Former pro football star Len Dawson was the first-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1956. In 1960, Dawson was traded to the Cleveland Browns. He obtained his release from the Browns in 1962 and joined the Dallas Texans, who later become known as the Kansas City Chiefs. Over the years, Dawson has established himself as one of the most accurate passers in pro football. His career passing rating score is 82.6 and at the end of the 1981 season, Len ranked No. 4 among the sixty eligible career passers. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. Dawson quarterbacked the Chiefs to three championship seasons, reaching his peak when he was named the Outstanding Player in the 1970 Super Bowl victory over Minnesota. Dawson retired in 1976 after 19 years, one of the longest careers in professional football history. Since retiring, Dawson has hosted the very popular show for HBO, Inside the NFL. Later in life, Dawson came face-to-face with another opponent, prostate cancer. Since overcoming this life-threatening illness, he has become a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. He is also highly active in community and charitable organizations dealing primarily with children. He has been the Honorary Chairman of the Variety Club Telethon for several years. Dawson is presently sports anchor for KMBC-TV in Kansas City and color analyst on KCFX radio regional broadcasts of Kansas City Chiefs' Games.
