Kansas City Chiefs matriarch Norma Hunt, the widow of founder and former proprietor Lamar Hunt, has died at 85.
The Hunt household launched a prolonged assertion on their mom’s and grandmother’s passing.
“Our family is deeply saddened by the passing of our mother, Norma,” the assertion reads. “She was a wonderful mother and an extraordinary woman who will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Norma Hunt, widow of Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt, kisses the AFC Championship Trophy named after her late husband during the award ceremony for the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 19, 2020, in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Eulitt/Getty Images)
“Kind, beneficiant and unfailingly optimistic, mother was one in all a sort. Her pleasure and zeal for all times have been infectious. She liked caring for others, and he or she all the time had an encouraging phrase. She was a loyal good friend, the consummate hostess and he or she had a uncommon potential to make everybody she encountered really feel valued and comfortable.”
Norma Hunt was referred to as the “The First Lady of Football” because she was a constant in the game for decades. She was even a critical part in naming the Super Bowl as her husband wrote a letter to then-NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle: “I’ve kiddingly known as it the ‘Super Bowl,’ which clearly may be improved upon.”
That came about because she had bought a Super Ball toy for her children, and the name ended up sticking after Lamar Hunt got his inspiration.
CHIEFS SUPERFAN PLACED ON KANSAS CITY’S MOST WANTED LIST AFTER ALLEGED BANK ROBBERY, ANKLE MONITOR REMOVAL
Lamar and Norma Hunt were staples at the Super Bowl, even if the Chiefs weren’t playing in the final game of the season, since they played such a vital role in its namesake.
“Mom was steadfastly dedicated to her household and fiercely captivated with her household’s sports activities groups,” the statement continued. “She was by our father Lamar’s facet each step of the best way – from the merger of the AFL and the NFL to the formation of Major League Soccer, World Championship Tennis, the North American Soccer League, and their founding funding within the Chicago Bulls. She was the one individual we knew who rivaled his love of sports activities. The two of them discovered such pleasure collectively, whether or not at dwelling, or in stadium stands world wide.”
Norma Hunt, widow of the late Kansas City Chiefs’ owner Lamar Hunt, is escorted by Dan Marino for the coin toss at Super Bowl XLI in Miami, Florida, on Sunday, February 4, 2007. (David Eulitt/Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
“This February, she attended her 57th and last Super Bowl and watched her beloved Chiefs hoist the Lombardi Trophy for the third time. It was a becoming conclusion to her streak as the one lady to attend each Super Bowl.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement as well.
“I used to be lucky to know Norma for almost 40 years and was all the time struck by her heat and beauty, her partnership with Lamar, and her satisfaction of their household. Norma’s sense of household prolonged to the Chiefs’ group which she drastically adored. Norma was one of the crucial passionate followers of the Chiefs and the NFL, and understood and loved each side of the sport. She liked being across the crew and referred to the gamers as ‘real-life superheroes.’”
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also reacted to Norma’s death, saying, “Mrs. Norma was one of the best. Glad to be part of this particular group she assist (sic) construct. She might be missed! Prayers to the whole Hunt household.”
Norma Hunt, widow of Kansas City Chiefs’ owner Lamar Hunt, is honored at midfield for the pregame coin toss at Super Bowl XLI in Miami, Florida, on February 4, 2007. (David Eulitt/Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Her quiet but deep religion sustained her all through her life, and we take nice consolation realizing that she is dwelling with the Lord,” the Hunt family’s statement reads. “She might be drastically missed by our household, the prolonged Chiefs and FC Dallas households, and by everybody who knew her.”