It would be difficult to tell the story of the Kansas City Chiefs without mentioning Len Dawson.
While his football career did not start with the franchise originally known as the Dallas Texans, it was with that franchise that he made a lasting impact.
He was not only an accomplished player but also a well-revered broadcaster.
ESPN’s Field Yates summarized his greatest accomplishments.
A Super Bowl champion and MVP, an AFL legend, an incredible broadcaster, a revered individual in so many ways.
RIP to Len Dawson. pic.twitter.com/XbIVtZer1y
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 24, 2022
He joined the team in 1962 when they were still in Dallas and was the franchise’s first starting quarterback when they moved to Kansas City a year later.
Aside from winning Super Bowl IV, he also participated in the first-ever Super Bowl and led the Chiefs to three AFL Championships.
After an impressive playing career that spanned 18 years, he went into broadcasting as the Chiefs’ analyst for their radio broadcast team.
He held that role until 2017 and was also the host of HBO’s Inside the NFL from 1977 to 2001.
His impact goes beyond football as Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals paid tribute to him.
Len Dawson is an American legend, a Super Bowl Champion, a world class broadcaster, and will forever be among the most important and beloved figures in our city’s history.
The Royals send sympathy and support to the Chiefs and the Dawson family. pic.twitter.com/DqazmUeXz1— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 24, 2022
In celebration of a lifetime’s worth of accolades, Dawson was also inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
The Hall did not forget to highlight his achievements now that he has passed away at 87.
As a player, Len Dawson was a Super Bowl winner & Hall of Famer. For his work in TV, he received the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award.
At his core, Dawson was the ninth of 11 children in a loving Ohio family, whose impact on the many lives he touched will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/ROLan8MUrD
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 24, 2022
Len Will Never Be Forgotten
Though he has been a popular fixture for so long, especially in Kansas City, the people who were privileged to spend time with him have nothing but kind words to say about Dawson.
His colleague and fellow NFL quarterback Ron Jaworski called Dawson “a class act.”
So sad to hear of the passing on Len Dawson.
Lenny was a fantastic QB!
Also had a tremendous career as a broadcaster.
Was a class act.
Rest In Peace my friend.— Ron Jaworski (@JawsCEOQB) August 24, 2022
Meanwhile, Chiefs reporter Matt McMullen described him as a legend both on and off the field.
Len Dawson was the definition of a legend, both on and off the field. He truly helped put Kansas City on the map, and in the years following his playing career, Dawson continued to give back to our town for decades in numerous ways.
RIP, Len. Thank you for everything.
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) August 24, 2022
Finally, current Chiefs starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes honored the only other quarterback that brought a Super Bowl victory to the franchise.
RIP to the legend Len Dawson. The legacy and impact you made on Kansas City will live on forever. Prayers to his family 🙏🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/AKMhxoUFYH
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) August 24, 2022
The legend will never be forgotten.
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