Len was the third-youngest of eleven children in the Dawson clan. Davidson died Monday night. With wife Linda at his side, it is with much sadness that we inform you of The family sent a statement to the press, (With his lovely wife Linda at his side, it is with great sadness that we inform you of the demise of our beloved Len Dawson.). That would be sweet, Colquitt said. Dawson led the Chiefs to victories over the defending champion Jets and bitter rival Raiders to reach what would be the final Super Bowl before the AFL-NFL merger, where he threw for 142 yards and a score in a 23-7 triumph. On Wednesday, Len Dawsons passing was announced by a number of sites on social media. Stram answered "No comment," when asked if there was any validity to reports aired on TV that Dawson along with Jets quarterback Joe Namath and Lions quarterback Bill Munson are to be questioned by a federal grand jury. Nothing bad had been brought up about cigarette smoking, or any type of smoking, back then. The Green Bay Packers beat Kansas City 35-10. The popular Len Dawson was the ninth born out of his eleven siblings and by his parents James and Annie Dawson. Len was always grateful and many times overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made during his football and broadcast careers. In 1955, he became a father to his daughter Anne, and in 1960, he became a father to his son. From the football field to sports broadcasting, here's a look at Len Dawson over the years in both roles. Len Dawson is synonymous with the Kansas City Chiefs, owner Clark Hunt said in a statement on Wednesday. RIP Len Dawson pic.twitter.com/Knt7A13Mmb. Dawson was chosen by the Steelers in the first round of the 1957 draft, but he wound up riding the bench behind Earl Morrall as a rookie and then failed to beat out Bobby Layne for he starting job the following season. To me, witting is like therapy it makes you use your mind in a different way than you can ever imagine. Legendary Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and Kansas City broadcaster Len Dawson has died. The Super Bowl I, was the first championship game between AFL and their rivals, NFL. He has a sister who has been identified as Lisa Anne Dawson, He was born to Len Dawson and his first wife, Jacqueline Puzder. James Dawson, his father, was an Ohio native, and Annie Dawson, his mother, was born in England. Interestingly enough, he was the seventh son of a seventh son. Currently, he is still an active member of the community and puts much of his energy into charitable activities. NEW ORLEANS (July 4, 2005) -- Hall of Fame coach Hank Stram, who took the Kansas City Chiefs to two Super Bowls and was known for his inventive game plans and exuberance on the sideline, died, his family said. 49ers GM John Lynch reveals text he sent to Tom Brady after seven-time Super Bowl champs retirement annoucement from NFL, Jon Jones reveals Ciryl Ganes massive fighting flaws ahead of UFC 285, Stephen Curry injury update: Warriors star set to return vs Lakers on Sunday, Im looking to rebound from the skid Cody Garbrandt determined to turn his career around on comeback bout vs Trevin Jones at UFC 285, Chiefs TE Travis Kelces hilarious Indiana Jones SNL look makes Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes burst in laughter, Michael Irvins $100M lawsuit takes shocking turn as Marriott denies ownership of Phoenix hotel where alleged harassments of female worker happened, Im happy to be home Ex-NFL WR Antonio Brown purchases football team his father Eddie Brown played for, NFL preseason schedule 2022: dates, times, live streams online, TV channels, and more, Shaquem Griffin: cause of retiring, family, parents, wife, net worth, Cristiano Ronaldos mother wishes to see her son return to Sporting CP before she dies, Oscar Valdez vs Robson Conceicao Fight Purse, Payouts, Salaries, Undercard, Dana White exposed: How UFC went from bankruptcy to billion-dollar-empire in a flash, Watch Oscar Valdez vs Robson Conceicao Free Live Boxing Streams Reddit: Preview, Prediction, Fight Card, Time, Odds. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson before throwing the final touchdown pass of the game to wide receiver Otis Taylor as the Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings to win Super Bowl IV in 1970 at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans. Most Popular #47921. Former star Raiders D-lineman Davidson dies, Jones: Not fixated on Cowboys' drought, just '23, Sources: Raiders plan franchise tag for Jacobs, WR Addison to Steelers' Pickett: 'Come get me', Wolverines' Turner wows with 4.26 40 at combine, Top QB prospect Levis eager to unleash 'cannon', QB Bennett addresses off-field issues at combine, Campbell: Lamar wants deal done with Ravens, Alabama QB Young undeterred by size questions, The most memorable pre-NFL draft workouts ever: Coaches, scouts, execs make their picks, 2023 NFL franchise tag tracker: Raiders tag Josh Jacobs, the NFL's rushing leader, Browns' offense: Grading positions ahead of free agency, 2023 draft, Jaguars won't spend big, but here are five players they could target in free agency. And Stenerud, a non-smoker himself, never forgot his first glimpse of the star quarterback. As Dawson was on