KMBC-TV received confirmation that the renowned American football player had passed away, know the story behind the cigarette picture of Len Dawson
In a statement, his family said: “It is with great regret that we inform you of the demise of our dear Len Dawson, who passed away with his wife Linda by his side.”
He was an excellent father, husband, brother, and friend. Len was constantly appreciative of the numerous connections he made throughout his football and broadcasting professions and was frequently overcome by them.
The True Story Behind Len Dawson Iconic Cigarette Smoking Photo During Halftime Of Super Bowl 1 As MVP Dies
RIP Len Dawson. Subject of one of the great photos in sports history. Halftime of Super Bowl I. A cigarette, A Fresca and a metal folding chair. pic.twitter.com/o0zCCglBhT
— Don Harris (@DonHarris4) August 24, 2022
You may be cool, but you’ll never be Len Dawson smoking a cigarette and having a beer during halftime of the Super Bowl cool. RIP Legend pic.twitter.com/M8yR116dRW
— Ty (@SkyyHighTy) August 24, 2022
In 1969, Dawson led the Kansas City Chiefs to the Super Bowl, defeating the Minnesota Vikings, and was named the game’s MVP. Social media has seen a resurgence of his iconic cigarette photo in the wake of the heartbreaking news of his passing.
The Classic Cigarette Photo Of Len Dawson
During the 1967 Super Bowl I halftime performance, the football player is shown seated on a folding chair and smoking a cigarette. In the picture, a glass bottle of the soda Fresca is also seen sitting close to his chair. Despite having been taken several years prior, the picture wasn’t made public to fans until Life magazine released it in 2013.
Following earlier news that Dawson had entered hospice care, his followers posted a lot of his legendary cigarette photo on social media. The photo, which has since come to symbolise the Super Bowl, was included in a slideshow of photographs from the newspaper.
Addressing the backstory of the photograph is the photographer. The iconic image was captured by Bill Ray, a Life magazine photographer who died in 2020 at the age of 84.
Hank Stram, The Head Coach Of The Kansas City Chiefs, Agreed To Let Ray Capture Images Of The Team.
Bill recalled taking the iconic photo and told Kevin Clark for a piece on The Ringer: “It seems impossible now. Smoking was prevalent among people, therefore it was amazing to see the starting quarterback engage in it.
When Ray noticed Dawson’s pose, he reportedly “grabbed” his camera and snapped the famous photo. The photographer continued by saying that the reason the image remained hidden was a contract he made to publicise it if the Chiefs defeated the Packers.
Tributes To Legacy Quarterback
After the news of Dawson’s passing spread on social media, heartfelt tributes were given to him. Len Dawson, a Chiefs icon and member of the Hall of Fame, passed away, the NFL said in a tweet. We send his family and close friends our sincere sympathies.
In a Twitter eulogy, Patrick Mahomes wrote: “RIP to the icon Len Dawson. Your influence and legacy on Kansas City will endure forever. Please pray for his family.”
“A Super Bowl champion and MVP, an AFL great, an amazing announcer, and a revered individual in so many ways,” wrote Field Yates. Godspeed, Len Dawson.
Len Dawson is an American legend, a Super Bowl champion, a world-class announcer. He will always be among the most significant and cherished figures in our city’s history, the Kansas City Royals stated in another tribute.
The Chiefs and the Dawson family are sent their condolences and support by the Royals.
RIP Legend.#LenDawson pic.twitter.com/SbwqQmAvgC
— FirstSportz NFL (@FirstSportz_NFL) August 24, 2022
RIP to the legend Len Dawson. The legacy and impact you made on Kansas City will live on forever. Prayers to his family 🙏🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/AKMhxoUFYH
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) August 24, 2022
RIP, Len Dawson: legendary Kansas City @Chiefs QB and @ProFootballHOF member was a @SuperBowl champion and MVP (IV), Pro Bowler, @NFL Man of the Year, 6× AFL All-Star, @kmbc sports director (while playing football!), host of @HBO’s @insidetheNFL, and a man beloved by so many. pic.twitter.com/WO4JjayS64
— Ajit Pai (@AjitPai) August 24, 2022
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