Lenny Has "Matriculated the Ball to Heaven"

By -

Len Dawson passed away this morning at the age of 87. As one person at Instapundit put it, he has "matriculated the ball into Heaven." 

That famous line (video above) by Chiefs' coach Hank Stram (the first person ever to be mic'd during a NFL game) was spoken during Super Bowl IV, which the Chiefs won 23-7. Len was MVP. Not only did he win the game, he cooly and professionally handled utterly false charges of gambling that were thrown at him the week before the game in an attempt to influence the outcome. 

If you wish to see the highlights of that amazing game, in which the Chiefs were a huge underdog, they are cued up here (the NFL won't let me embed them). I highly recommend this version because it is pure football (no politics or political correctness) and they are narrated by John "frozen tundra of Lambeau Field" Facenda. 

But Len wasn't just a Hall of Fame quarterback, he was terrific man. Just read these testimonial comments about him published in the Kansas City Star. 

As I mentioned when it was announced that he had entered hospice care, I met Lenny for the first time when I was doing the weather for KMBC Radio and he was doing sports for KMBC TV and Radio (photo from that era below). We remained friendly throughout our lives. 

My Dad was a Chiefs' Red Coater for decades.
Among other civic duties, the Red Coaters welcomed the Chiefs onto the field before every home game and, if I recall correctly, before the start of Super Bowl IV in New Orleans. 

I lost my Dad in January 2020. I am certain that Dad, Hank Stram, and Lamar Hunt were at the gates of Heaven this morning to welcome Len. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The East Coast Severe Weather Threat is Over

By -
Image
Midnight: The East Coast Threat for Tornadoes and Severe  Thunderstorms Has Ended 3:50pm. Tornado watch for the Middle Atlantic Region. 2:30pm Tornadoes are also forecast in the South. 2:20pm. A couple of tornadoes, hail and wind gusts to 65 mph are possible with these storms. This includes NYC and Philadelphia.  1:05pm. The tornado risk has been extended northward into New York. The brown area has a significant risk of tornadoes. Remember: if a tornado warning is issued, go to your basement and get under heavy furniture like a pool table. Of, if your basement is finished, get into the bathroom. Go ahead an put a couple of water bottles and, if appropriate, diapers in your shelter area. Wear shoes.  If you don't have a basement or safe room, go to the lowest floor and get into a bath or closet in the middle of your home. Children should be put in the bathtub.  I'll update later today. 
Read more

Today's Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Outlook - 9:30pm

By -
Image
After 65 mph winds went through Wichita, we have been without power for 35 minutes. So, I am going to have to end coverage for the night (using backup systems to write this). Scroll down for the forecast of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms for Sunday and Sunday night.  Please read down for the latest forecasts regarding this dangerous tornado and damaging wind situation! 5:40pm, a new "regular" tornado watch has been issued for north central Kansas.  Note that wind gusts to 80 mph are likely in this storm in addition to tornadoes and giant hail. Please make sure friends and relatives in the area are aware of the danger in the area outlined in red below plus the red area outlined at 2:50pm  In addition to "several strong tornadoes," hail to 4.8" in diameter is forecast along with wind gusts to 80 mph. Now is the time for persons living in mobile homes, manufactured homes and those with mobility issues should be making plans!!  Do not wait until a tornado warn
Read more

Updated Freezing Rain and Heavy Rain Forecast

By -
Image
Note: An Updated Forecast is Available HERE Freezing Rain The National Weather Service has now issued winter weather advisories, two warnings and a watch. It may be a bit too large but, when it comes to freezing rain and slick roads, caution is usually the better course of action.  Here's a color code: Deep purple is an ice storm warning; serious condition where power outages are possible. Pink is a winter storm warning for significant icing. Deep green is a winter storm watch. I don't know why this is still a watch. If I were on the forecast desk I would have a winter storm warning for icing.  Dark blue is a winter weather advisory, a lesser condition, for icing.  Here is a view of the entire watch/warning/advisory area. The small area of green in Illinois is for flooding and, in Nebraska, for snow.  Here is a forecast of freezing rain amounts; totals to 6am Tuesday.  Color codes: Yellow is 0.25 to 0.50 inches. Power outages may occur in this areas. Deep blue is 0.1 to .25 inc
Read more