Lamar Hunt's Lament

Lamar Hunt is the founder of the Kansas City Chiefs. Every self-respecting Chiefs fan knows that and knows some of what Hunt was able to accomplish in his lifetime. He is viewed as the creator of the American Football League (AFL) which eventually merged with the National Football League to make the sport even more popular in America.

This Texas oil tycoon loved sports, and this was apparent with the sports teams that he owned or had a part in during his lifetime. But his true love was football, and his pioneering of the Dallas Texans which eventually became the Kansas City Chiefs is one of the most important moves in NFL history. He was the first AFL personage inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, and in honor of Hunt, the AFC Championship trophy was dedicated to him in 1984. Hence, the Lamar Hunt trophy as we know it today.

But, after the merger in 1970 between the AFL and NFL, Lamar Hunt has never been able to witness another Super Bowl with the Chiefs playing in it because the Chiefs have failed to win his trophy. After having such an integral part in bringing legitimacy to what legendary head coach Vince Lombardi at one time called a "Mickey Mouse league," the Kansas City Chiefs have failed to return to the game's ultimate venue.

Players and personnel have always said that working with Hunt was an honor and a rewarding experience. During years with great success in the regular season, a rallying cry would often be to bring Lamar Hunt's trophy home. Sadly, this didn't happen.

When Hunt died on December 13th, 2006 of complications from prostate cancer, the Chiefs had only reached the AFC Championship once (1993 season), and had lost. Heck, there was a stretch in Kansas City where the Chiefs went 14 consecutive seasons without making the playoffs (we're spoiled today compared to then).

But throughout all the ups and the downs, Hunt was always a classy individual and was loved by the city. This weekend marks Super Bowl XLV. So, before the game, let's take a moment to think of and thank Lamar Hunt, he's a big reason why this is all possible. And then let's add another prayer: that we bring Lamar's trophy home someday soon.