Kansas City Chiefs legend Len Dawson, who led the team to its first Super Bowl title in 1969, has died at 87 years old.
Dawson was the fourth member of the organization immortalized in the hallowed halls of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. He was the third player enshrined (1987), following his defensive teammates Bobby Bell (1983) and Willie Lanier (1986).
Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter released the following statement on Dawson following the news of his death:
“Len grew up only a few miles from where the Pro Football Hall of Fame later was built, and fans in the area have always taken a special pride in seeing one of the greats from this region enshrined in Canton. Fans connected with Len’s story of perseverance, appreciating how he gave the game one more try after five nondescript seasons when many others would have quit.
The American Football League, and Hall of Fame coach Hank Stram, gave Len a true opportunity, and he made the most of it, building the Chiefs into a Super Bowl contender, and eventually a world champion.
Our thoughts and prayers extend to his wife, Linda, and to all of Len’s family and friends in Kansas City and in Alliance, Ohio.
The flag at the Pro Football Hall of Fame will be flown at half-staff in his honor.”
Dawson returned to Canton many times after his own Hall of Fame enshrinement to help welcome new classes of Hall of Famers.
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