Warren McVea, a pioneering running back who became the first Black football player to earn a scholarship at a major Texas university and later helped the Kansas City Chiefs win their first Super Bowl , died Sunday at his Los Angeles home. He was 79.

McVea's daughter, Tracey Ellis, said he died peacefully, surrounded by family after a long illness.

A native of San Antonio, McVea first made his mark at Brackenridge High School, leading the football program to a state championship in 1962 as a junior. He was also a standout sprinter, demonstrating the speed that would define his football career.

In 1965, McVea joined the University of Houston, breaking racial barriers as the first Black athlete at a major Texas school to receive a football scholarship. Under coach Bill Yeoman, he becam

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