Kansas City fans have cheered on their Chiefs for nearly half a century now. The team had its origins in Dallas where it was first called the Texans, but that three year tenure ended when it moved to its present location in 1963. Although they were one of the original teams in the old AFL, they are now a proud member of the American Football Conference in the NFL, and are located in the Leagues AFC West. Fans of the Chiefs know that their team has seen its share of superstar players since it first arrived in the city. They also know that Lenny Dawson will always be remembered as one of the absolute greatest of all.
Len's college days
Quarterback Lenny Dawson was a star long before he hit the professional ranks. He led his Purdue Boilermakers in three successful seasons first. His presence with the Purdue team was never a foregone conclusion, however, as he was also heavily recruited by the Buckeyes of Ohio State. Eventually, his decision came down to the type of offense that the teams ran and his newfound fondness for Purdue's coach. History was kind to both the team and Dawson, since he led all of his competition in the Big Ten Conference in each of the three years he started as quarterback, while posting gaudy passing yard numbers throughout.
A nomadic beginning to a pro career
As successful as he was in the college ranks, Dawson's early years in the NFL were nothing more than a quarterback in search of a team. After being unable to wrest the starting position away from either the Pittsburgh or Cleveland quarterbacks, Dawson was eventually released from his contract. That freed him to join the Texans in 1962, where he proceeded to do what he did best - win. He led the AFL in yards per attempt as well as touchdowns that year, earning the Most Valuable Player honors for the league. He went with the Texans as they relocated to Kansas City and changed their name to the Chiefs.
Home in the Chiefs jersey
Dawson was known for his laser-like accuracy, which was a necessity in the Chief's offense - then known as the "moving pocket". As a Chief, Dawson became the leader in AFL passing. His 1966 season earned him the high honor of taking his Chiefs team into the very first Super Bowl - a contest against the NFL champion Green Bay Packers. As fans of football know, the Packers won that game somewhat handily. Still, Dawson's performance showcased his accuracy and gave no indication that he had lost any of his skill.
Back to the Bowl
Just a few years later, Len Dawson and his Chiefs would redeem themselves as they played in and won Super Bowl IV. Without Lombardi, Starr, or the Packers to stop him - the opponent was instead the Vikings of Minnesota - Dawson emerged victorious, providing the Chiefs with what would eventually turn out to be the only Super Bowl win of the franchise. Though Joe Namath had shocked the world the year before by being the first AFL quarterback to win a Super Bowl, Dawson is now known as the man who showed that the AFC's first win was not a fluke.
Len's college days
Quarterback Lenny Dawson was a star long before he hit the professional ranks. He led his Purdue Boilermakers in three successful seasons first. His presence with the Purdue team was never a foregone conclusion, however, as he was also heavily recruited by the Buckeyes of Ohio State. Eventually, his decision came down to the type of offense that the teams ran and his newfound fondness for Purdue's coach. History was kind to both the team and Dawson, since he led all of his competition in the Big Ten Conference in each of the three years he started as quarterback, while posting gaudy passing yard numbers throughout.
A nomadic beginning to a pro career
As successful as he was in the college ranks, Dawson's early years in the NFL were nothing more than a quarterback in search of a team. After being unable to wrest the starting position away from either the Pittsburgh or Cleveland quarterbacks, Dawson was eventually released from his contract. That freed him to join the Texans in 1962, where he proceeded to do what he did best - win. He led the AFL in yards per attempt as well as touchdowns that year, earning the Most Valuable Player honors for the league. He went with the Texans as they relocated to Kansas City and changed their name to the Chiefs.
Home in the Chiefs jersey
Dawson was known for his laser-like accuracy, which was a necessity in the Chief's offense - then known as the "moving pocket". As a Chief, Dawson became the leader in AFL passing. His 1966 season earned him the high honor of taking his Chiefs team into the very first Super Bowl - a contest against the NFL champion Green Bay Packers. As fans of football know, the Packers won that game somewhat handily. Still, Dawson's performance showcased his accuracy and gave no indication that he had lost any of his skill.
Back to the Bowl
Just a few years later, Len Dawson and his Chiefs would redeem themselves as they played in and won Super Bowl IV. Without Lombardi, Starr, or the Packers to stop him - the opponent was instead the Vikings of Minnesota - Dawson emerged victorious, providing the Chiefs with what would eventually turn out to be the only Super Bowl win of the franchise. Though Joe Namath had shocked the world the year before by being the first AFL quarterback to win a Super Bowl, Dawson is now known as the man who showed that the AFC's first win was not a fluke.
About the Author:
Freddie Brister begin_of_the_skype_highlightingend_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlightingend_of_the_skype_highlighting is a huge fan of all sports and recommends checking out his Kansas City Chiefs Watch and Kansas City Royals watch at his shop.
