Curtis, a defender, started his career in his home state of Western Australia where he debuted for East Perth in 1973.
He was a back pocket in East Perth's 1978 premiership side, the same position he was later named in their official post-war 'Team of the Century'.
Port Adelaide acquired his services in 1983 and he spent six seasons with the club.
He represented South Australia in an interstate game during the 1983 season and was selected in the All-Australian team.
Curtis had previously represented Western Australia in 12 interstate games, including their inaugural State of Origin encounter against Victoria in 1977.