Lamar Hunt, 1932-2006
Lamar Hunt, one of the most respected individuals in pro football for more than four decades, passed away on Wednesday evening.
A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 1972, Hunt was the founder of the American Football League and the Dallas Texans, who later became the Kansas City Chiefs.
The following statement was issued by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's President/Executive Director Steve Perry:
“The Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Trustees and staff are deeply saddened by the news of Lamar Hunt’s death. He and his family have been very much in our thoughts and prayers during his illness. Lamar Hunt’s contributions to professional football and to the sports world are enormous and well-documented. That includes his role as a founder of the American Football League and a pioneer in developing today’s National Football League.
"He was also a very, generous and civic minded individual. He has been a steadfast supporter of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and has served on its Board of Trustees since 1968. For all of us associated with the Pro Football Hall of Fame who knew him so well, we will most remember him as a friend and an advocate for, and shining example of, all that is good in sports.
“To his wife Norma, daughter Sharron Munson, and sons Lamar, Jr., Clark and Daniel, we offer our heartfelt sympathy.”
Hunt’s Hall of Fame Bio>>> Lamar Hunt in photos Kansas City Chiefs history Lamar Hunt's enshrinement speech transcript AFL, 1960-69 NFL.com: AFL founder, Chiefs owner Hunt dead at 74 Kansas City Chiefs website coverage NFL Network:Adam Schefter's essay on Lamar Hunt