Len Dawson
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Len Dawson Legacy
HEYTC AILen Dawson Rating Breakdown
Len Dawson Career Stats via Wikipedia
Len Dawson Career Timeline
HEYTC AI1987 1
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Len Dawson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his legacy as a three-time AFL Champion, Super Bowl MVP, and six-time All-Star.
1976 1
Retirement from Chiefs
After 14 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs (12 in the AFL/NFL post-merger), Dawson retired as the franchise's all-time leader in passing yards (28,711) and wins (117).
1975 1
Final Pro Bowl
In his age-40 season, Dawson earned his fourth Pro Bowl selection, completing 108 of 204 passes for 1,245 yards and 9 touchdowns.
1973 1
Major Knee Injury
Dawson suffered a severe knee injury that sidelined him for most of the season, marking a significant setback in his later career years.
1970 1
Pro Bowl Selection
Dawson was selected to the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl following another strong season as the Chiefs' franchise quarterback.
1969 2
AFL MVP and Championship
Named AFL Most Valuable Player and led the Chiefs to their second AFL Championship win over the Oakland Raiders (17-7) en route to the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl IV MVP
Dawson threw for 142 yards and 1 touchdown, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to a 23-7 upset victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV and earning MVP honors.
1966 1
First-Team All-Pro
Dawson earned First-Team All-AFL honors after a stellar season with 3,194 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and leading the Chiefs to a 11-2-1 record.
1964 1
Chiefs Rebrand and Pro Bowl
The Dallas Texans relocated to Kansas City and became the Chiefs; Dawson was selected to his first AFL All-Star Game (equivalent to Pro Bowl).
1963 2
First AFL Championship Win
Dawson guided the Texans to victory over the Boston Patriots in the AFL Championship Game (51-14), securing the franchise's first title before relocating to Kansas City.
AFL Player of the Year
Dawson led the Dallas Texans to the AFL Championship, earning AFL Player of the Year honors after throwing for 2,383 yards and 19 touchdowns.
1962 1
Traded to Chiefs
Following two seasons with the Browns primarily as a backup to Milt Plum, Dawson was traded to the Dallas Texans (AFL) in a pivotal move orchestrated by coach Hank Stram.
1960 1
Traded to Browns
After three seasons with the Steelers where he saw limited action (14 games, 2 starts), Dawson was traded to the Cleveland Browns.
1957 2
Signed with Steelers
Dawson signed his rookie contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, beginning his professional career as a backup quarterback behind established starters.
Drafted by Steelers
Len Dawson was selected as a fifth-round pick (#53 overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1957 NFL Draft out of Purdue University.
Frequently Asked Questions About Len Dawson
How does Patrick Mahomes compare to Len Dawson?
Patrick Mahomes is torching Len Dawson's Chiefs records left and right—poised to eclipse those 28,711 passing yards any day now, with three rings already to Dawson's one Super Bowl IV stunner. Dawson ruled the AFL with eight completion percentage crowns and four TD leads, but Mahomes' no-look wizardry in this pass-happy era makes him the upgraded model, turning Arrowhead into a louder circus.
Is Len Dawson in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Damn right Len Dawson's in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, busted in 1987 after slinging 28,711 yards and 239 TDs for the Chiefs, capped by that iconic Super Bowl IV win under the fur coat. He was the AFL's pocket maestro—cool as January in Kansas City—cementing his bust next to the greats who defined the game's scrappy dawn.
How would Len Dawson perform in today's NFL?
Len Dawson would carve up today's NFL like a hot knife through butter, thanks to pass-friendly rules killing the bump-and-run and blitzes he danced through in the '60s AFL. His pinpoint accuracy—led the league in completion percentage eight times—translates perfectly to spread offenses, though he'd gripe about the no-huddle tempo testing those steel-toed cleats from Super Bowl glory.
How does Len Dawson compare to Trent Green?
Len Dawson laps Trent Green as Chiefs QBs—51.37 passer rating to Green's measly 30.26—thanks to Dawson's surgical AFL precision, those 239 TDs, and hoisting Lombardi over Green's lone division titles. Green was a gritty bridge in the 2000s Priest Holmes boom, but Dawson's the silk-stocking gunslinger who built the throne Mahomes now sits on.