Len Dawson real cause of death: Hall of Fame QB dies at 87

Len Dawson, who famously assisted the Kansas City Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory, passed away. He was 87.

Dawson’s family first confirmed the news to KMBC in Kansas City in a statement. It was revealed on Wednesday that the quarterback-turned-broadcaster died after receiving hospice care since mid-August.

The statement read, per USA Today:

“He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and friend. Len was always grateful and many times overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made during his football and broadcast careers.”

The same announcement revealed Dawson’s love for Kansas City and his desire to return home after any long journey. However, it did not specify the cause of death.

Len Dawson’s death devastated the NFL community, especially since he had such a significant impact on the game.

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him fifth overall in 1957, and he began his career with them. He had to wait a few more years before getting his big break when he joined the Dallas Texans in 1962. After scoring 11-3, he led the team to an AFL championship.

He was named AFL player of the year at the time.

Dawson also had the opportunity to re-connect with Hank Stram, Purdue’s assistant coach, thanks to the Texans.

During his Hall of Fame acceptance speech, he thanked Stram for believing in him after he had lost his skills after years of not playing. He mentioned how the assistant coach helped him meet other great players.

Dawson’s fruitful career grew even more fruitful in the years that followed, as he became a two-time All-Pro, three-time AFL champion, and seven-time Pro Bowler.

He received the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 1973.

He retired two years later and was inducted into the Hall of Fame with a 57.1 completion percentage, 28,711 passing yards, and 239 passing touchdowns.

Dawson turned to broadcasting after leaving the field as an athlete. He was a sports anchor for KMBC-TV and an NBC analyst. He was best known for his contributions to “Inside the NFL” among his works.

Dawson went on to win the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award from the Hall of Fame in 2012, five years before retiring in 2017.