Len Dawson Hall of Fame NFL

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Len Dawson

Inducted:
1987

Len Dawson NFL Hall of Fame

Player Stats 

6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
190 lb (86 kg)

Born:

June 20, 1935
Alliance, Ohio, U.S.

Died:
August 24, 2022
Kansas City, Kansas, U.S.

Position: 
Quarterback

College:
Purdue (1953–1956)

Len Dawson was the face of the Kansas City Chiefs for over a decade and one of the AFL’s most accomplished quarterbacks. Known for his calm under pressure, sharp accuracy, and football IQ, Dawson led the Chiefs to three AFL titles and a historic victory in Super Bowl IV, earning game MVP honors. Originally drafted by the Steelers in 1957, Dawson’s early NFL career was quiet until he found his stride in the AFL under coach Hank Stram.

He became a seven-time AFL All-Star and led the league in passer rating six times, finishing his career with over 28,000 passing yards and 239 touchdowns. Dawson’s poised leadership helped legitimize the AFL as a competitive league before the NFL merger. After retiring, he enjoyed a long broadcasting career as a respected analyst. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987 for his exceptional impact on the field and beyond.

Dawson's Awards and Honors

  • Super Bowl champion (IV)
  • 3× AFL champion (1962, 1966, 1969)
  • Super Bowl MVP (IV)
  • AFL championship MVP (1966)
  • AFL Most Valuable Player (1962)
  • NFL Man of the Year (1973)
  • 2× First-team All-AFL (1962, 1966)
  • 2× Second-team All-AFL (1964, 1968)
  • 6× AFL All-Star (1962, 1964, 1966–1969)
  • Pro Bowl (1971)
  • NFL completion percentage leader (1975)
  • AFL All-Time Team
  • 2× Second-team All-Big Ten (1955, 1956)

NFL Records

    • First quarterback to win both an AFL Championship and a Super Bowl
    • Led the AFL in passer rating six times
    • First quarterback to win both an AFL Championship and a Super Bowl
    • Career 57.1% completion rate — among the top for 1960s QBs

    NFL Teams

    Pittsburgh Steelers (1957–1959)
    Cleveland Browns (1960–1961)
    Dallas Texans / Kansas City Chiefs (1962–1975)

    NFL Draft:
    1957: 1st round, 5th pick
    Pittsburgh Steelers

    Number Worn:
    18, 16

    NFL Stats

    Seasons:
    19 (1957–1975)
    Games Played:
    211
    Passing Attempts:
    3,741
    Completions:
    2,136
    Completion percentage:
    57.1%
    Passing Yards:
    28,711
    Touchdowns:
    239
    Interceptions:
    183
    Passer Rating:
    82.6
    Rushing TDs:
    9