the ground, Davidson dived into him with his helmet. A new home for Michael Thomas? With newfound freedom to sign anywhere, Dawson jumped to the upstart AFL and the Texans, lured in part by the chance to play for one of his old coaches at Purdue. Additionally, Len was also a sports journalist personality for at least two decades. He then spent two years in Washington before joining the Raiders in Davis' second season as coach in Oakland. Dawson always remained a beloved figure in Kansas City, even though he cut back on public appearances several years ago when his health began to fail. Stenerud witnessed Dawsons habit almost immediately. Dawson played for the Chiefs from 1963-75. Dawson led the Texans/Chiefs to three AFL championships (1962, 1966, 1969), and the franchises first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl IV, for which he won the games MVP award. He was always that way.". KANSAS CITY, Mo. Of his family, of Chiefs memorabilia fairly standard stuff. Ever since then, the Chiefs who were around back then have found themselves fielding questions about how a football player could have been smoking in the middle of what would eventually become one of sports biggest and most physically demanding spectacles. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images), Head Coach Hank Stram (R) of the Kansas City Chiefs and Quarterback Len Dawson (L) watching the action from the sidelines during a mid circa 1960's NFL football game at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Len embraced and came to embody Kansas City and the people that call it home. With his distinctive handlebar mustache, raspy voice and physical play, Davidson helped personify Al Davis' renegade Raiders on the 1960s. Additionally, Len has undergone quadruple heart surgery and has experienced episodes of shingles and some memory lapses. Len Dawson has two children from his first marriage to Jacqueline Puzder. It wasnt like people did it all the time.. Dawson played for the Chiefs from 1963-75. Certainly cigarettes have a stigma, and then to equate it with an athlete and then equate it with a quarterback and then equate it with a guy in the Hall of Fame you have all the elements that make it interesting and intriguing.. RIP to the legend Len Dawson, Mahomes wrote in a tweet. Dawson won the passing title four times while playing under head coach Hank Stram, and he made the league All-Star team six times. Taylor made a one handed catch of Dawson's pass in the closing minutes of the game to break a 20-20 tie. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him as the fifth overall choice in the 1957 NFL Draft. Born in 1935 #40. The Green Bay Packers won the game. As Dawson was on the Follow me on Twitter (@NaNa_KqAmE). All registered. Puzder mothers Len Dawson, Jr. and Lisa Anne Dawson who are the only biological children of the legend. ComputerNerd1. But he always had time for fans, whether a photograph or signature, the latter often on an iconic black-and-white photo from halftime of that first Super Bowl: The exhausted quarterback, white uniform caked with mud, sitting on a folding chair with a cigarette in his mouth and a bottle of Fresca at his feet. PHOTOS: Take a look inside the old Cass County Jail. So different that any Chiefs or San Francisco 49ers player caught smoking during Super Bowl LIV on Feb. 2 would be excoriated, not celebrated. In this Jan. 11, 1970, file photo, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson (16) turns around to hand the ball off to running back Mike Garrett (21) during the Super Bowl IV football game in New Orleans. Len also participated in Super Bowl IV shortly after his dramatic comeback in the 1969 season with Kansa City after suffering from a knee injury. He was 87 years old. Theres no shortage of photos in the office of Kansas City Chiefs team president Mark Donovan. Heres what Chiefs Hall of Famer Fred Arbanas once told Yahoo Sportsabout Kansas Citys laissez-faire approach to smoking in the locker room: Id smoke a cigar, and probably more than half the guys smoked cigarettes back then. But theres also one small picture, located in a frame behind his desk, that stands out. Reply. In 1955 he became father to his daughter Anne and in 1960 father to his son. A senior writer who is dedicated to writing content that is useful and timely to readers. By Steneruds sixth season in Kansas City, smoking was still a big enough part of pro football culture, with players puffing away on the sideline and in the locker room. The grand jury is investigating an alleged nationwide gambling operation. The legendary athlete Len Dawson had two kids named Lisa Dawson and Len Dawson Jr. Born between his first wife and Dawson; the kids received much love and However, his first wife died in 1978 after suffering from a stroke in 1977. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Dawsons family announced his death in a statement through KMBC, the Kansas City-based television station where he starred in his second career as a broadcaster. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and friend. Quarterback Len Dawson of the Kansas City Chiefs on the sidelines in the mid-1970s. