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. While schooling there, Len was named first-team in all-state in both football and basketball. Stram tapped into his talent, helping Dawson to quickly become one of the leagues prolific passers as the Texans went 11-3 and won the first of three championships. The start of Dawsons hospice care was disclosed by his family on August 12, 2022. He spent eight seasons with the Raiders. All registered. Charles Goldman. (Photo by Bill Ray/The LIFE Picture Its got so much to it that makes that photo so special, Donovan said. 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. Many people have used different social media accounts since his passing to send the deceaseds family their sincere condolences. Super Bowl IV was the last game that was played by AFL Team. In 1955 he became father to his daughter Anne and in 1960 father to his son. Like his father James, Len was the seventh son. 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. Quarterback Len Dawson of the Kansas City Chiefs on the sidelines in the mid-1970s. Len was always grateful and many times overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made during his football and broadcast careers.. Lens children are now adults who prefer to lead private lives. Thats the feeling that I had when I came off the field.. Dawson signed with the American Football Leagues Dallas Texans on June 30, 1962. According to his death statement, he passed away with his wife Linda by his side. But our society loves throwbacks be it jerseys, old games, etc. 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. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and friend. By the end of his college career, Dawson had thrown for more than 3,000 yards, despite playing in an era that favored ground-and-pound football. 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. Kansas City coach Hank Stram, left, checks suitcase full of signatures supporting quarterback Len Dawson, right, Jan. 10, 1970, in New Orleans. 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. 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.). Not everyone encapsulated an era of sports history behind the scenes in the same way. A new home for Michael Thomas? Likewise, he was always grateful and overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made during his football and broadcast careers. The signatures of support came after Dawson was linked with a gambling probe. And Stenerud, a non-smoker himself, never forgot his first glimpse of the star quarterback. Len used to put on a jersey written, Dawson 16, on the back, and written number 16 , on the front. Bill Ray / The LIFE Picture Collection / Shutterstock. Len Dawson who quarterbacked for the Kansas City Chiefs is pictured at home in his den, Feb. 19, 1970. He turned his attention to TV and radio on a full-time basis after his playing career ended. The couple resides in Kansas City. Taylor and Dawson were cited for their play in Sunday's game with the then Washington Redskins. However, his first wife died in 1978 after suffering from a stroke in 1977. Legendary Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and Kansas City broadcaster Len Dawson has died. Len Dawson : Age | Health | Smoking | Hall of Fame, Daniel Ricciardo : McLaren | Contract | Net worth. Yes, Len is alive and currently involved in charity activities. When I think of the late Len Dawson, I think of the time he just wanted to step back from all the chaos of a football field with a cigarette and a soda in a glass bottle. The Raiders trailed 17-14 late in the fourth quarter when Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson ran for a first down to seemingly seal the win. 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 NFL/Call (212) 686-8900 or e-mail info@wireimage.com to license WireImage images. Lisa happens to be the first and only daughter of the renowned quarterback. Mr. Dawsons wife of 24 years, Jacqueline Puzder, died in 1978. 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. He made his sudden departure at age 87. They have to be prepared for what is essentially a battle, and anything less than their physical best puts them at a disadvantage in such a struggle. The car was part of his reward for being named most valuable player in the Super Bowl Game with Minnesota on January 11. He led the Chiefs to the three championships of 1962, 1966, and 1969 in the American Football League. PHOTOS: Take a look inside the old Cass County Jail. Pat [Mahomes] should do that that would be golden, Hill told Yahoo Sports with a laugh. Len Dawson has two children from his first marriage to Jacqueline Puzder. While the concept of smoking during a game might seem outrageous now, Arbanas assertion is backed up by Chiefs historian Bob Moore, who joined the team in 1989 and spent two decades as its public relations director. 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. Did Naomi J. Ogawa go to film school? I assume Len Dawson must be on death's door. On Wednesday, August 24, 2022, he passed away in the company of his family and friends. They proceeded to win two more AFL titles, one in 1966 when they lost to the Green Bay Packers in the first Super Bowl, and the other in 69, when Dawson returned from an injury to help beat the Vikings at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans. Len left the NFL in 1962 to join the AFLs Dallas Texans, where he played for the next 14 seasons before returning to the NFL following the AFL-NFL merger. Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson, whose unmistakable swagger in helping the Kansas City Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title earned him the nickname Lenny the Cool, died Wednesday. It just tells you how much were evolving as the world goes around.. Football player Len Dawson and his wife Jackie sit with their children Lenny and Lisa, and watch TV in their family room, July 3, 1970. He has a sister who has been identified as Lisa Anne Dawson, He was born to Len Dawson and his first wife, Jacqueline Puzder. ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Ben Davidson, the hulking defensive end who starred for the Oakland Raiders in the 1960s before becoming a famous television pitch man, has died. KANSAS CITY, Mo. In detail, Lisa and Len are reportedly Internet celebrities. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images), Len Dawson #16 of the Kansas City Chiefs stands under center and calls out the signals against the Minnesota Vikings during Super Bowl IV on January 11, 1970 at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. Len Dawson (16) Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, 1973. 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. 2023 Ghanafuo.com & DM Network. Stram was the head coach of the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs from 1960-1974. But theres also one small picture, located in a frame behind his desk, that stands out. 16 adorning his chest, sitting in a cheap, gray folding chair. Back row, from left to right: Jim Plunkett ('81), Terrell Davis ('98), Ray Lewis ('01), Fred Biletnikoff ('77), Joe Namath ('69), NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Randy White ('78), Chuck Howley ('71), John Riggins ('83) and Steve Young ('95). "He was a tough, gutsy ballplayer, team oriented with enough meanness in him to be feared and enough talent to be effective," former Raiders teammate Tom Flores said. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-7. Till the age of 40, Dawson was a Chiefs player. When Dawson entered hospice care, his He has a girl named Anne Dawson and a boy named Len Dawson Jr. among his loved ones. WebStephanie Schell November 27, 2022 | Lakewood, NY 1 To the family, many, many friends, and fans of this great person who played and loved the game of football. Len Dawson is synonymous with the Kansas City Chiefs, owner Clark Hunt said in a statement on Wednesday. Editor's note: On Jan. 26, 2020, about a year before the death of Yahoo Sports NFL writer Terez Paylor, he wrote a feature on Hall of Famer Len Dawson and a memorable moment that happened while the legendary quarterback was off the field at the Super Bowl. 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. The Raiders trailed 17-14 late in the fourth quarter when Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson ran for a first down to seemingly seal the win. Lenny Dawson #16 of the Kansas City Chiefs passes to a teammate during Super Bowl IV against the Minnesota Vikings at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 11, 1970. Your email address will not be published. (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. After Jacquelines death in 1978. 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. 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. One of Davidson's most memorable plays came on Nov. 1, 1970, against Kansas City. Lens stats since starting his career include; 183 interceptions, completing 2,136 of 3,741 passes with 239 touchdowns, ran for 1,293 yards in 294 attempts with 9 rushing touchdowns, and also he threw 28,711 yards. Press Esc to cancel. Davidson spent 11 years in pro football, starting with the Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins in the NFL before joining the Raiders in the AFL in 1964. Len Dawson Jr. is a celebrity kid who happens to be the son of the late and former American football quarterback, Len Dawson. He was the first player in 13 years to be named first team all-state in both sports in the same season. Our minds can do a lot if you allow them to do so. Theres a lot of reasons why its there.. Hes still Len Dawson. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. In 1962, Dawson led the league in touchdowns and yards per attempt, and was The Sporting News selection as the AFL MVP. Mr. Dawsons wife of 24 years, Jacqueline Puzder, died in 1978. His family includes a daughter named Anne Dawson and a son named Len Dawson Jr. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Lenny Dawson leaves the field at the Super Bowl in Los Angeles, Jan. 15, 1967. In the three teams, he played in number 16. 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. Len Dawson is synonymous with the Kansas City Chiefs, owner Clark Hunt said in a statement on Wednesday. Lens net worth is $15 million. 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. For starters, the photo includes Dawson, a Chiefs legend. Former Raiders coach John Madden first reported Davidson's death Tuesday on KCBS radio in San Francisco. Len was always grateful and many times overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made during his football and broadcast careers. Len Dawson was the seventh son and ninth child in a family of eleven. Len Dawson has two children from his first marriage to Jacqueline Puzder. He was 87 years old. 