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THOUGHTS...THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS ON LAMAR HUNT
“He wanted people to love the sports like he did. He loved sports so much, he was so passionate about them and he
wanted others to share the joy.“ “He saw things and understood things that would be good for the game many, many years ahead of other people.“ “He was a visionary, he was clever, he was creative, he was stubborn, he was optimistic, he was stubbornly
optimistic, he looked at things for the long haul.“ “It was more about providing people with opportunities, letting people display their talents and gifts and sports is
really where that manifested itself.“ “He didn’t miss anything. If it came to counting parking spots in parking lots, he was out there doing it all
himself.“ “I accused him of being in the entertainment business, but to him it was sports and it was a game. His high school
friends that named him ‘games’ correctly named him.“ “To know him you loved him. Even if you were on the opposite side, you loved him.“ “Lamar Hunt’s a pioneer and a pillar of the National Football League. He’s been innovative and creative throughout all the years he’s been involved. There aren’t enough words to accurately describe who Lamar Hunt was and what he has meant to the NFL and to Kansas City. “For the Chiefs, he was our Founder. He’s the guy who made the decision to move the franchise from Dallas to Kansas
City. It was a great decision. To Kansas City, he’s more than just the owner of a professional franchise. He’s
committed himself there with other businesses such as Hunt Midwest Enterprises, creating thousands of jobs throughout
the Kansas City community. He’s been one of the most philanthropic people I’ve ever been involved with.“ “When you talk about humility, Lamar Hunt’s name should be in the dictionary under that term because of how he
carried himself and how he always put others and thought about others before himself.“ “All the times that Lamar and I were together in 47 years there was never one day that I felt that I was working for
Lamar. He always made me feel I was working with him.“ “Lamar Hunt was one of the greatest leaders and innovators in the history of sports. His vision transformed pro
football and helped turn a regional sport into a national passion. Lamar created a model franchise in the Kansas City
Chiefs, but he was always equally devoted to the best interests of the league and the game, from the AFL-NFL merger to
the two-point conversion. His legacy is unmatched in sports and the NFL — a pioneer, a founding father, and one of the
most important architects in the history of our game.“ “He was one of the most considerate, one of the most thoughtful and one of the most visionary people you could ever
deal with. Lamar Hunt was a founding father of modern professional sports and a tremendous sports visionary and leader.
I first met Lamar in 1969 and had the privilege of working closely with him on an extraordinary range of projects in a
number of sports. He always led with vision, tenacity and humility. He played football at Southern Methodist University
and was passionate about the game and a perfectionist as well. Above all else, he was intensely focused on the best
interests of the fans — especially his beloved Chiefs fans — and on the collective interests of the league and of his
fellow owners, no matter the sport. Norma and Lamar have always been among the most supportive friends and colleagues
that Chan and I have had during our decades in the NFL. We will miss Lamar very deeply.“ “When you walked in a room and you saw him and saw he was a part of something, you knew it was something that was
branded with integrity and solid and something you could stand behind.“ “Lamar Hunt had a dream and, the thing is, we had dreams, too. Just imagine the number of people that he has touched
because he said, ‘I’m going after this dream.’“ “Lamar Hunt went to the NFL and he said, ‘I want to buy a NFL team,’ or ‘I want to put up money to create a team,’
and they said, ‘no.’ That just tickles me to death. (Lamar) said, ‘well, if you don’t want to give me a team, I’ll just
go start my own league.’“ “He was someone that you were just attracted to, you wanted to be part of his circle. People just gravitated to him. He had this ability to influence and to turn a room and to communicate his side so effectively with a quiet, confidence that was unnerving. “He was the man who invented the American Football League and coined the term Super Bowl, but when Lamar was talking
about soccer there was that glint in his eye. It’s just something very special and when the books are written, the book
on American soccer is going to have chapters on Lamar Hunt and what he did both in the past and the present for the
