Hall of Fame quarterback and broadcaster Len Dawson has passed away at the age of 87 according to his family. A Kansas City icon, the legendary figure famously led the Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl IV over the Minnesota Vikings.
Dawson’s family announced his passing to Kansas City broadcaster KMBC stating “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. He loved Kansas City and no matter where his travels took him, he could not wait to return home.”
According to his relatives, the former QB entered hospice care on August 12th before his passing. Twice elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, once as a player and once as a broadcaster, Dawson spent 47 years with the Chiefs organization in a variety of capacities, including quarterback, colour commentator and analyst.
In a statement posted to the Chiefs website, team Chairman & CEO Clark Hunt remarked “My family and I are heartbroken. Len Dawson is synonymous with the Kansas City Chiefs. Len embraced and came to embody Kansas City and the people that call it home. You would be hard-pressed to find a player who had a bigger impact in shaping the organization as we know it today than Len Dawson did…I admired Len my entire life – first as a Hall of Fame player on the field, and later as he transitioned into a successful broadcasting career. Throughout his remarkable career, Len made it a priority to give back to the community that he loved. The franchise has lost a true legend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Linda and his family.”
Named the NFL Man of the Year in 1973, Dawson currently holds the Chiefs franchise records for passing attempts, completions, passing yards, and touchdowns. He was named Super Bowl MVP in 1970, and won the AFL passing title 4 times during his hall of fame career.
Of his 28,711 passing yards and 239TDs in his career, all but 204 yards and 2 TDs came with the Chiefs franchise over the course of a 13 season stint with the club.
Photo: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joel Pfiester.