Earlier this week, the family of Chiefs legend Len Dawson revealed that the former Kansas City Hall of Fame quarterback had passed away at the age of 87. In reaction, much of the football world shared fond memories of the late Dawson, including reflections on his iconic cigarette and Fresca photo from halftime of Super Bowl I.
In their first game since the legend’s death — which happened to be at home at Arrowhead Stadium — the Chiefs used their first snap against the Packers (-3) to pay an excellent tribute to one of pro football’s great people.
When the Kansas City offense came out onto the field, Patrick Mahomes and Co. lined up in the famous “choir huddle” — a staple used by Dawson during his playing career. And yes, it’s as special as it sounds:
16 🤍 pic.twitter.com/n1KquAjNi8
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) August 26, 2022
Man, that is one terrific way to honor a loved pioneer and take care of history. These are the kinds of moments when sports can be genuinely wonderful.
NFL fans were moved by the Chiefs' on-field tribute to Len Dawson
This was beautiful ❤️ https://t.co/95vEvyWaYv
— Kylie Manning (@thekyliemanning) August 26, 2022
WHO IS CHOPPING UP SOME ONIONS 🥺 https://t.co/bxmdY4kRnG
— Andrew Shepard (@The_Shep_) August 26, 2022
This is everything. What a moment. https://t.co/4Hlez0yKt5
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) August 26, 2022
Awesome tribute! #RIPLenDawson https://t.co/PKRUwiEkVy
— Bill Jones (@CBS11BillJones) August 26, 2022
Great tribute to Len Dawson by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Just another example of the class of this organization. https://t.co/uQKC4optDQ— Dan Lucy (@DanLucySports) August 26, 2022
Everyone is a @Chiefs fan tonight. https://t.co/YvV7xhIBUc
— Jay Prater, CBM KAKE (@JayPraterKAKE) August 26, 2022
Love this tribute to len Dawson! #ChiefsKingdom @Chiefs https://t.co/lJvRNlcLo7
— Taylor Cunningham (@tiller1274) August 26, 2022
Pure class https://t.co/xBoubf5wZL
— Matt Cassel (@M_Cassel16) August 26, 2022
I love this ❤️💛 https://t.co/j3lGleoYlD
— Caitlyn Snelling (@ArtbyCaitlyn) August 26, 2022
Just perfect. Well done @Chiefs. https://t.co/j94HGXRsn2
— Taylor Hemness (@taylorhemness) August 26, 2022
Awesome gesture! #KCChiefs https://t.co/JVeTXhoqHX
— Coach Michael Maher (@RealCoachMaher) August 26, 2022
Amazing tribute. https://t.co/z65HUBo7kp
— Jim Lefko (@jimlefko) August 26, 2022
So cool. https://t.co/ixzKWokxSm
— Andy Studebaker (@AndyStudebaker) August 26, 2022
Fitting and well done. #Chiefs #ChiefsKingdom https://t.co/I7bLdXNFOf
— Zach Borg (@IceBorg) August 26, 2022