LIFE Magazine's iconic photo of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson smoking at halftime of Super Bowl I. He spent eight seasons with the Raiders. Dawson Oakland tied the game on a field goal by George Blanda with 8 seconds remaining and that proved to be the difference in the AFC West race. He led the NCAA in passing efficiency as a sophomore while also playing defense and kicking, and helped lead an upset of Notre Dame during that 1954 season. 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. 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. During his storied 14-year tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, Dawson served as the franchises heart and soul. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him as the fifth overall choice in the 1957 NFL Draft. Prince Ahiakpor is a man that believes the world can be a peaceful place when you love your neighbor as ourselves. Len Dawson is synonymous with the Kansas City Chiefs. He turned his attention to TV and radio on a full-time basis after his playing career ended. Jacqueline passed on at the age of 42 years. Born in 1935 #40. Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson stands on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 30, 2017. Lens father James was the seventh son in his brood. Im talking about the time that a clearly exhausted Dawson with his jersey and uniform already disheveled in an appropriate football way smoked a cigarette while drinking a Fresca during the halftime of Super Bowl I versus the Packers in January 1967. He was born on June 20, 1935, in Alliance, Ohio, in the United States. "He was just a big, tall, skinny guy that Davis took a chance with," Flores said. He sustained a serious knee injury against the Patriots in Week 2, forcing him to miss the next five games. Gemini Football Player #36. In 1969, Dawson led the Kansas City Chiefs to their fourth Super Bowl victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The couple resides in Kansas City. 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. After his first marriage, to Jacqueline Puzder, Len Dawson became the father of two children. Len Dawson had only two kids, a daughter and a son named Lisa Anne Dawson and Len Dawson Jr respectively. Quarterback Len Dawson in the Chiefs' locker room during Super Bowl I in 1967. Yeah, Donovan said, a smile crossing his face once again. A new home for Michael Thomas? Chosen offensive players of the week, Otis Taylor, left, and quarterback Len Dawson, right, of the Kansan City Chiefs, watch game films shown by head coach Hank Stram. Its been a true privilege and honor to have Len at the center of our broadcast team for the last 33 years, said Dan Israel, the executive producer of the Chiefs radio network, upon his retirement a few years ago. But he went on a tear once back on the field. Legendary Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and Kansas City broadcaster Len Dawson has died. He spent the majority of his life playing quarterback in American football. Lens daughter is the firstborn of his two children. He was a second-team Associated Press All-AFL selection in 1965 and first-teamer in 1967. The thought of that today would be outrageous.. Len Dawson is synonymous with the Kansas City Chiefs, owner Clark Hunt said in a statement on Wednesday. 16 adorning his chest, sitting in a cheap, gray folding chair. The cancer was detected in its early stages and Lens prostate was surgically removed. He has a daughter named Anne Dawson and a son named Len Dawson Jr. in his family. A personal observation; Mr. Dawson has always been for the children. Pat [Mahomes] should do that that would be golden, Hill told Yahoo Sports with a laugh. 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. Members of the Super Bowl Most Valuable Players pose for a photograph in Detroit Friday, Feb. 3, 2006. The popular Len Dawson was the ninth born out of his eleven siblings and by his parents James and Annie Dawson. They probably did it more before I got here, said Lanier, who played for the Chiefs from 1967-1977. IE 11 is not supported. 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! That earned the Chiefs the chance to face the powerhouse Packers and coach Vince Lombardi in the inaugural Super Bowl, where Dawson threw for 210 yards and a touchdown in a 35-10 defeat. "Their attitude was, if you've got a shot at the quarterback, take it," Dawson recalled in 2010. 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. The smiling man at left is head coach Hank Stram. 2023 Ghanafuo.com & DM Network. Mr. Dawsons wife of 24 years, Jacqueline Puzder, died in 1978. WebLen Dawson was born on June 25, 1935 in Alliance, Ohio, USA. 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. Former NFL player Len Dawson arrives at the 5th annual NFL Honors at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, in San Francisco. Len Dawson Jr. is a celebrity kid who happens to be the son of the late and former American football quarterback, Len Dawson. Here is one of our favorite pieces from Paylor: KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Super Bowl I, was the first championship game between AFL and their rivals, NFL. That would be sweet, Colquitt said. Len Dawson Bio, Wiki, Age, Wife, Daughter, Health, Super Bowl, Our minds can do a lot if you allow them to do so. Hes doing it for Kansas City, and hes not going to change because hes on the biggest stage. Len Dawson was 87 years old at the time of his demise. According to his death statement, he passed away with his wife Linda by his side. 