Lamar Hunt

Lamar Hunt, born August 2, 1932 in El Dorado, Arkansas, is one of the most influential sports promoters in the United States.

Football

Lamar Hunt's goal was ...to bring professional football to Texas and to American markets that had a yearning for the game in places other than the traditional Northeast. In fulfilling that dream, Hunt gave life to the league that contributed considerably to the modern concept of professional football: the American Football League.

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As his head coach of the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs for the entire ten-year history of the AFL, he chose Hall-of-Famer-to-be Hank Stram. Hunt encouraged, entreated, wheedled, and cajoled seven other like-minded men to form a league that would forever leave its mark on American football. (One of them, fellow Texan Bud Adams of Houston, had likewise tried and failed to be granted an NFL franchise.) Unlike previous pro football competitors to the NFL which had often tried to build around the popularity of a few star players and otherwise fill out rosters with men of minor talents, the AFL had teams with solid-quality professional-level players who for one reason or another had been ignored or released by the teams of the older league. (One reason frequently cited, often behind the scenes, was racism — many AFL stars were players from historically black colleges and universities.) Coaches and owners new to the pro game often brought new ideas, excitement, and color to AFL cities while other pro football towns watched an older league which was often dominated by conservative, ground-oriented play-calling.

Related Topics:
Dallas Texans - Kansas City Chiefs - Hank Stram - Bud Adams - Houston - Racism - Historically black colleges and universities

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Before his team capped off the league's existence with an upset victory over a hugely favored opponent, it was Hunt who approved the ten-year AFL patch they wore, commemorating the ten years of existence of the American Football League. AFL fans appreciate Lamar Hunt for his foresight and perseverance. He became the first American Football League personage to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972. The trophy presented to each year's AFC Champions is named the Lamar Hunt Trophy in his honor.

Related Topics:
Ten-year AFL patch - Pro Football Hall of Fame - 1972 - AFC

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He was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1984.

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