Len Dawson was born on June 20, 1935, in Alliance, Ohio. He grew up in a large family and attended Alliance High School.
He played football and basketball and became a standout athlete. After high school, he went to Purdue University. There, he led the Big Ten in passing for three seasons. In 1957,
Dawson entered the NFL Draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him as the fifth overall pick. He spent early years with the Steelers and Browns but saw little playing time. In 1962, he joined the Dallas Texans of the AFL.
The team moved and became the Kansas City Chiefs. Dawson found success in Kansas City. He led the team to three AFL titles. He helped them win Super Bowl IV and earned the MVP award. Dawson was named an AFL All-Star six times. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
After retiring, he worked as a sports broadcaster.
He stayed connected to football through media work. Dawson’s early life in Alliance shaped his career. Alliance remembers him as one of its greatest athletes.
His achievements on the national stage brought pride to his hometown. His influence on football and his connection to Alliance remain strong.
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Len Dawson with the 5th overall pick in the 1st round of the 1957 NFL Draft.
Len Dawson, a one-time Pro Bowler, accumulated 28,711 yards and tossed 239 touchdowns over his Hall of Fame career as a quarterback.