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. With wife Linda at his side, it is with much sadness that we inform you of Len Dawson, who led the Kansas City Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl IV and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame both as a player and a broadcaster, has passed away at the age of 87, according to his family. He is one of two children of the late Len but happens to be the only male child. 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. In 1987, he was admitted to the Hall of Fame. Taylor made a one handed catch of Dawson's pass in the closing minutes of the game to break a 20-20 tie. The play was negated by offsetting penalties and the Chiefs eventually had to punt. In a rage, Chiefs wide receiver Otis Taylor jumped on Davidson and a brawl ensued. Thats a special one., reportedly struck a deal with the magazine. Reply. 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. Roy Ramos WPLG, Bio, Wiki, Age, Height, Family, Wife, Nicole Perez, WFTV, Salary, and Net Worth, Sarah Schulte ABC7, Bio, Wiki, Age, Height, Husband, Salary, and Net Worth, Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes, List of States in the US, Alphabetical list of States in the U.S., and Abbreviation of States in United States. In 1966, he took the team to the Super Bowl, where they fell victim to the Green Bay Packers. Len Dawson with his daughter Lisa in 1957 at Purdue. Meet Len Dawson Daughter Anne Dawson and son Len Dawson Jr. Len Dawson has two children from his most memorable marriage to Jacqueline Puzder. 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. Lens daughter is the firstborn of his two children. Last Lisa Anne Dawson is a celebrity daughter to the famous American football quaterback Len Dawson. He was MVP of the football team and was named outstanding Ohio back of the year by the International News Service. 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. He was born on June 20, 1935, in Alliance, Ohio, in the United States. 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. He was a three-sport athlete at Alliance High School, setting records in football and basketball and earning a scholarship offer from Purdue. 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. Len Dawson was a well-known player in the National Football League. Press Esc to cancel. WebLen Dawson Popularity . She was born on 3rd Furthermore, even though QB wed his second wife Linda Louise again, there are no records of the two of them having kids together. Dawson had two children with Jackie, his high school sweetheart, and they were married from 1954 until her death in 1978. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images), JANUARY 15, 1967: Quarterback Len Dawson #16 of the Kansas City Chiefs breaks the huddle after calling the next play during Super Bowl I on January 15, 1967 against the Green Bay Packers at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. Len Dawson has passed away at the age of 87. Len Dawson, todays football quarterback, and his first wife and children. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Len Dawsons First Wife Jacqueline Puzder. It was a different time with a different standard of health. Jen Dawson was named the MVP of the football team, and the International News Service named him the best Ohio back of the year. A lot of times, youd come into our locker room and you could hardly see, itd be so smoky in there. In 1970, all cigarette packages started including a surgeon generals warning. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson is surrounded by sports writers as he gives thought to each question shot at him. Lisa Anne Dawson is the celebrity daughter of famed American football quarterback Len Dawson. "He was able to rush the passer and worked hard to get bigger and stronger, with the character and personality. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend. He owned the Chiefs single-season passing touchdown record, which he set in 1964 with 30 touchdowns in only 14 games, a record that stood until 2018, when Patrick Mahomes broke it in 10 games. 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. No, however, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1992 following the scheduling of a regular health check-up after his wife Linda insisted. The thought of that today would be outrageous.. Len was the third-youngest of eleven children in the Dawson clan. 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. Ask any active NFL player how they spend their time during breaks in the action in real games, and youll likely get the same variety of responses. Len and his wife Jacqueline were blessed with two children Lisa Anne, daughter, and Len Jr. Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson has died at the age of 87. In 1987, he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 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. Where did Naomi J. Ogawa go to college and high school? From the football field to sports broadcasting, here's a look at Len Dawson over the years in both roles. Front row, from left to right: Emmitt Smith ('94), Franco Harris ('75), Lynn Swann ('76), Troy Aikman ('93), Desmond Howard ('97), Kurt Warner ('00) and Dexter Jackson ('03). 