Len Dawson, Chiefs’ Hall of Fame quarterback and Kansas City sports icon, dies at 87

[brian1961]

I'm not really worthy of saying much about the great Len Dawson. I just remember as a 13-year-old boy watching this new big game called the Super Bowl on TV. I honestly don't remember too much, but I do recall the wonderful announcing of Curt Gowdy. His voice was super. I remember wanting the Chiefs to beat the Packers, since I had wanted the Cowboys to win the NFL championship, since the Colts lost. Most of all, I was impressed with how Len Dawson handled the Chiefs' offense. I had never seen a huddle like the Chiefs used. I thought it was cool. The Chiefs lost with dignity; they were not creamed. They would live to fight, and win, another day.

Ever since Super Bowl I, I always recognized Len Dawson's name and photo, and he connotated in my mind a player who was excellent; a fighter who never gave up. I never knew his nickname of "COOL", but again, with what little I know, I can sure understand why. Ever since that first Super Bowl, whenever I got Len Dawson's card, it was a joy and put a smile on my face.

May God bless and carry Len Dawson's family and his many fans at this brutal time, and keep his legacy positive and strong. --- Brian Powell

[D. Bergin]

Hmm, didn't realize Len was another member of the Pittsburgh Steelers school of QB's who never made it with the Steelers.

In a 3 year span the Steelers had Johnny Unitas, Len Dawson, Jack Kemp and Earl Morrall on their team.

Instead they chose to go with Ted Marchibroda and an aging Bobby Layne.

[G1911]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

Hmm, didn't realize Len was another member of the Pittsburgh Steelers school of QB's who never made it with the Steelers.

In a 3 year span the Steelers had Johnny Unitas, Len Dawson, Jack Kemp and Earl Morrall on their team.

Instead they chose to go with Ted Marchibroda and an aging Bobby Layne.

That's got to be the greatest concentration of QB talent in football history.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by G1911

That's got to be the greatest concentration of QB talent in football history.

Montana and Young.

[G1911]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Montana and Young.

I'm from 49er country, but I got to take Unitas, Dawson, Layne, Kemp and Morall above the two of them.

What's nuts is how good Steve Young's career ended up being even with him being hampered by spending time in the USFL, and 4 years as Montana's backup with 3 or less starts each year. Still one of the NFL's best ever even losing all that playing time.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by G1911

I'm from 49er country, but I got to take Unitas, Dawson, Layne, Kemp and Morall above the two of them.

What's nuts is how good Steve Young's career ended up being even with him being hampered by spending time in the USFL, and 4 years as Montana's backup with 3 or less starts each year. Still one of the NFL's best ever even losing all that playing time.

I would (not claiming to be the authority) rank Montana a little ahead of Unitas and Young way ahead of any of the others, I am a huge Young fan, thus my vote.

[G1911]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I would (not claiming to be the authority) rank Montana a little ahead of Unitas and Young way ahead or any of the others, I am a huge Young fan, thus my vote.

Football statistics are a lot harder than Baseball to relate cross era. Unitas was the best of his, Montana the best of his. My bias is towards Montana and Young. Young's era I'd have to take a deep look into the math, the 90's were really stacked at QB.

[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by G1911

That's got to be the greatest concentration of QB talent in football history.

It's certainly the greatest concentration of QB talent on a team that made very little use of them.

[Exhibitman]

RIP

[jingram058]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

RIP

That 68 Topps Len Dawson is my favorite card of his. Absolutely gorgeous card.

[jingram058]

Here is a merge of KNEW audio with several sources of what video exists of the 1969 AFL Championship game, between the Kansas City Chiefs vs the Oakland Raiders. If the Jets of Super Bowl III was a fluke, this Chiefs team that beat a real good Raiders team and then walked the floor with the Vikings in Super Bowl IV convinced even the naysayers of how good the AFL truly was. Len Dawson didn't have his greatest day here, but more than good enough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kOLly4kBFE