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. His death has saddened his fans and football fans alike. Dawson, who won three AFL championships and led Kansas City to its first Super Bowl victory, died Wednesday at the age of 87. 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. In this undated file photo, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson is shown in action. Since then, Len has been creating health awareness by educating on prostate cancer for early detection through regular health checkups. Lisa Anne Dawson is a celebrity daughter to the famous American football quaterback Len Dawson. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? Based on one black and white moment in a Pro Football Hall of Fame career, former Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson did not possess that strict mindset. Stram was the head coach of the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs from 1960-1974. 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. In the year 1955, he became a father to his daughter Anne, and in the year 1960, he became a father to his son. Of his family, of Chiefs memorabilia fairly standard stuff. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 1992 following the scheduling of a regular health check-up after his wife Linda insisted. Quarterback Len Dawson #16 of the Kansas City Chiefs drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders during an early circa 1970's NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. From the football field to sports broadcasting, here's a look at Len Dawson over the years in both roles. In 1987, he was admitted to the Hall of Fame. Dawson had two children with Jackie, his high school sweetheart, and they were married from 1954 until her death in 1978. Between 2015 and 16, No Travis Kelce SNL promo has drawn hilarious reactions. On August 12, 2022, his family disclosed that he had started receiving hospice care. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend. Leonard Ray Len Dawson was born to parents James and Annie in Alliance, OH on June 20, 1935. Who Is Linda Louise First Wife To Len Dawson? His second wife, Linda, remained by his side as Dawson entered hospice care. The death of 1970 MVP was announced by his family. His natural charisma and folksy style made Dawson a natural. His family includes a daughter named Anne Dawson and a son named Len Dawson Jr. Jacqueline was his high school sweetheart whom he married in 1954, and they were together until her passing in 1978. Editor at Ghanafuo.com! 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. Len Dawson (16) Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, 1973. His condition periodically deteriorated after the diagnosis. Where did Russell Senior go to college and high school? (He was a great friend, brother, husband, and father. Like his father James, Len was the seventh son. Back in the 60s, guys grew up in an environment where people smoked men and women and people grew up in families that smoked, Moore said. Lisa happens to be the first and only daughter of the renowned And it perfectly captured a man that embodied poise and self-assurance. Dawson wasnt necessarily alone or unique in smoking mid-game. Following her death, Len married Linda Louise, his current wife. He was always that way.". Dawsons first wife was Jacqueline Puzder, they were lovers since they were in high school. (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. Jen graduated from Alliance High School in Ohio. Evolving, yes. He was an actor, known for Personal Best (1982), The Love Butcher (1975) and Pro Bowlers' Tour (1962). They might even point to his various top AFL passing marks over the years. Hes still Len Dawson. The car was part of his reward for being named most valuable player in the Super Bowl Game with Minnesota on January 11. WebOn November 15, 1969, Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson was informed that his father tragically passed away from a heart attack. Lens father was originally from Ohio while his mother was born in England. Quarterback Len Dawson, left, and Coach Hank Stram, center, listen as comedian Johnny Carson makes a point during taping of the NBC-TV Tonight Show Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1970 in New York. Len is the son of James, his father, and Anne Dawson, his mother. Clark Hunt, the chairman of the Chiefs, expressed his heartbreak over Dawsons passing. [People are like] I cant believe it! 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. Too many years have gone by for the former tight end who played for the Chiefs from 1962-1970. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. How seemingly relieved he is while copping one solitary moment of peace in this case, a small cigarette during a football game that undoubtedly took a toll in more ways than one. Yes, Len is alive and currently involved in charity activities.