Kansas City Chiefs matriarch Norma Hunt, widow of founder and former owner Lamar Hunt, has died at age 85.
The Hunt family issued a lengthy statement on the passing of their mother and grandmother.
«Our family is deeply saddened by the passing of our mother, Norma,» the statement read. «She was a wonderful mother and an extraordinary woman who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
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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 who defeated the Tennessee Titans in the Championship Game of the AFC at Arrowhead Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Kansas City. , Missouri. (David Eulitt/Getty Images)
«Kind, generous and unfailingly positive, Mom was one of a kind. Her joy and zest for life were contagious. She loved to care for others and always had a word of encouragement. She was a loyal friend, the consummate hostess and had a rare ability to make everyone I meet feel valued and at ease.
Norma Hunt was referred to as «The First Lady of Soccer» because she was a constant in the game for decades. She even played a pivotal role in naming the Super Bowl, as her husband wrote a letter to then-NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle: «I jokingly called it the ‘Super Bowl,’ which obviously can be improved. «.
That happened because she had bought a Super Ball toy for her children, and the name stuck after Lamar Hunt was inspired.
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Lamar and Norma Hunt were staples in the Super Bowl, even if the Chiefs didn’t play in the final game of the season, as they played a vital role in their namesake.
«Mom was steadfastly devoted to her family and fiercely passionate about her family’s sports teams,» the statement continued. «She was by our father Lamar’s side every step of the way, from the AFL/NFL merger to the formation of Major League Soccer, World Championship Tennis, North American Soccer League, and his founding investment in the Chicago Bulls. She he was the only person we knew who rivaled their love of sports. The two found such joy together, whether at home or in stadiums around the world.»
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, his wife Tavia, mother Norma and head coach Andy Reid hold up the Lombardi trophy during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII victory parade on February 15, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
«This February, she attended her 57th and final Super Bowl and watched her beloved Chiefs win the Lombardi Trophy for the third time. It was a fitting conclusion to her streak as the only woman to attend every Super Bowl.»
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also issued a statement.
«I have been fortunate to know Norma for nearly 40 years and have always been impressed by her warmth and grace, her association with Lamar and her pride in her family. Norma’s sense of family extended to the Chiefs organization, to which she she loved it so much. Norma was one of the most passionate fans of the Chiefs and the NFL, and she understood and enjoyed every aspect of the game. She loved being around the team and referred to the players as ‘real life superheroes.'»
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also reacted to Norma’s death, saying, «Ms. Norma was the best. Glad to be a part of this special organization that she helped (sic) build. She will be missed! Prayers for the entire Hunt family.»
Norma Hunt, widow of Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt, is honored at midfield during 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)
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“Her quiet but deep faith sustained her throughout her life, and we take great comfort in knowing that she is home with the Lord,” the Hunt family statement read. «She will be greatly missed by our family, the extended families of the Chiefs and FC Dallas, and everyone who knew her.»