He was being treated for prostate cancer. Dawson played for the Chiefs from 1963-75. In 1970, all cigarette packages started including a surgeon generals warning. 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. I dont remember seeing anybody smoking a cigarette in the locker room from the end of the 80s, into the 90s.. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images), Len Dawson #16 of the Kansas City Chiefs drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL Football game September 30, 1973 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. "He was able to rush the passer and worked hard to get bigger and stronger, with the character and personality. Theres a man with fussy brown hair in a smeared white uniform, a red No. He first got married in 1954 to Jacqueline Puzder, who was his high school girlfriend. Dawson had prostate cancer, which was discovered in 1991. @PatrickMahomes5 paying homage to Chiefs legend, Len Dawson. Dawson was given a prostate cancer diagnosis in 1991. Davidson is survived by his wife, Kathy, and daughters Jan, Dana and Vicki. 2023 Ghanafuo.com & DM Network. Dawson was given a prostate cancer diagnosis in 1991. Born in 1935 #40. He was a second-team Associated Press All-AFL selection in 1965 and first-teamer in 1967. 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. He then spent two years in Washington before joining the Raiders in Davis' second season as coach in Oakland. He was MVP of the football team and was named outstanding Ohio back of the year by the International News Service. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images), Head Coach Hank Stram (R) of the Kansas City Chiefs and Quarterback Len Dawson (L) watching the action from the sidelines during a mid circa 1960's NFL football game at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. 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. He turned his attention to TV and radio on a full-time basis after his playing career ended. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Additionally, the fact Ray was even allowed in the locker room to take the photo in the first place adds to its iconic nature. The grand jury is investigating an alleged nationwide gambling operation. Water on pool tarp is from melted snow. 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. Where did Naomi J. Ogawa go to college and high school? In this Jan. 11, 2970 file photo, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson prepares to handoff to running back Mike Garrett (21) as running back Robert Holmes (45) and guard Ed Budde (71) lead the play during the Super Bowl in New Orleans. Davidson didn't play football until going to East Los Angeles Community College. Len has played for Dallas Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Raiders won the division with a record of 8-4-2, while the Chiefs missed the playoffs at 7-5-2. 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. Its not like the Chiefs MVP quarterback isnt aware of the photo. After completing 12-of-17 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown, Dawson was named the MVP of that game. Not everyone encapsulated an era of sports history behind the scenes in the same way. Through KMBC-TV, the Dawson family issued a statement. And with the type of celebrities that have grown up in and around the Kansas City area, [Paul Rudd, David Koechner, Eric Stonestreet] and stuff, theres gonna be stuff going on, Im sure, some shenanigans. Salary terms for the 33-year-old Dawson were not revealed. He was an actor, known for Personal Best (1982), The Love Butcher (1975) and Pro Bowlers' Tour (1962). He was a driving force behind the success of many well-known players. Dawson was chosen by the Steelers in the first round of the 1957 draft, but he wound up riding the bench behind Earl Morrall as a rookie and then failed to beat out Bobby Layne for he starting job the following season. Dawson wasnt alone as a football player, professional athlete or many people in other physical endeavors then. Posted on Jan 31st, 2020, 6:26 PM, , User Since 242 months ago, User Post Count: 18514. RIP to the legend Len Dawson, Mahomes wrote in a tweet. All the locker room stalls at Arrowhead Stadium came with ashtrays when it opened in 1972. 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. 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. The car was part of his reward for being named most valuable player in the Super Bowl Game with Minnesota on January 11. 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. It was overwhelming, Dawson said afterward. He was always that way.". The start of Dawsons hospice care was disclosed by his family on August 12, 2022. Another reason he chose it is because of his love for football history and the oddball way the photo captures a time when the game was very, very different. But theres also one small picture, located in a frame behind his desk, that stands out. Lisa Anne Dawson is a celebrity daughter to the famous American football quaterback Len Dawson. Editor at Ghanafuo.com! 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. 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. 23 / 67 Len Dawson (16) with Lamar Hunt accepting the NFL Man of the Year trophy Len Dawson 24 / 67 Lisa Anne Dawson is a celebrity daughter to the famous American football quaterback Len Dawson. 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. He entered hospice care on Aug. 12. 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. Len has played for Dallas Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. More likely, theyll note that his bronze bust in Canton can epitomize all of those achievements in one neat package. Len was the third-youngest of eleven children in the Dawson clan. 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. Dawson was married to his high school sweetheart, Jackie, from 1954 until her death in 1978, and together they had two children. Dawson played six more seasons in Kansas City, setting many franchise records that stood until a youngster named Patrick Mahomes came along, before hanging up his helmet after the 1975 season. Len got married to his second wife, Linda. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Lens children are now adults who prefer to lead private lives. 