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. Len Dawson was an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League & American Football League for 19 seasons. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him as the fifth overall choice in the 1957 NFL Draft. Lisa Anne Dawson is a celebrity daughter to the famous American football quaterback Len Dawson. From 1957 to 1959, he was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers before being moved to the Cleveland Browns. To me, witting is like therapy it makes you use your mind in a different way than you can ever imagine. Lisa happens to be the first and only daughter of the renowned Lens children are It was overwhelming, Dawson said afterward. Too many years have gone by for the former tight end who played for the Chiefs from 1962-1970. Center row, from left to right: Marcus Allen ('84), Bart Starr ('68), Roger Staubach ('72), Ottis Anderson ('91), Larry Csonka ('74), Doug Williams ('88), Len Dawson ('70) and Mark Rypien ('92). 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. Len and his wife Jacqueline were blessed with two children Lisa Anne and Len Jr. It wasnt a health issue at that time.. He went from there to the University of Washington, where he helped the Huskies win Rose Bowls in 1960 and `61. The Dawson Dawson lost the fight after a protracted battle with aggressive prostate cancer, which resulted in his death. 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. The star quarterback and coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, victors in the 1970 Super Bowl game were guests of the show. There isnt a second in a day I could post a picture, whether its in game or out of game, that has [smoking] in the picture. Mr. Dawsons wife of 24 years, Jacqueline Puzder, died in Nothing bad had been brought up about cigarette smoking, or any type of smoking, back then. Dawson played for the Chiefs from 1963-75. At left, in a Dec. 20, 2015, file photo, Joe Montana is shown during halftime of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif. At right, in an Oct. 30, 2017, file photo, former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson stands on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game between the Chiefs and Denver Broncos in Kansas City, Mo. There were plenty of other guys smoking cigarettes, too, but Lennys [Dawson] the quarterback hes the one that they snapped.. Additionally, Len has undergone quadruple heart surgery and has experienced episodes of shingles and some memory lapses. Dawson played for the Chiefs from 1963-75. According to the records he had a son and a daughter; Len Dawson, Jr. and Lisa Anne Dawson. He first got married in 1954 to Jacqueline Puzder, who was his high school girlfriend. There were plenty of other guys smoking cigarettes, too, but Lennys the quarterback hes the one that they snapped.. 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 The younger Dawson starred in three varsity sports at He was 87 years old. But dont ask him to actually smoke the cigarette though. Additionally, Len has helped in raising money, especially those that aim in helping needy children. Len has played for Dallas Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a former NFL and AFL quarterback for at least a decade and a half. Credit: The Denver Post (Denver Post via Getty Images), Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson (16) watches game action from his knees during Super Bowl I, a 35-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers on January 15, 1967, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. WebLen Dawson was born on June 25, 1935 in Alliance, Ohio, USA. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KMBC-TV. Davidson died Monday night. However, his first wife died in 1978 after suffering from a stroke in 1977. The legendary Kansas City signal-caller and later NFL broadcaster died at the age of 87, his family announced Wednesday. Leonard Ray Len Dawson was born to parents James and Annie in Alliance, OH on June 20, 1935. He died with his wife, Linda, at his side. Hall of Famer kicker Jan Stenerud joined the Chiefs the season after the photo was shot. Type above and press Enter to search. He is grateful that he is living since some of his fellow teammates who experienced the same health issues have only been existing instead of living. 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. Id smoke a cigar, and probably more than half the guys smoked cigarettes back then, Arbanas, a Chiefs Hall of Famer, told Yahoo Sports. 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. There had been speculation that Dawson would retire from the game. His children, Lisa Anne Dawson (daughter) and Len Dawson Jr. (son) are both grown-ups. And its a way to honor our fans and past legends that came before us. Theres a man with fussy brown hair in a smeared white uniform, a red No. He was awarded the MVP of Super Bowl IV. Dawson was married to his high school sweetheart, Jackie, from 1954 until her death in 1978, and together they had two children. Len Dawson was 87 years old at the time of his demise.