayes. McVea was the team’s primary punt return specialist.

In the Super Bowl IV victory over the Minnesota Vikings, McVea had a team-high 12 rushing attempts and gained 26 yards.

During his Chiefs days, broadcasters referred to McVea as “The Flea” for his size (5 feet, 9 inches) and ability to avoid defenders.

“It’s the greatest thrill of my life to play here,” McVea said in an interview with The Kansas City Times in 1969, when he reported to the team after the trade.

McVea spent three more seasons with the Chiefs and didn’t play in the NFL after 1973. In five NFL seasons, he had 2,552 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns.

McVea, who grew up in San Antonio, was a trailblazer by becoming the first Black player to receive a football scholarship at a major Texas school when he attended the University of Houston, starting his career there in 1965.