Len Dawson Dies at Age 87; Chiefs Hall of Fame QB Won Super Bowl IV MVP

The Pro Football Hall of Fame member was 87 years old.

The statement from the family said that Linda died with her husband at his side.

Vahe Gregorian of the Kansas City Star spoke to a family friend who said that a family member had died.

The family asked for privacy and prayers, according to Linda.

He was sports director for KMBC 9 News in 1966. He stopped working at night.

A three-year starter at Purdue University, Dawson threw for 3,325 yards and 29 touchdown on 454 attempts.

The 5th pick in the 1957 NFL draft was taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers. After five years as a backup, he got an opportunity as a starter in 1962 with the Dallas Texans.

In 14 starts for the Texans, he led the league in touchdown passes and was named the league's Most Valuable Player. The Texans defeated the Astros in the finals.

The team moved to Kansas City before the 1962 season. Most of the next 13 years were spent as the team's starter. From 1964 to 1969 he was the leader in completion percentage and quarterback rating.

The first Super Bowl was played in 1966 and the Packers defeated the Chiefs. The 1969 season was the first time the franchise won a Super Bowl. He was named the game's Most Valuable Player after he went 12 of 17 for 142 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

At the age of 40, he retired from the NFL after starting five games. He is the franchise's all-time leader in passing yards and completions.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has a hall of fame. He has been inducted into two halls of fame. The Ohio native received the Walter CampDistinguished American Award in 2008 for his success in business, private life or public service.