game here.“ “He was so instrumental in making tennis what it is today. He just knew the game hadn’t been tapped in bringing
sponsors in and creating it as a business and not just a game.“ “If Lamar had done for sports in Great Britain what he has done for them here he would have been knighted by the
queen.“ “I think people need to be aware of what he brought to the sport of tennis: the passion he brought, the love of the
game. He was someone who really gave these players an opportunity to go out and make a great living. He cared about the
sport. I was lucky that I came at the time where it was just starting to explode and there were a lot of great
personalities in the sport yet, at the same time, you had at least a sense of appreciation for what a man like Lamar
Hunt was laying on the line. What he did was what he continued to do in soccer which was trying to raise the profile of
the sport that is huge worldwide but not as big in the states.“ “You sort of had this picture of this extremely wealthy Texan who was going to come on big and strong and be really
overbearing, but Lamar was just exactly the opposite.“ “Lamar was so much more than a contributor to sports. He was a founder and a creator. His vision and his passion
shaped the sporting landscape of this country like few others have before him. His innovative drive was inspired by his
love of the games, the athletes and the spirit of competition. He was a gentleman. He moved comfortably among the
giants of sports and always had the common touch. Our deepest sympathies are with Norma and the family.“ “Lamar Hunt was one of the finest owners in the history of professional football and one of America’s greatest
sportsmen. It has been my privilege to work with and compete against Lamar. It was an honor for me to have a close
relationship with Lamar and with his family, and that came out of 23 years of working together and competing against
each other. In my early years Lamar had a significant influence on me as a new owner in the league. My condolences go
to Norma and to his entire family, as well as to the Kansas City Chiefs organization.“ “I have much admiration for his love of professional football and, of course, the American Football League, which he
started. We were rivals, we were friends, we were competitors. Lamar Hunt is a legend and will be sorely missed as he
has been a part of our lives for the past five decades. Our hearts and emotions go out to his wife, Norma, sons Lamar
and Clark and the rest of the family.“ “Lamar has been a good friend, a valued friend since I was fortunate enough to become a part of the league in 1980.
He was a good man. Boy, he loved his Chiefs, but just as much, he loved football. He was very modest and soft-spoken,
but he was a competitor and wanted to win as much as anyone. And he was always the first man to call whenever
congratulations were deserved, even if our team had beaten his team. His word and a handshake was all you ever needed
from Lamar. I’ll miss my friend and the entire National Football League will miss him as well.“ “The San Diego Chargers exist today, in large part, due to the courage and vision of Lamar Hunt. He was one of the
founding fathers of the old American Football League. He along with the other original AFL owners had the foresight of
what football could become in America and dared to begin a new league in competition against the National Football
League. The success of the old AFL caused the merger of the two leagues and has given us the NFL we have today. And
after that and throughout his ownership, Lamar was always one of the League’s most respected owners and leaders. On
countless occasions he was a voice of reason that always helped the League reach the right decision to the betterment
of everyone and the future of the game. Everyone who has ever enjoyed the fruits of this great game and league – owner,
coach, player alike – owes Lamar Hunt a debt of gratitude today.“ “He had an undeniable way to get things done the right way. There was nobody like him. There was nobody like him. “Lamar is the most unique person I have ever known. He led in a quiet but confident way. He was able to build
consensus through discussion, and his ultimate objective was to do what was best for the NFL. His demeanor never
changed after victory or defeat. He was always interested in what he might do “to help.” I consider myself most
fortunate to have had the privilege to know and work with Lamar. His contributions to the National Football League as
we know it today are unparalleled, and his presence and friendship will be missed. The Schottenheimer family extends
our sympathies to Norma and the Hunt family.“ “Among the role models that I observed both up-close and from a distance was Mr. Hunt. Over many decades he, in my
opinion, stayed firm in his views and yet was gracious and easygoing. Nobody can invent and achieve on Lamar Hunt’s
