Lamar Hunt was a key figure in the birth of the modern NFL when his rival American Football League was merged with the NFL in 1970 – with the ten AFL club becoming part of what is today one of the world’s most lucrative and powerful leagues.
He died on Wednesday night in Dallas from prostate cancer. He was 74.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said: “His vision transformed pro football and helped turn a regional sport into a national passion.
“Lamar created a model franchise in the Kansas City Chiefs, but he was always equally devoted to the best interests of the league and the game.”
