My Tribute to Len Dawson

Only Respect is Intended

First off, my thoughts and prayers go out to Len Dawson’s family for the recent passing of Len Dawson. As you should know, this NFL Hall of Famer died recently at the age of 87. And, PT being PT, I could not help but think of a blog connection when I think of this NFL great. While my writings are an attempt at humor and brevity, please understand that only respect is intended. I view this post as my tribute to Len Dawson by sharing my favorite memory.

A Great NFL Moment

Other than one year for the Cleveland Browns, Len Dawson had many great moments over his 17 year NFL career, mostly with the Kansas City Chiefs. But, my favorite moment occurred at half time of the very first Super Bowl. Len had an outstanding first half going 11-15 on passes for 152 yards. However, the Chiefs still trailed the Green Bay Packers 14-10. In the locker room, Len took a moment to gather himself. His gathering process gave way to one of the greatest NFL historic photos…

I offer two things relating to this iconic photo. First, many people describe this photo as Len Dawson smoking a cigarette and having a beer at halftime of Super Bowl I. NO. As you see from the picture, it was a Fresca. A beer would have been a better story. But, the fact remains that it was a Fresca. Secondly, it took many years for this photo to even surface. It was just considered insignificant by the cultural standards of the time. Many people burned one at halftime. As time went on, the views of cigarettes and athletic training made this photo into a belated iconic moment.

Do Not Forget the Troll

Now, as for the blog, let’s not forget the troll. Several years ago, Carol and I visited the Troll Hole Museum in Alliance, Ohio. The Troll Hole boasts the single largest collection of trolls in the world. This fact has even been verified by the folks for Guinness World Book of Records.

More importantly, I am not the only one to appreciate Len’s cigarette and Fresca moment. The manufacturer’s of the troll dolls appreciated it so much that they gave it the highest possible honor. I give you the highest honor for #16 of the Kansas City Chiefs…

In my opinion, the troll folks should have immortalized Len Dawson in the historically accurate white jersey of the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl I. Further, for the sake of completeness, I guess I should pass along that the second half of the Super Bowl did not go well for the Chiefs. The Packers’ legendary coach, Vince Lombardi, made some half time adjustments. The result was that the Chiefs never scored again. The Packers went on to win Super Bowl I by the score of 35-10.

Rest in Peace

Despite losing Super Bowl I, Len Dawson managed to win Super Bowl IV. Furthermore, he was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. Additionally, Len Dawson had a long and successful career as an NFL analyst. However, my favorite accolade for this Alliance, Ohio, high school graduate is the Len Dawson troll, now on display at the Troll Hole Museum of Alliance, Ohio. Rest in Peace Len Dawson.

I hope you have enjoyed my “My Tribute to Len Dawson” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.

Here was my visit to the Troll Hole Museum https://travelingwithpt.com/troll-museum-of-course/

If you want to pay your respects to the Len Dawson troll in Alliance, Ohio, here you go https://www.thetrollhole.com/

p.s. For the record, I am far too young to have any real memory of Super Bowl I. I just have always loved that iconic Cigarette and Fresca photo.