The NFL lost one of its legends this week. Len Dawson, the popular quarterback who led the Kansas City Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory, died with his family on August 24th. He was 87 years old.
The family of the great quarterback released a statement to KMBC-TV, where Dawson served as a broadcaster.
“With wife Linda at his side, it is with much sadness that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Len Dawson. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend. Len was always grateful and many times overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made during his football and broadcast careers,” his family said in a statement.
“He loved Kansas City and no matter where his travels took him, he could not wait to return home.
“Linda wants to acknowledge and thank the wonderful team of doctors, nurses and support staff at KU Med who showed tremendous amounts of love and compassion for Len.”
"He loved Kansas City and no matter where his travels took him, he could not wait to return home."
Rest well, Len. ❤️
Len Dawson has died at the age of 87: https://t.co/rRdEugmMD9 pic.twitter.com/cJfMwKtpon
— KMBC (@kmbc) August 24, 2022
Dawson was born in Alliance, Ohio, and starred as a college player at Purdue from 1953 to 1956. He was the No. 5 overall pick of the 1957 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played in the Steel City for two years and was traded to the Cleveland Browns where he played for five seasons.
From there, he signed with the Dallas Texans of the American Football League. They would later become the Kansas City Chiefs. He played in KC under head coach Hank Stram. He would win the passing title four times and was a league All-Star six times.
In 1966, Dawson led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl but lost to the Green Bay Packers. But in 1969, Dawson took his team back to the big game, Super Bowl IV, and won. They beat the Minnesota Vikings and Dawson was named the MVP.
He played for the Chiefs until he was 40 years old. In 211 career games, he had 28,711 passing yards and 239 touchdowns. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.
Rest In Peace, Len Dawson. One of Kansas City’s greatest on the field, in broadcasting, and in our community.
My thoughts are with his wife, Linda, his family, and the many friends he made over a tremendous lifetime.
— Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) August 24, 2022
