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. 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. Jen graduated from Alliance High School in Ohio. He fathered two children, Lisa Anne and Len Jr., with his wife, Jacqueline Puzder. Len Dawson Bio, Wiki, Age, Wife, Daughter, Health, Super Bowl, 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. His family includes a daughter who goes by the name Anne Dawson and a son who goes by the name Len Dawson Jr. Furthermore, he was raised along with his ten siblings. 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 also served more than three decades on the Chiefs radio broadcast team. 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. Guys would be smoking cigarettes to relax, and most of the people our age started smoking when they were like 12 years old back then. Dawson was given a prostate cancer diagnosis in 1991. 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. Prince Ahiakpor is a man that believes the world can be a peaceful place when you love your neighbor as ourselves. The legacy and impact you made on Kansas City will live on forever.. Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson has died at the age of 87. I assume Len Dawson must be on death's door. His family includes a daughter who goes by the name Anne Dawson and a son who goes by the name Len Dawson Jr. With wife Linda at his side, it is with much sadness that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Len Dawson, KMBC in Kansas City, where Lawson had previously worked as a sports broadcaster, received a statement from the family. On August 12, 2022, his family disclosed that he had started receiving hospice care. His passing leaves a hole in the heart of Kansas City. 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. Looking back on my career, Ive been blessed for what I had the opportunity to do, Dawson said told The Associated Press in 2017, shortly after he announced his retirement from his second career as a Hall of Fame broadcaster. 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. While schooling there, Len was named first-team in all-state in both football and basketball. He first got married in 1954 to Jacqueline Puzder, who was his high school girlfriend. The grand jury is investigating an alleged nationwide gambling operation. As per the announcement, Dawson loved Kansas City and always returned home, no matter where his work took him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Linda and his family., Due to his noticeable swagger when guiding the Kansas City Chiefs to their first Super Bowl victory, the late former quarterback Len Dawson earned the nickname Lenny the Cool., Your email address will not be published. Len has played for Dallas Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. In detail, Lisa and Len are reportedly Internet celebrities. And its a way to honor our fans and past legends that came before us. Len Dawson with his daughter Lisa in 1957 at Purdue. 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. Dawsons first wife was Jacqueline Puzder, they were lovers since they were in high school. The Dawson family issued this statement: With wife Linda at his side, it is with much sadness that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Len Dawson. On Wednesday, Dawson died at age 87, yet his iconic image remains. Len Dawson Bio, Wiki, Age, Wife, Daughter, Health, Super Bowl, He led the Chiefs to the three championships of 1962, 1966, and 1969 in the American Football League. She was born on 3rd Can the Lions fix their defense? Lens children are Len is the son of James, his father, and Anne Dawson, his mother. WebLes Dawson was born at Collyhurst, Manchester, on 2 February 1931, [2] the only child of bricklayer Leslie Dawson (2 August 1905 - 10 April 1970) and Julia Nolan (14 January 1908 - 29 September 1957) who was of Irish descent. Too many years have gone by for the former tight end who played for the Chiefs from 1962-1970. Ben Davidson, former Oakland Raider, dies - ESPN.com The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him as the fifth overall choice in the 1957 NFL Draft. He was a quarterback in the Nationa Football League and the American Football League for 19 seasons, mostly for the Kansas City Chiefs. And when I think of Dawson at that moment, what I envision is a warrior recharging for a brutal battle by simply trying to take a load off while he could. The posters include; Len Dawson poster written number 16 by positive images and also the Len Dawson cigarette poster by CareyRogers. He was MVP of the football team and was named outstanding Ohio back of the year by the International News Service. Jacqueline was his high school sweetheart whom he married in 1954, and they were together until her passing in 1978. He sustained a serious knee injury against the Patriots in Week 2, forcing him to miss the next five games. 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. He loves kids and has always made special effort to acknowledge them. Former Raiders coach John Madden first reported Davidson's death Tuesday on KCBS radio in San Francisco. With his distinctive handlebar mustache, raspy voice and physical play, Davidson helped personify Al Davis' renegade Raiders on the 1960s. His second wife, Linda, remained by his side as Dawson entered hospice care. Len also led the Franchise to their first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl IV, where he was awarded the games MVP Award. Gemini Football Player #36. His natural charisma and folksy style made Dawson a natural. June 20 Football Player #3. Hes being himself., To tight end Travis Kelce, who chuckled before saying the photo just screams hard-working man., Cultural, um evolution, Kelce told Yahoo Sports with a huge grin. Complete information on survivors was not immediately available. Quarterback Len Dawson in the Chiefs' locker room during Super Bowl I in 1967. He was 72. 