Fred Arbanas (born January 14, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan) was an American college and professional football player from Michigan State University. Fred Arbanas was considered by many to be the perfect tight end, partly because of his 6-foot-3 frame and 240 pounds (109 kg) of chiseled muscle. Drafted by the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs in 1962, Arbanas was an American Football League All-Star in 1962, '63, '64, '65, and '67. Because of his heart and perseverance, he was the driving force behind one of the greatest teams in the history of the American Football League. He was the AFL's prototype tight end. His 198 receptions and 3,101 receiving yards were Chiefs records for a tight end until they were broken by Tony Gonzalez. In 1964 he lost vision in one of his eyes when he was attacked, but he rebounded to give the Chiefs six more solid years.
Arbanas starred for two Chiefs Super Bowl teams, and one World Championship team, and used the playing field to write a legacy for the AFL. "I remember when the Chiefs played the Chicago Bears the summer after the loss to Green Bay in the first Super Bowl," team owner Lamar Hunt said. "We won the pre-season game 66-24, but there was a lot at stake in that game. I heard Fred say that was his most memorable game, and I feel the same way."
His talents would eventually earn a spot on the All-time All-AFL Team.
Fred currently lives with his wife Sharon Arbanas in Lee's Summit, Missouri. He has four children and eight grandchildren. Fred serves on the Jackson County legislation in Kansas City, Missouri. He has also had a golf course named after him. The Fred Arbanas Golf Course at Longview Lake is a favorite for many Kansas City golfers.
