Len Dawson was 'my first sports hero,' Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt says

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The death of Len Dawson touched everyone in the NFL world, but it had a particular impact on Kansas City Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, given how close he and his family were to the legendary quarterback.

Dawson joined the Dallas Texans of the American Football League in 1962 and by 1963, the team had moved to Kansas City and renamed the Chiefs. Lamar Hunt, Clark’s father and whom the AFC Championship trophy would be named for, owned the team at the time.

Dawson played for the organization from 1962 to 1975 and helped the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl IV against the Minnesota Vikings during the 1969 season.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Len Dawson is introduced before the inaugural Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan Fest Friday, May 2, 2014, at the International Exposition Center in Cleveland.  (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

On Wednesday, Hunt opened up about Dawson and the impact the quarterback had on his life. He described the Hall of Famer as his "first sports hero" and offered his condolences to the Dawson family.

"The Chiefs and the city of Kansas City have truly lost an icon. Len Dawson has been associated with the Chiefs organization for over 60 years and his impact both on and off the field will be remembered by generations of pro football fans," Hunt said. "Len was my first sports hero, and he remains somebody I admired and respected his entire life. His impact on the Kansas City Chiefs and everyone who has ever worked for the organization cannot be overstated. With that, I’m happy to open it up to questions."

Hunt said the notion of Dawson being his "first sports hero" never really left him.

PA