Link for reference: https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/complete-history-of-the-nfl/
Edit: 1775 ELO at time of posting
| QB | # SB MVPs | # Perfect Games |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Foles | 1 | 1 |
| Tom Brady | 4 | 2 |
| Eli Manning | 2 | 1 |
| Peyton Manning | 1 | 4 |
| Drew Brees | 1 | 1 |
| Kurt Warner | 1 | 3 |
| Steve Young | 1 | 1 |
| Joe Montana | 2 | 1 |
| Terry Bradshaw | 2 | 1 |
| Len Dawson | 1 | 1 |
| Joe Namath | 1 | 1 |
The Jets are second with Joe Namath (27,057 yds) who last played in 1976. Before Jay Cutler broke the franchise record set by Sid Luckman (14,886 yds), the Bears had the previous longest drought from 1940-2013.
One of the most famous moments in NFL history was the Monday Night Football game when Brett Favre obliterated the Raiders after his father's death, but few know that a very similar thing happened to Len Dawson in 1969.
On Friday, November 14, 1969, Dawson received a phone call before boarding a plane to go to New York to take on the Jets. It was then that Dawson learned of the unfortunate news that his father had passed away.
Just two days later, Dawson somehow had enough strength to suit up against the defending Super Bowl champs, the New York Jets. The Jets were 7-2 and boasted one of the strongest defenses in pro football.
But the future Hall of Fame quarterback operated on another level on Sunday, November 16, 1969. In near-freezing level temperatures, against one of the best defenses in the country, just two days after learning his father died, Dawson completed 23 of 38 passes for 285 yards, with 3 TD passes (all to future Hall of Very Gooder Otis Taylor) and 1 INT. This stat line was remarkable for that era, and with the added context, it's one of the best performances ever by any quarterback. The Chiefs won the game, 34-16.
About two months later, the Chiefs went on to win Super Bowl IV against the heavily favored Minnesota Vikings and the Purple People Eaters, solidifying the AFL's place as an equal league to the NFL and the merger of the leagues happened shortly thereafter. Dawson was named MVP of the game.
You can see the box score of the Jets game here.
So, Len Dawson was not just a great player but a really good sports journalist and a KC sports news icon.
I was a little surprised they didn't ask him to be part of the Lamar Hunt presentation ceremony. I know he is retired and he has earned the right to be left alone but I just can't believe that there are no articles with people getting his analysis/opinions.
Anybody else wondering why?
I saw a post saying Montana is going to be in town. Great news. They suggested it might be because he is going to beat the drum. That would be nice, but I am sorry. Even though he is 83 there is only one master that should beat this drum. Len, the man, Dawson. He is the original Chiefs QB and the original cigarette at halftime man.