level without enormous intelligence and passion and yet very few of those do so with such an enduring niceness and
restraint. The Cleveland Browns will miss Lamar Hunt as an NFL icon and as a friend and partner.“ “Lamar played the largest role of anyone in football over the course of the last 40 to 50 years. He brought pro
football to 10 new cities with the AFL, which was his creation. His place in pro football history is secure. As a
person, he was extraordinarily modest and unfailingly pleasant. Everyone – whether a commissioner, owner, player or fan
– liked and admired him. I personally will miss him a great deal.“ “He was truly a gentleman, a smart guy and very respectful. I think he respected the game a lot, too. When he spoke
in league meetings you always had the sense that he was speaking from the heart, Wellington Mara-ish, what was best for
the game. It wasn’t about was best for the Chiefs. It was about what was best for the game and I think that came across
in a genuine, sincere manner, so I believed it. It’s a tough loss.“ “Lamar Hunt’s immense wisdom and creative genius drew strength from a child’s inquisitive mind and gentle heart. He
embodied the fearless vision to create, but also the unselfish caretaker’s touch to nurture, like a spiritual gardener
in tune with nature’s four seasons. The American sports fan, and specifically all NFL fans, should know that Lamar Hunt
fearlessly represented their interest and their investment in our great game like no other. We will never see the likes
of this gentle giant in the National Football League again.“ “Lamar Hunt was one of the giants of sports in America and the NFL in particular. A chronicle of his contributions
could fill two books. His counsel was wise and always in the best interests of the game and the league. He was a leader
in the truest sense of the word. He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He will be greatly missed by all
who knew him.“ “I am saddened deeply by the passing of Lamar Hunt. In every way, Mr. Hunt stood for all the best values and
principles. He was a giant of industry, a visionary and consummate sportsman, but he was even greater as a person and
family man. I am most fortunate for having worked for Mr. Hunt. The seasons I spent with him have provided special
memories I will carry always. My family and I will keep Mr. Hunt and his family in our prayers.“ “On a personal level, Lamar Hunt was a friend of mine and he will be missed. The thoughts and prayers of my family
and the entire Saints organization go out to the Hunt family during this time. On a professional level, he was a leader
of men and he was instrumental in transforming the game of football into what it is today. We owe him a debt of
gratitude on his vision and leadership. Our league has just lost a great man, but in that, we are all beneficiaries of
his tremendous vision.“ “He was not one to flaunt it, he just did it . . . I knew Lamar for close to 50 years. He was a friend, a business
associate, a family man, a visionary – one of the finest men I have ever known. We shared a love of sports and the
dream of football ownership that became a reality in 1960. Over the last week, since I heard of Lamar’s grave illness,
I have had a flood of memories that we shared in those early years of the AFL. Our league will miss him. Our thoughts
and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time. He will always be remembered by me and others as one of the
greats.“ “This is a sad, sad day. Lamar was a man of such substance, beyond all the success he had in football and business.
His humility and caring ways stand out. He made the NFL better with his suggestions regarding improving the game, and
he always put the fans first.“ “Everyone talks about Lamar Hunt as a founder, a pioneer and as a sportsman, and he certainly was all of those
things. But I will remember him more as a man of integrity and decency. He was a great example of how owners of
professional sports franchises should conduct themselves.“ “The National Football League is indebted Lamar Hunt for his vision and foresight and his incredible understanding
of how great our sport and our league could become. And he exerted his influence with tremendous humility and
passion.“ “Lamar Hunt was one of the outstanding visionaries in modern sports. He was a leader in our ownership group and
spent more than 40 years to help make pro football America’s passion. Whether it was his role in helping start the old
AFL from scratch, his leadership in helping forge the merger between the two leagues, or his role in developing the
Super Bowl into the preeminent single event in American sports, he played an instrumental role in making the NFL the
most successful sports league in the world. Besides being a tremendous owner, though, he first and foremost was a fan.
