KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jim Lynch, the hard-hitting linebacker who helped the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Minnesota Vikings in the 1970 Super Bowl following a standout career at Notre Dame, has died. He was 76 years old.

Lynch’s family announced that he died Thursday. A cause has yet to be announced.

Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said Lynch will be remembered as “a mainstay in the linebacking corps during one of the greatest stretches in franchise history.”

“Jim Lynch was a consistent force that made the Chiefs defense of the late 60s and early 70s one of the most feared in the game,” the statement continued. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Georgia and his entire family.”

Lynch played all of his 11 NFL seasons with the Chiefs as a linebacker. From 1967–77, he helped the team to a pair of AFL championships in 1966 and ’69, as well as winning Super Bowl IV, the fourth and final AFL-NFL World Championship Game prior to the merger of the two leagues.

After his rookie season, Lynch started in every game from ’68 until he retired in ’77. He finished his career with 17 interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries and one touchdown.

Lynch played in 151 career games, most famously playing in 148 consecutive games.

Lynch also played with two NFL Hall of Fame linebackers during his career: Bobby Bell and Willie Lanier. They were also part of the 1969 championship team. Together, they formed one of the most dominate linebacker trios in NFL history.

He was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1990. Two years later, he was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jim Lynch.