HOF Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson dies at 87

[pwaldo]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/nf...7-hospice.html

Len Dawson, the Hall of Fame quarterback who helped establish the American Football League as a legitimate rival to the NFL while leading the Kansas City Chiefs to a Super Bowl IV victory, has died at 87.

The former Purdue star had recently entered hospice care in Kansas City. A cause of death has not been revealed.

'With wife Linda at his side, it is with much sadness that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Len Dawson,' the family said in a statement to KMBC in Kansas City. '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.'

Dawson personified the Chiefs almost from the start, when the suave standout from Purdue lost out on starting jobs in Pittsburgh and Cleveland and landed with the nascent franchise, then located in Dallas. There, Dawson reunited with Hank Stram, who had been an assistant with the Boilermakers, and together they forever changed the franchise.

[bfd13]

I got to meet Mr. Dawson several times while working at the KC Chiefs summer camp as a photographer. One time, I was standing along a fence beyond the end zone. Mr. Dawson walked up and stood next to me, striking up a conversation. He was always gracious and pleasant. He was the epitome of class.

[bakemeister52]

He was a good player and person and RIP!

Bake