Many fans of Len Dawson and the Kansas City Chiefs took to Twitter to express their love and appreciation for the legendary quarterback after his death.
Chiefs Kingdom lost a true legend on Wednesday when the news broke that former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson had passed away. Dawson was 87 years old and had recently entered hospice care one week prior as a sign of his declining health. Still, that didn’t take the official news any easier to take as a region waved goodbye to a true icon who represented and meant so much on and off of the field.
For most NFL fans, Dawson will forever be known as Lenny the Cool, as a calm and collected quarterback who guided the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl appearance and Super Bowl victory in his 14 seasons with the team. Dawson would eventually find himself inducted into Hall of Fame for both the Chiefs franchise and the league itself in Canton, Ohio, but Dawson’s story didn’t stop there. Instead, eh leaned into broadcasting and found himself connected with a new generation of football fans.
His enduring legacy is why so many are pouring out beautiful, heartfelt tributes to Dawson and his family on Twitter on Wednesday. They begin with KMBC, a station at which Dawson served as Sports Director and so much more for several decades.
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"He loved Kansas City and no matter where his travels took him, he could not wait to return home."
— KMBC (@kmbc) August 24, 2022
Rest well, Len. ❤️
Len Dawson has died at the age of 87: https://t.co/rRdEugmMD9 pic.twitter.com/cJfMwKtpon
NFL analysts on a national level were all tweeting the same Lenny the Cool photo with their own sentiments.
A Super Bowl champion and MVP, an AFL legend, an incredible broadcaster, a revered individual in so many ways.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 24, 2022
RIP to Len Dawson. pic.twitter.com/XbIVtZer1y
RIP Len Dawson. Leonard the Cool… pic.twitter.com/u34NqOOjk1
— Rick Gosselin (@RickGosselin9) August 24, 2022
Before NFL Network, Sunday Ticket, all-day Sports Center, or football on your phone…
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) August 24, 2022
Len Dawson and Inside the NFL was the ONLY way to see your favorite team’s highlights. We would tape the show on VHS every Tuesday and watch it every day after school.
R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/0oSyn1b9Xl
From there, several local figures and fans shared their meaningful connections and memories, making Twitter a wonderful place to be for once.
A sad day in Kansas City and Chiefs history as Len Dawson, who led the team to two Super Bowl appearances and a win, passed away this morning at the age of 87. Had the opportunity to sit, break bread, and interview him a number of times and he was gracious towards me every time. pic.twitter.com/byIiDfh2CH
— Darren Smith (@DarrenSmithWHB) August 24, 2022
Rest In Peace, Len Dawson. One of Kansas City’s greatest on the field, in broadcasting, and in our community.
— Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) August 24, 2022
My thoughts are with his wife, Linda, his family, and the many friends he made over a tremendous lifetime.
What a sad morning for #ChiefsKingdom. Rest In Peace to the legend, Len Dawson. Keep his family and friends in your prayers 🕊. pic.twitter.com/pyLKp81uXC
— Mark Gunnels (@MarkAGunnels) August 24, 2022
We lost a true legend and wonderful human being @Chiefs nation with the passing of Len Dawson. HOF QB, broadcaster and all around great guy. RIP brother!
— Rich Gannon (@RichGannon12) August 24, 2022
We lost a beloved sports leader today. My heart goes out to Len Dawson’s family, friends, teammates, co-workers and fans. I had the fortune of traveling with Len for years producing Chiefs pre-season games. He was truly unique and special.
— Kathy Nelson (@kathynelson_KC) August 24, 2022
Len Dawson is an icon. I didn’t grow up in KC, so my exposure to him was watching Inside the NFL as a kid. He was such a presence, and a consummate pro. RIP. https://t.co/z9lUj0x2PD
— Taylor Hemness (@taylorhemness) August 24, 2022
I only vaguely remember Len Dawson as a QB. My dad who grew up in KC was a huge Chiefs fans and loved Len. I became a fan during his broadcasting days. Would turn on the radio to listen to Len and Kevin, then Len and Mitch do the games while watching on TV. Lenny the Cool. RIP pic.twitter.com/CRn16I77Dl
— Lee C Eldridge (@LeeCEldridge) August 24, 2022
You will Forever be our quarterback 💔
— Belinda Post (@Belinda_Post) August 24, 2022
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Legendary Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Len Dawson at 87. Keep throwing passes and acing sports broadcasts in Heaven. #chiefskingdom #lendawson #number16
RIP to legendary @Chiefs QB and broadcaster, Len Dawson. Incredibly honored to have had the chance to meet him, especially living all the way in NY. I’ll treasure this memory forever! #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/zNnzjC4YDI
— Jason Linnick (@thelichief) August 24, 2022