1970 Len Dawson Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl IV Game-Used & Autographed Helmet

Len Dawson’s Super Bowl IV Helmet: A Testament to Football Greatness

A Legendary Quarterback’s Journey

Len Dawson’s career is a narrative of perseverance and triumph. After five challenging seasons as a backup quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns, Dawson’s path to greatness truly began when he joined the Texans in 1962 and subsequently the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963. Over 19 seasons, Dawson amassed an impressive 82.56 passer rating, securing his place among the elite forward passers in football history. However, it was his heroic performance in Super Bowl IV that immortalized his legacy.

Super Bowl IV: A Historic Victory

In a game that would become a defining moment in the annals of the American Football League, Len Dawson led the Kansas City Chiefs to a stunning 23-7 victory over the heavily favored Minnesota Vikings. This triumph not only squared the Super Bowl series at two games apiece with the NFL but also marked the last game ever played by an AFL team. Dawson’s leadership was instrumental, as he orchestrated a near-flawless game, completing 12 of 17 passes and connecting with Otis Taylor on a 46-yard play for the final Chiefs touchdown.

The Iconic Helmet

This red RK helmet, worn by Hall of Famer Len Dawson during that storied Super Bowl IV matchup, is a piece of football memorabilia that exudes historical significance. Adorned with white and red KC Chiefs vinyl logos on both sides, it features a two-bar facemask and distinctive markings, including “Riddell Inc.” and “Kra-Lite, Made In U.S.A.” on the back. Inside, “Dawson” is inscribed in black ink above each ear hole, with his number “16” written below, adjacent to the left ear hole.

• Authenticity: Heavy wear, sweat stains, and suspension webbing inside the helmet attest to its use in the game.
• Historical Significance: The helmet bears several dents, scratches, and abrasions, vividly captured in a photograph from the game.
• Personal Touch: Dawson’s signature in blue marker on the right dome, with the inscription “SB IV MVP,” adds a personal connection to this artifact.

A Piece of Football History

Accompanying this remarkable helmet is an oversized book on the first 25 Super Bowls, featuring a photograph on page 89 of Len Dawson crouching over his center during the historic matchup, clearly showcasing this very helmet. Dawson has signed this photo in black marker, with the signature rated a perfect 10. Additionally, a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA and a personal LOA from Dawson himself, signed and inscribed “Len Dawson…MVP SB IV, HOF 1987,” further authenticate this extraordinary piece of sports history.

For those who appreciate the grandeur of football’s past, this helmet is not merely a collectible; it is a tangible connection to a moment that defined an era. Explore more about such legendary items in our sports memorabilia auctions and consider the opportunity to consign your own piece of history with Grey Flannel Auctions.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.