It’s an interesting feat that even though 1,200 miles span the distance between Hudson County, New Jersey and Kansas City, two former Chiefs are being inducted into this year Hudson County Hall of Fame. Walker Lee Ashley and Danan Hughes are both among those warranting entrance.
Jim Hague writes, “The induction class includes former NFL players Walker Lee Ashley (Snyder), Danan Hughes (Bayonne) and Frank Winters (Emerson), as well as former MLB player Willie Banks (St. Anthony) and former WNBA basketball standout Adrienne Goodson (Bayonne). It’s perhaps the greatest compilation of former professional athletes since the inaugural Hall of Fame class in 1991.”
Hughes was a receiver in Kansas City for six seasons, from ’93-98. He mostly played special teams and returned punts and kicks during his early years. As a receiver, he had 46 catches for 425 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Ashley was a linebacker who mostly played for the Minnesota Vikings through the ‘80s. He landed with the Chiefs for one season in 1989 as the team’s inside linebacker. He returned to Minnesota the following year, after which he retired.