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.

Justin Reid @JustinqReid

What a feeling stepping into GEHA field rockin’ the Red & Gold!

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.

Brandon Thorn @BrandonThornNFL

Trey Smith personifies violence

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:

Patrick Mahomes II @PatrickMahomes

RIP to the legend Len Dawson. The legacy and impact you made on Kansas City will live on forever. Prayers to his family 🙏🏽🙏🏽

KC Sports Network @KCSportsNetwork

This from @TerezPaylor is as good as it gets. RIP to them both. #ChiefsKingdom

yhoo.itWhy Chiefs QB Len Dawson was smoking at halftime of Super Bowl I, and how it became immortalizedA quarterback smoking at halftime of the Super Bowl? Unheard of these days. But it happened at the very first edition, and here’s what led to the moment being photographed.

Matt Cassel @M_Cassel16

My thoughts & prayers go out to the family & loved ones of legendary QB Len Dawson. Everyone that has ever been a part of @Chiefs Kingdom know his impact on the field & in the community. I’m thankful for the great memories I had with him during my time in KC. He’ll be missed.

Trent Green @trentgreen10

RIP Len Dawson. An amazing person who also was a HOF Quarterback and a HOF Broadcaster. Love and prayers to his family and friends.

Matt McMullen @KCChiefs_Matt

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.

Kent Swanson @kent_swanson

Len Dawson the player and Len Dawson the broadcaster connected multiple generations of Chiefs fans together. His voice was an important part of my childhood and many others. RIP Len.

Hudi Productions @hudsononeill15

As kids my buddies and I would ride our bikes over to Len Dawson’s house knock on his door and ask to see his Super Bowl ring. A very annoying thing to do but Lenny didn’t care. He would happily put on the ring to show us. Forever a legendary Chief and dude. #RIPLenDawson

Sam Mellinger @mellinger

There’s something so charming and endearing when a legend treats others like they’re the star. That was Len Dawson to so many in Kansas City. Won’t ever be another like him.

Farzin Vousoughian @Farzin21

I remember watching Andy Reid’s introductory press conference live on TV and hearing him name-drop Len Dawson like that. That made me smile. I’ll never forget that quote.

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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