He cared deeply about the Chiefs and about the game of football, and was one of the biggest assets the NFL has ever
had. He will be missed by football fans everywhere.“ “Lamar Hunt was one of the great sportsmen in our country. His contribution to the success of the NFL and sports has
been extraordinary. What I will always cherish about Lamar was his decency, humility and his intelligent and soft
spoken manner. We extend our deepest sympathy to Norma and to the entire Hunt family.“ “Lamar was a friend and I will miss him. He graciously shared his thoughts and wisdom with me from the first day I
became the owner of an NFL team. His vision and guidance helped keep the NFL on track.“ “Lamar Hunt’s creative foresight impacted the National Football League throughout his involvement with the Kansas
City Chiefs and the League. His contribution to professional football and other sports has left an indelible mark; his
passing creates a void difficult to replace.. We send our deepest sympathy to his wonderful family.“ “Without Lamar Hunt, the National Football League would not be as we know it today. He had a vision that has
exceeded anyone’s expectations and the fans, players and coaches as well as NFL owners are the benefactors of this
vision. He put the League’s interests above his own and everyone who loves pro football will always be indebted to him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the Chiefs.“ “Lamar Hunt was one of the most highly regarded owners in the NFL. His integrity was beyond reproach and his
intellect was a great asset to the NFL. He built a small city franchise into a powerhouse by broadening his fan base to
the multi-state region surrounding Kansas City. His success in running a franchise is a model for all of us. Lamar was
a friend to all of us and out of respect for him, I called on him when selecting a name for our new Houston team since
his team was originally the Dallas Texans. I asked if he would mind if I selected the Texans name for our team, and he
responded with delight that he would be honored if we did. Lamar will be missed by all of the Texans. Our thoughts and
prayers are for Norma and the Hunt family who will miss their husband, father and leader.“ “Lamar Hunt was a pioneer that was willing to sacrifice for the good of the League. We have all benefited from his
vision and contributions to the NFL and the sports world. He will be missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to his
family.“ “Lamar was one of the most highly regarded owners in the NFL. His integrity was beyond reproach and his intellect was a great asset to the NFL. He built a small city franchise into a powerhouse by broadening his fan base to the multi-state region surrounding Kansas City. His success in running a franchise is a model for all of us. “I am deeply saddened to learn that Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt has passed away after battling his long
illness so valiantly. It was my good fortune to serve as coach of the Kansas City Chiefs from 1978 through 1982 under
Lamar’s magnificent leadership. His contributions to this game, to the structuring and integrity of the NFL, in
addition to his earnest concern for all those with whom he associated are examples of the high qualities of character
that helped inspire all who knew him. Lamar Hunt’s presence will be sorely missed, and I send my heartfelt condolences
to his wife, Norma, and to all his family, friends and admirers.“ “Lamar Hunt’s passing is a great loss to the NFL family. Lamar was truly a pioneer of professional football and for
many years he represented his team and the league with dignity, humility and respect. He was a good friend and a great
partner, and I am saddened for the Hunt family and for all of us who knew him. The National Football League owes a debt
of gratitude to this man as we remember Lamar Hunt.“ “Lamar has to be considered one of the giants of the game. He probably did more than anyone else to get the two
leagues (the AFL and the NFL) together, and that led to pro football becoming America’s number one sport. Some of my
greatest memories are games we played against his teams. The playoff contest on Christmas Day in 1971 remains one of
the greatest games in NFL history and one of the greatest wins I’ve ever been associated with. We actually closed his
old stadium that day and opened his new one the next year, which was the first game of our undefeated season. Because
he was such a passionate fan and cared so much about the sport, I always enjoyed competing against his teams, and he
did as much as anyone to make the NFL the great league it is today.“ “Lamar Hunt was a great man in many respects. He was one of the founding fathers of professional football, a
tremendous innovator, and a superb businessman who possessed great integrity. His strong work ethic and vision helped
transform the NFL from a regional attraction to a national passion, and his strong knowledge of the inter-workings of
professional football allowed the Kansas City Chiefs to become one of the NFL’s model franchises. Lamar embodied so
many special qualities. He was a man of great substance who had a sense of humility and caring for all
people. He was truly unique.“ “This is a sad day for the National Football League and for everyone who enjoys it. There is not way our sport would
enjoy the success and popularity it does today without the leadership of Lamar Hunt. He was a true pioneer, a true
gentleman and a true friend. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Norma and the entire Hunt
family.“ “The Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Trustees and staff are saddened by the news of Lamar Hunt’s death. Lamar’s
contributions to professional football and to the sports world are well-documented. That includes his role as a founder
of the National Football League and a pioneer in developing today’s NFL. He was also a very generous and civic minded
individual and a steadfast supporter of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and he had been a member of the Board of Trustees
since 1968.“ |
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