Fansided

Chiefs Kingdom remembers Super Bowl IV hero Len Dawson

ByMatt Verderame|
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 27: Len Dawson #16 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action against the New York Jets during an AFL Football game November 27, 1966 at Shea Stadium in the Queens borough of New York City. Dawson played for the Chiefs from 1963-75. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 27: Len Dawson #16 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action against the New York Jets during an AFL Football game November 27, 1966 at Shea Stadium in the Queens borough of New York City. Dawson played for the Chiefs from 1963-75. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Former Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson passed away on Wednesday morning at 87 years old. His legacy, however, continues on strongly in Kansas City.

Rare is the person who spends 47 years with one organization. Len Dawson was such a person.

Dawson, 87, passed away on Wednesday, leaving behind a well-lived lifetime of memories for millions to cherish. He was the seventh son of a seventh son, something he always considered to be good luck. He spent 18 years in pro football, first with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns, then a year with the Dallas Texans before their move, becoming the Kansas City Chiefs.

From 1962-75, Dawson played brilliantly, first in the American Football League and then the NFL. He amassed three AFL titles and won Super Bowl IV, the final Super Bowl before the AFL-NFL merger of 1970. Dawson was the game’s MVP, sealing the Minnesota Vikings’ fate with a fourth-quarter touchdown toss to Otis Taylor.

After he retired, Dawson continued to make an immeasurable impact on pro football. He became an analyst for HBO’s Inside The NFL before joining the Chiefs’ radio booth, working as a color analyst from 1985-2017. He was also named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.

Len Dawson, former Chiefs great and Hall of Famer, passed away at 87

Upon the news of Dawson’s passing, the tributes began rolling in on Twitter:

Ultimately, Dawson will largely be remembered for his Midwestern voice, his warm smile and a gentile demeanor hiding the intense competitor inside. Around Kansas City, he’ll forever be known for his generosity of spirit, giving back for decades long after he hung up his spikes for the final time.

Dawson passed away on Wednesday, but the memory endures.

Rare is the person who leaves behind a legacy for millions. Len Dawson was such a person.

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