Len Dawson's life and legacy | KCSN Daily 8.24
On Len Dawson's impact, plus a Chiefs social media roundup, quick hits and more
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After entering hospice care on August 12th, Hall of Fame QB Len Dawson died at 87 years old. A pillar of the Chiefs franchise, Dawson spent 14 seasons playing between the Dallas Texans and Kansas City Chiefs organization. He led the franchise to numerous AFL Championships and two Super Bowls. He helped the team defeat the Vikings in Super Bowl IV, being named Super Bowl MVP in the winning effort.
“I think Len (Dawson) was really the first big sports celebrity in Kansas City,” Chiefs CEO and Chairman Clark Hunt told reporters on Wednesday. “He certainly is up there in the top 2 or 3 or 4 to ever have played for teams in Kansas City. And I think anybody who really grew up during that era, grew up cheering for Len (Dawson).”
(Photo Courtesy of ASSOCIATED PRESS)
After his playing career, Dawson remained in Kansas City. He spent over 30 years as a broadcaster with the Chiefs Radio Network and at KMBC-TV as Sports Anchor on the nightly news. He also spent 25 years hosting HBO’s Inside The NFL.
“The thing, of course, that makes Len so unique is his career didn’t stop when his playing days were done in 1975,” Hunt continued. “He went on to this amazing broadcast career, both TV and radio. And through that, he stayed attached to the Chiefs and also the city of Kansas City. That gave future generations— generations that weren’t necessarily alive when he was winning Super Bowls — but it gave them a connection to Len Dawson and the Chiefs that I think makes him truly special in the pantheon of great players who have ever played for the Chiefs or frankly any Kansas City team.”
Dawson’s legacy extended far beyond what happened on the football field. He became a de facto ambassador to the Chiefs organization because of his role in the media, welcoming new generations of players and coaches to the franchise. He was named the NFL’s Man of the Year in 1973 in part for his charitable work in the Kansas City community.
“I think some people are going to remember him as a player, others will remember him as a broadcaster,” Hunt said. “But I hope that everybody in Kansas City will remember him as someone who embraced the city and really spent his entire life trying to make Kansas City a better place to live, work and play.”
Dawson accomplished that goal — he made Kansas City a better place. And not just with his play on the football field or his work as a broadcaster, but with his humanity. He had a way of making everyone feel special, whether you were a fan that stopped him on the street, an NFL player in an interview, or even the owner’s son who viewed him as a hero.
Quick Hits:
From Justin Reid: Chiefs S Justin Reid was very excited to wear his new uniform in front of fans in preseason Week 2.
He later corrected his tweet to say “Arrowhead” instead of “GEHA Field.”
From Brandon Thorn: Just a reminder from Trey Smith on how offensive line play should look.
From KCSN’s Podcasts: Listen to BJ Kissel, Nick Leckey and Tucker Franklin discuss why former Chiefs receivers are discounting Patrick Mahomes on the latest episode of Outside The Trenches.
Len Dawson Twitter roundup:
KCSN Foundation:
Like golf? Want to support local KC charities? Find out more about the KCSN Foundation and our Charity Golf Tournament in Bonner Springs, Kansas this October.
Important dates ahead:
Thursday, Aug. 25 - Preseason Week 3: Chiefs vs. Packers - 7:00 p.m. CT - Kansas City, Missouri at Arrowhead Stadium
Tuesday, Aug. 30 - Final roster cuts - 80 to 53 players (due 3:00 p.m. CT)
Wednesday, Aug. 31 - Waiver claiming period ends (due 11:00 a.m. CT)
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RIP to Lenny the Cool.. Forever a chief. Forever a legend.