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. Kansas City head football coach Hank Stram and his quarterback Len Dawson are shown in New Orleans, Jan. 6, 1970, during a light workout session in preparation for the Super Bowl with the Minnesota Vikings. Len Dawson leaves the field after Kansas Citys loss to Green Bay in the first Super Bowl. Len used to put on a jersey written, Dawson 16, on the back, and written number 16 , on the front. Lens father was originally from Ohio while his mother was born in England. Did Naomi J. Ogawa go to film school? 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! Davidson played in the second Super Bowl for Oakland after the 1967 season and then was on the team that lost the conference title game the next three seasons. The popular Len Dawson was the ninth born out of his eleven siblings and by his parents James and Annie Dawson. Davidson died Monday night. Len Dawson Len Dawson (16) Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, 1973. Salary terms for the 33-year-old Dawson were not revealed. Racing Driver Bobby East children: Did Bobby East have kids? In 1969, Dawson led the Kansas City Chiefs to their fourth Super Bowl victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Len never smoked when I knew him I never saw him smoke a cigarette, ever, Moore said. 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. Len Dawson Len Dawson is synonymous with the Kansas City Chiefs. Many people will and probably rightfully consider that Super Bowl IV performance the highlight of Dawsons prolific career. In a rage, Chiefs wide receiver Otis Taylor jumped on Davidson and a brawl ensued. Dawson WebLen Dawson was born on June 25, 1935 in Alliance, Ohio, USA. Len was always grateful and many times overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made during his football and broadcast careers.. WebLen Dawson Popularity . Taylor and Dawson were cited for their play in Sunday's game with the then Washington Redskins. Len Dawson Len Dawson : Age | Health | Smoking | Hall of Fame, Daniel Ricciardo : McLaren | Contract | Net worth. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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. 32 NFL players who could change teams this offseason, Disputed loan at center of Commanders probe, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Len Dawson, who led the Kansas City Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl IV and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as both a player and broadcaster, has Jacqueline Puzder has been described as the longtime sweetheart of Dawson that passed on over four decades ago. 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. Len Dawson is introduced before the inaugural Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan Fest Friday, May 2, 2014, at the International Exposition Center in Cleveland. Dawson played for the Chiefs from 1963-75. Len Dawson WebDawson was the ninth of 11 children born to parents James and Annie. Len Dawson Thats a special one., reportedly struck a deal with the magazine. Dawson had prostate cancer, which was discovered in 1991. Len was always grateful and many times overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made during his football and broadcast careers. WebOn November 15, 1969, Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson was informed that his father tragically passed away from a heart attack. Super Bowl XL will feature the AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks. Dawson played for the Chiefs from 1963-75. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Len 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. For starters, the photo includes Dawson, a Chiefs legend. (He was a great friend, brother, husband, and father. Len Dawson, a former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, passed yesterday at the age of 87. Len Dawson Lens net worth is $15 million. Linda Louise is the second wife of Len Dawson. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and friend. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-7. The Chiefs won the game, 27-20. All the locker room stalls at Arrowhead Stadium came with ashtrays when it opened in 1972. Dawson Between 2015 and 16, No Travis Kelce SNL promo has drawn hilarious reactions. Dawson had two children with Jackie, his high school sweetheart, and they were married from 1954 until her death in 1978. 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. That's where the 6-foot-8 Davidson became famous. 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. Mr. Dawsons wife of 24 years, Jacqueline Puzder, died in 1978. He was a driving force behind the success of many well-known players. Lens father James was the seventh son in his brood. 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. Water on pool tarp is from melted snow. Kansas City Chiefs head coach Hank Stram, right, gestures toward his quarterback Len Dawson, in New Orleans, Jan. 7, 1970, assuring a New Orleans news conference that Dawson will be the starting quarterback in the upcoming Super Bowl game. Super Bowl 2020: Origin of Len Dawson's iconic smoking photo To me, witting is like therapy it makes you use your mind in a different way than you can ever imagine. Read about his wife and children during this difficult time. First Name Len #3. Len Dawson was the seventh son and ninth child in a family of eleven. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Linda Johnson, and two children from his first marriage, Lisa Anne Dawson and Len Dawson Jr. Quarterback Len Dawson #16 of the Kansas City Chiefs drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders during an early circa 1970s NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.