Len Dawson Cause of Death Mysterious: Hall of Fame QB Dead at 87

Len Dawson, who famously helped the Kansas City Chiefs to reach a Super Bowl victory, died. He was 87.

Dawson's family first confirmed the news through a statement to KMBC in Kansas City. It disclosed that the quarterback-turned-broadcaster died on Wednesday after starting to receive attention in hospice care in mid-August.

"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 statement read, per USA Today.

The same announcement revealed how much Dawson loved Kansas City and that he always aimed to return home after every long travel. However, it did not reveal his exact cause of death.

Len Dawson's death left the NFL community in deep pain, especially since he notably left a huge impact on the sport.

Len Dawson is an American legend, a Super Bowl Champion, a world class broadcaster, and will forever be among the most important and beloved figures in our city’s history.

The Royals send sympathy and support to the Chiefs and the Dawson family. pic.twitter.com/DqazmUeXz1
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 24, 2022

Len Dawson's Legacy, Career

The Ohio native started his career when the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him fifth overall in 1957. However, he had to wait for a few more years before he was able to land his break when he joined the Dallas Texans in 1962. He then led the team to score an AFL title after scoring 11-3.

At that time, he was hailed the AFL's player of the year.

Through Texans, Dawson also got the chance to reunite with Hank Stram, Purdue's assistant coach.

During his Hall of Fame acceptance speech, he expressed his gratitude to Stram for believing in him when he lost his skills after years of not playing. He noted that the assistant coach became a bridge for him to meet other great players.

Dawson's fruitful career bloomed even more in the years thereafter by becoming a two-time All-Pro, three-time AFL champion, and seven-time Pro Bowler.

In 1973, he brought home the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

Two years later, he retired and was inducted into the Hall of Fame after finishing his career with a 57.1 completion percentage, 28,711 passing yards, and 239 passing touchdowns.

When he left the field as an athlete, Dawson dedicated himself to broadcasting. He worked as a sports anchor for KMBC-TV and an analyst for NBC. Among his works, he was best known for the contributions he made in "Inside the NFL."

Dawson went on to nab the Hall of Fame's Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award in 2012 - five years before his retirement in 2017.