Chiefs legendary quarterback Len Dawson is dead at 87

Kansas City Chiefs legendary quarterback Len Dawson passed away with his wife Linda at his side on Wednesday.

His family released this statement:

“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.

“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.”

Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt also released a statement on the death.

“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,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “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.”

Dawson was one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL. Dawson was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the fifth overall pick in 1957 and would eventually become the starter of the Dallas Texans in 1962, before moving into a starting role with the Chiefs in 1963.

Dawson played for 14 season and amassed 28,711 passing yards and 239 passing TDs in his career, and eventually retired following the 1975 season. He went on to become an ultra-successful football broadcaster.

Dawson spent more than 50 years in broadcasting after (and during) nearly two decades of playing. Dawson retired from the Chiefs’ radio network in 2017.

Dawson was elected to the 1987 Hall of Fame class and made it as an announcer as well in 2012. His number is retired by the Chiefs. In the AFL, Dawson won four passing titles and was a six-time All-Star.

Rest In Peace Lenny the Cool! Please keep the family and Chiefs fans in your prayers today!