Len Dawson, the Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl IV victory, has died, his family announced Wednesday. He was 87.
“With wife Linda by his side, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Len Dawson,” the family said in a statement to KMBC in Kansas City, where Dawson previously worked in broadcasting. “He was a wonderful man, father, brother and friend. Len was always grateful and often overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made throughout his football and broadcasting career.
“He loved Kansas City, and no matter how far his journey took him, he couldn’t wait to get back home.”
Dawson, who entered hospice care in Kansas City on Aug. 12, spent 47 years with the Chiefs: 14 as a player and 33 as a broadcaster. To this day, he remains one of the greatest figures in franchise history.
“My family and I are disappointed. Len Dawson is synonymous with the Kansas City Chiefs,” Chiefs chairman and general manager Clark Hunt said in a statement. “Len accepted and came to represent Kansas City and the people who call it home. It’s hard to find a player who has had as much of an impact on shaping the organization as we know Len Dawson today.
“I have admired Len throughout my life – first as a Hall of Fame player on the field, and later as he transitioned into a successful media career. Throughout his remarkable career, Len has made it a priority to give back back to the community he loved. Control has lost a true legend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda and his family.”
As a player, Dawson led the NFL to an appearance in Super Bowl I and was a key player in the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory in 1970, where he also won Super Bowl MVP. He later became the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, an honor he still holds today.
After his playing career ended after the 1975 NFL season, Dawson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame more than a decade later in 1987. He left football as a seven-time Pro Bowler, four-time AFL successful. and a six-time AFL all-star.
In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Dawson began as a sports anchor on Kansas City television in 1966 while still playing for the Chiefs and would remain in sports media for the next five years. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a reporter in 2012.
After many health issues, including prostate cancer and heart surgery, Dawson retired from broadcasting in 2017 after 33 years as a radio color analyst.
For more coverage of the Kansas City Chiefs, go to the Arrowhead Report.
What college did Len Dawson go to?
How many touchdown passes did Len Dawson throw at Arrowhead Stadium? Len Dawson’s 30th touchdown of the season, a record that stood until Mahomes threw his 31st in the Chiefs‘ 26-14 victory over Arizona on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, went 55 yards to Chris Burford in a 24-7 Jets victory. which ended the season at 7-7.
Is Len Dawson in the Hall of Fame?
Despite spending his first five seasons on the bench, Dawson went on to enjoy an impressive career that saw him inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987 after passing for 28,711 yards and 239 touchdowns. a touch of his skill. His 28,507 yards and 237 TD passes as a Chief are still the most in franchise history.
Is Len Dawson in the Hall of Fame?
Despite spending his first five seasons on the bench, Dawson went on to enjoy an impressive career that saw him inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987 after passing for 28,711 yards and 239 touchdowns. a touch of his skill. See the article : The Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame adds seven members in 2022. His 28,507 yards and 237 TD passes as a Chief are still the most in franchise history.
Who was the first Chiefs player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame? 1960-1962 Dallas Texans, 1963- now Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Famer Lamar Hunt, the founder of the American Football Association, put his team in Dallas.
Who is Dawson in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Although Len Dawson is among the all-time leading passers with an 82. On the same subject : Top 10 Favorite Video Games of All Time: 6th Place Final Fantasy Super Mario Bros Xbox PlayStation….56 rating in 19 seasons of pro play, he may be best remembered for his heroics as he led the Chiefs to a 23- 7 upset the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV.
Did Hank Stram win a Super Bowl?
His 23-7 Super Bowl IV win over the Vikings not only shined a spotlight on his powerful team, it gave him confidence throughout the AFL. Read also : Oster 10-Cup Food Processor with Easy-Touch Technology review. During the 10-year history of the AFL, Stram’s Texans/Chiefs won more games than any other AFL team and more championships than any coach (1962, 1966, 1969).
Who won the 1970 Super Bowl? Chiefs reporter BJ Kissel takes us back to January 11, 1970’s unforgettable 46-yard touchdown pass from Len Dawson to Otis Taylor to seal a Super Bowl IV victory for the Chiefs.
Why did Hank Stram leave the Chiefs?
The pressure of being fired by the boss after 15 years as a demanding and changeable coach and sometimes it is necessary to have a new vision.
Who did Kansas City play when they won the Super Bowl?
Against the NFL champion Minnesota Vikings, who were favored 12 1â2, the Chiefs dominated the game 23â7 to earn the team’s first Super Bowl title.
When did Len Dawson retire?
Dawson announced his retirement in May 1976, just before turning 41. Dawson finished his career in 1975, completing 2,136 of 3,741 passes for 28,711 yards and 239 touchdowns, with 181 interceptions. He also had 1,293 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns in his career.
Who did the Chiefs play in the Super Bowl in 1969? The 1969 Kansas City Chiefs season was the team’s tenth, their seventh in Kansas City, and their final season in the American Football League. They scored an 11â3 regular season record and three postseason victories, including a 23â7 Super Bowl IV win over the NFL’s heavily favored Minnesota Vikings.