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend. It was overwhelming, Dawson said afterward. One of Davidson's most memorable plays came on Nov. 1, 1970, against Kansas City. A personal observation; Mr. Dawson has always been for the children. The man is Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson, and the photo is from halftime of the very first Super Bowl, played way back on Jan. 15, 1967. The posters may be mounted on a wall, in the school football team halls, or any other place that is suitable. Born in 1936, Jen Dawsons first wife Jacqueline Puzder died at the age of 42 after suffering from a series of strokes. Taylor and Dawson were cited for their play in Sunday's game with the then Washington Redskins. In an era that prides itself on meticulously watching calories and treating the body like a temple, modern players probably wont smoke or drink before competing against other elite athletes. He started his football career as a Quarterback in 1957. The award was presented by sport magazine. Stram was the head coach of the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs from 1960-1974. Many people have used different social media accounts since his passing to send the deceaseds family their sincere condolences. In this undated file photo, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson is shown in action. June 20 Football Player #3. Even if Mahomes or another Chiefs player was to somehow recreate the photo, its safe to say the 1967 original, which will remain prominently displayed behind team president Mark Donovans desk for the foreseeable future, will always be Kansas Citys most iconic football photo. Len Dawson has two children from his first marriage to Jacqueline Puzder. Fred Arbanas doesnt remember a whole lot about halftime of Super Bowl I. Dawson had two children with Jackie, his high school sweetheart, and they were married from 1954 until her death in 1978. That same year, cigarette commercials stopped appearing on television, resulting in a steadily dwindling number of smokers. The fact that its so unusual, so out of the question now thats what grabs them. Len was constantly appreciative of the innumerable connections he made throughout his football and broadcasting professions and was frequently overcome by them), the statement added. Ghanaian songstress and actress Hajia4Real. Davidson didn't play football until going to East Los Angeles Community College. Read about his wife and children during this difficult time. Dawson worked in local TV for several decades, adding game analysis for NBC from 1977-82 and hosting HBOs iconic Inside the NFL from 1977-2001. 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.. He was a three-sport athlete at Alliance High School, setting records in both football and basketball, and turned his success on the gridiron into a scholarship offer from Purdue. Dawson was married to his high school sweetheart, Jackie, from 1954 until her death in 1978, and together they had two children. With Dawson at QB, the Chiefs lost in Super Bowl I, but beat the Minnesota Vikings 23-7 in Super Bowl IV. Top Picks Sign up for the For The Win newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. He played football quarterback for number 16 when he was playing for Dallas Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Throughout his remarkable career, Len made it a priority to give back to the community that he loved. In 1987, he was admitted to the Hall of Fame. He was a three-sport athlete at Alliance High School, setting records in both football and basketball, and turned his success on the gridiron into a scholarship offer from Purdue. Even Dawson, whom Moore says wasnt one of the teams heaviest smokers, eventually gave up the habit. I assume Len Dawson must be on death's door. 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. Dawson wasnt alone as a football player, professional athlete or many people in other physical endeavors then. He also served as the color analyst for the Kansas City Chiefs between 1985 to 2017. His natural charisma and folksy style made Dawson a natural. And the end, Linda acknowledged and thanked the wonderful team of doctors, nurses, and support staff. He was born on June 20, 1935, in Alliance, Ohio, in the United States. This was accumulated over the course of his productive NFL and AFL career as a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Kansas City Chiefs. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Lisa happens to be the first and only daughter of the renowned quarterback. Flores, who recently played golf with Davidson, got the news while in Las Vegas for a celebration of Davis, who would have turned 83 on Wednesday. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Both of his https://ftw.usatoday.com/2022/08/len-dawson-chiefs-death-super-bowl-cigarette-photo, The Red Sox found a loophole in the MLB shift ban and it stinks for Joey Gallo, The Warriors left Russell Westbrook ridiculously wide open and it worked to perfection, Survivor 44: Meet the castaways who will compete for $1 million in Fiji, Watch: Man tries feeding bison near Yellowstone; it doesnt go well, 2023 NFL Combine Winners Day 1: Blazing-fast DTs give the Bears plenty to consider, A 'Wheel of Fortune' contestant completely whiffed on a bagels and lox puzzle, Stephen A. Smiths wildly dismissive comments about hockey on First Take had NHL fans fuming, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Recently, John Lyn reveals a message to Tom Brady talking about his retirement matter. Credit where credit is due, Jon Jones is known as a dirty fighter who Golden State Warriors fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of their star player, What a start to his career Cody Garbrandt had! His family includes a daughter who goes by the name Anne Dawson and a son who goes by the name Len Dawson Jr. He was MVP of the football team and was named outstanding Ohio back of the year by the International News Service. Theres a green Fresca bottle between his feet, and in between his right thumb and index finger, a lit cigarette pulled closely to his lips, captured precisely with his cheeks sucked in, mid-drag. Dawson was born June 20, 1935, the ninth of 11 children that filled the house of James and Annie Dawson in the blue-collar manufacturing town of Alliance, Ohio. Former Raiders coach John Madden first reported Davidson's death Tuesday on KCBS radio in San Francisco. A lot of times, youd come into our locker room and you could hardly see, itd be so smoky in there. Lens father James was the seventh son in his brood. While other Chiefs remember it differently You might see one or two guys the whole locker room wouldnt be that way, said Hall of Fame linebacker and devout non-smoker Bobby Bell smoking was at least common enough that this particular photo, taken by LIFE Magazines Bill Ray, was considered so unremarkable that LIFE never used it in print. Former Super Bowl Most Valuable Players Larry Csonka, left, Joe Namath and Len Dawson listen to NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue give his state of the NFL address in Detroit Friday, Feb. 3, 2006. Len also led the Franchise to their first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl IV, where he was awarded the games MVP Award. According to the records he had a son and a daughter; Len Dawson, Jr. and Lisa Anne Dawson. He also led Dallas to the first of three league titles in a thrilling double-overtime victory over the two-time defending champion Oilers in Houston. It just tells you how much were evolving as the world goes around.. Who Is Wes Scantlin Ex Wife Wes Scantlin is a musician,, Online retail giant Kogan claims its on track for a return to, Millions of Americans will lose their Medicaid coverage in the coming months, New Orleans residents seek to push controversial Mayor LaToya Cantrell out of, A public defender in San Francisco is pushing back on a newly, Bjork reveals artwork for her new album Fossora and announces her first single Atopos, BUSINESS LIVE: Britishvolt takeover completed; ABF ups profit forecast, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mike Tyson, Deontay Wilder attend Tommy Furys victory over Jake Paul, Elon Musk sacks 200 MORE Twitter staff including top lieutenant, Mardi Gras: Albos beers with ABC as Scott Morrisons brother marches to support paramedics, Energy bills expected to rise by average of 500 a year, Ofgem will warn despite price cap reduction, The four best digital-only banks revealed, Norfolk Southern to truck toxic waste from East Palestine train derailment to two sites in Ohio, Yassmin Abdel-Magied backs Lidia Thorpes Mardi Gras stunt, Cops smash car window to rescue two kids trapped in hot vehicle at shopping centre: Sydney, Dee Why, Native American advocacy group retires iconic 1970s anti-pollution ad Crying Indian. Thats befitting of a 1960s era before smokings toxic effects on the lungs were common knowledge and before it was a United States medical standard to advise against smoking. It wasnt unusual, it wasnt looked down upon there were medical people telling people to smoke cigarettes because they were mentholated and represented a cooling for your throat. Jen Dawson was named the MVP of the football team, and the International News Service named him the best Ohio back of the year. After leaving the NFL in 1962, he played with the Chiefs of the American Football League (then known as the Dallas Texans) for 14 seasons. 2023 Ghanafuo.com & DM Network. Not everyone encapsulated an era of sports history behind the scenes in the same way. How casual he is. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 1992 following the scheduling of a regular health check-up after his wife Linda insisted. It was a different time with a different standard of health. Len got married to his second wife, Linda. In a rage, Chiefs wide receiver Otis Taylor jumped on Davidson and a brawl ensued. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Regardless of his legendary personal life story, fans are now heartbroken to lose the QB star. If you were to capture a cultural moment on the change thats taken place, thats as good as any, because were very health conscious today. What are some fun facts about Wayne Shorter? He was 72. Additionally, the fact Ray was even allowed in the locker room to take the photo in the first place adds to its iconic nature. Dawson Len and his wife Jacqueline were blessed with two children Lisa Anne and Len Jr. Len Dawson and his family, wife Jackie, daughter Lisa and son Lenny, are pictured by the pool at their home in Kansas City, Mo., Feb. 1970. Len Dawson is a former American football quarterback for the National Football League and American Football League. The couple resides in Kansas City. Lens daughter is the firstborn of his two children. But our society loves throwbacks be it jerseys, old games, etc. Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson has died at the age of 87. Till the age of 40, Dawson was a Chiefs player. He has a daughter named Anne Dawson and a son named Len Dawson Jr. in his family. Len is also the ninth born in a family of eleven children. Kansas City coach Hank Stram, left, checks suitcase full of signatures supporting quarterback Len Dawson, right, Jan. 10, 1970, in New Orleans. He sustained a serious knee injury against the Patriots in Week 2, forcing him to miss the next five games. Dawson had prostate cancer, which was discovered in 1991. He loved Kansas City and no matter where his travels took him, he could not wait to return home. The native of Alliance, Ohio, was a standout at Purdue from 1953 to 1956. Chiefs' QB Len Dawson talks to his line in the Super Bowl IV game of the Kansas City Chiefs vs the Minnesota Vikings played on January 11, 1970. And when Donovan noticed that a colleague down the hall had placed a larger version of this photo one that has gained more life in recent years on top of a credenza a few years back, Donovan knew he had to have one, too. But not everyone showed such candor at what it was like to play a dangerous game like football and to try to take a breath amidst all the punishment. He was being treated for prostate cancer. (Photo by Focus On Sport/Getty Images), PITTSBURGH, PA - Quarterback Len Dawson #16 of the Kansas City Chiefs is on the sideline during an early circa 1970's NFL football game at Three Rivers Front Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Stram had been in declining health for several years and Dale Stram attributed his father's death to complications from Len Dawson was an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League & American Football League for 19 seasons. He was an actor, known for Personal Best (1982), The Love Butcher (1975) and Pro Bowlers' Tour (1962). He used to work as a rookie, color analyst for Chiefs Radio Network, and also at KMBC-TV as a sports director after he retired from football. Furthermore, he earned the honors of representing AFL in Super Bowl I after leading the chiefs to a record of 11-2-1 and a win-over of 31-7 over the Buffalo Bills in the AFL Championship Game. On Wednesday, August 24, 2022, he passed away in the company of his family and friends. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images), BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Len Dawson #16 of the Kansas City Chiefs turns to hand the ball off to running back Curtis McClinton #32 against the Boston Patriots during an NFL football game September 25, 1966 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Len Dawson had two kids who are now grown-ups with his longtime lover and high school sweetheart who passed on after two decades of marriage in 1978. The decision by Chiefs head coach Hank Stram to give the photographer access he reportedly struck a deal with the magazine to do so was highly unusual, even for that era. Posted on Jan 31st, 2020, 6:26 PM, , User Since 242 months ago, User Post Count: 18514. Dawson would join with the American Football Leagues Dallas Texans, who would eventually change their name to the Kansas City Chiefs. His second wife, Linda, remained by his side as Dawson entered hospice care. Hall of Fame QB Len Dawson dies at age 87 Dawson entered hospice care on Aug. 12. According to his death statement, he passed away with his wife Linda by his side. Denise Dowse family, husband, children, parents, siblings. Another reason he chose it is because of his love for football history and the oddball way the photo captures a time when the game was very, very different. Linda Louise is the second wife of Len Dawson. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images), KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 5: Len Dawson #16 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action against the New York Jets during an AFL Football game November 5, 1967 at Kansas City Municipal Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. 23 / 67 Len Dawson (16) with Lamar Hunt accepting the NFL Man of the Year trophy Len Dawson 24 / 67 Len Dawson of the Kansas City Chiefs running through passing drills with receivers in New Orleans to prepare for the Super Bowl, in January 1970. On August 12, 2022, his family disclosed that he had started receiving hospice care. In this Aug. 4, 2012 file photo, Pro Football Hall of Fame member Len Dawson is introduced during the induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Len Dawson, right, quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs football team, announces, April 4, 1972 in Kansas City he will play for another two years. WebDawson was the ninth of 11 children born to parents James and Annie. Members of the Super Bowl Most Valuable Players pose for a photograph in Detroit Friday, Feb. 3, 2006.