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. The posters include; Len Dawson poster written number 16 by positive images and also the Len Dawson cigarette poster by CareyRogers. And when Donovan noticed that a colleague down the hall had placed a larger version of this photo one that has gained more life in recent years on top of a credenza a few years back, Donovan knew he had to have one, too. 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. IE 11 is not supported. Many people have used different social media accounts since his passing to send the deceaseds family their sincere condolences. 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. Len Dawsons First Wife Jacqueline Puzder. 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. Dawson led the Chiefs to victories over the defending champion Jets and bitter rival Raiders to reach what would be the final Super Bowl before the AFL-NFL merger, where he threw for 142 yards and a score in a 23-7 triumph. He was previously married to Jacqueline Puzder and Linda Louise. Puzder mothers Len Dawson, Jr. and Lisa Anne Dawson who are the only biological children of the legend. Taylor made a one handed catch of Dawson's pass in the closing minutes of the game to break a 20-20 tie. 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. Moore, 72, says that the shock value of the photo is part of what has led to its increased popularity. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and friend. In 1962, Dawson led the league in touchdowns and yards per attempt, and was The Sporting News selection as the AFL MVP. What are some fun facts about Wayne Shorter? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes, Cameron Munster : Finger injury | Party video | Stats, Jerry Richardson : is still alive | Daughter | Age, Tyler Bertuzzi : Boston Bruins | is playing tonight, Jerry Richardson : Death | Cause of death | Net worth, Tyler Bertuzzi : Trade | Contract | Girlfriend | Dad. A smoke, a Fresca and a Hall of Fame career. The second came in 1966, when Dawson led the Chiefs to an 11-2-1 record and a 31-7 blowout of the Bills in the AFL title game. 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! Prince Ahiakpor is a man that believes the world can be a peaceful place when you love your neighbor as ourselves. Its got so much to it that makes that photo so special, Donovan said. The smiling man at left is head coach Hank Stram. A personal observation; Mr. Dawson has always been for the children. 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. 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. Dawson was the MVP of the Chiefs 23-7 Super Bowl victory over the Minnesota Vikings in January 1970. Bill Ray / The LIFE Picture Collection / Shutterstock. Linda Louise is the second wife of Len Dawson. Like his father James, Len was the seventh son. In detail, Lisa and Len are reportedly Internet celebrities. Can the Lions fix their defense? Ive had people make comments about it, and I give them the same answer I just gave you about all the smoking that went on at halftime, Arbanas said. On August 12, 2022, his family disclosed that he had started receiving hospice care. 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. From 1957 to 1959, he was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers before being moved to the Cleveland Browns. KANSAS CITY, Mo. You are welcome to Ghanafuo.com, Ghanaian songstress and actress Hajia4Real. Len also participated in Super Bowl IV shortly after his dramatic comeback in the 1969 season with Kansa City after suffering from a knee injury. Pat [Mahomes] should do that that would be golden, Hill told Yahoo Sports with a laugh. There were plenty of other guys smoking cigarettes, too, but Lennys the quarterback hes the one that they snapped.. 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. James Dawson, his father, was an Ohio native, and Annie Dawson, his mother, was born in England. 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. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton). Len Dawson Jr. is a celebrity kid who happens to be the son of the late and former American football quarterback, Len Dawson. After some time, he lost his two older brothers to prostate cancer. Yeah, Donovan said, a smile crossing his face once again. The legendary Kansas City signal-caller and later NFL broadcaster died at the age of 87, his family announced Wednesday. The Chiefs won the game, 27-20. In 1969, Dawson led the Kansas City Chiefs to their fourth Super Bowl victory over the Minnesota Vikings. 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. After losing that Super Bowl to Green Bay, Dawson and the Chiefs returned three years later in Super Bowl IV to capture Kansas Citys then-lone NFL championship over the Vikings. The younger Dawson starred in three varsity sports at Hank Stram, left, coach of the Kansas City Chiefs AFL team, announced the signing of a four-year contract by quarterback Len Dawson, right, in Kansas City, May 7, 1968. However, his first wife died in 1978 after suffering from a stroke in 1977. She was born on 3rd Racing Driver Bobby East children: Did Bobby East have kids? Our minds can do a lot if you allow them to do so. 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. He was 87 years old. In 1955 he became father to his daughter Anne and in 1960 father to his son. Hes still Len Dawson. Stram was the head coach of the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs from 1960-1974. He loved Kansas City and no matter where his travels took him, he could not wait to return home.. Thats the feeling that I had when I came off the field.. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1992. 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 wasnt necessarily alone or unique in smoking mid-game. Even Dawson, whom Moore says wasnt one of the teams heaviest smokers, eventually gave up the habit. He has a girl named Anne Dawson and a boy named Len Dawson Jr. among his loved ones. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 1992 following the scheduling of a regular health check-up after his wife Linda insisted. ComputerNerd1. Len Dawson is a former American football quarterback for the National Football League and American Football League. Len was always grateful and many times overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made during his football and broadcast careers.