The Chiefs honored the memory of Norma Hunt in the most perfect way possible in February. The memory of a triumphant night in Miami in 2019, when the Chiefs ended a five-decade wait for glory, is etched in the heart of Clark Hunt. Yet, amidst the celebrations his mother whimsically shared with Clark, “Clark, it sure would be nice if we could play in this game while I’m still able to go.”
Norma’s wish was granted, not once but twice more, as the Chiefs clinched two additional titles adorning her with rings to accompany those from Super Bowls 4 and 54. And now on her birth anniversary, the team is once more feeling her absence.
Chiefs squad remembers Norma Hunt
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The Chiefs’ official account took to X to post a short, sweet message. “Today, we celebrate and honor the legacy of the First Lady of Football! We miss you, Norma. Happy Birthday ❤️” 86 years ago on this day, Norma Hunt was born in Greenville, Texas.
Today, we celebrate and honor the legacy of the First Lady of Football! We miss you, Norma. Happy Birthday ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1xA6xqLXTJ
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) March 28, 2024
Later, poised at the crossroads of her life, she was ready to become an American history teacher while also selling sports tickets on the side. But then she crossed paths with a young, visionary owner of the AFL franchise. Their lives intertwined, and on January 22, 1964, Lamar and Norma embarked on a shared journey.
Norma was not one to be passive as merely the spouse of a sports magnate. Together, they witnessed the AFL’s historic merger with the NFL, ventured into professional soccer, pioneered the first professional tennis tour in North America, and even dipped their toes into the NBA by acquiring a stake in the Chicago Bulls, all sprouting from Norma’s visionary seeds.
However, she passed away on June 4, 2023, and the Chiefs played their first-ever Super Bowl without her watching from the stands.
Chiefs pay homage during the first Super Bowl without Norma
In a heartfelt tribute that transcended the realm of sports, the Chiefs honored Norma Hunt, affectionately dubbed the ‘First Lady of Football’. The team donned a special patch featuring Norma Hunt’s initials set within a golden football on their right shoulder during the Super Bowl. Daniel Hunt, in remembering his mother, took to social media to share a moving tribute, capturing the profound impact Norma had on the Chiefs and the indelible mark she left on the world of football.
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Today is hard. I’ll attend my first Super Bowl without my mom. She attended the first 57 Super Bowls without a miss. The only woman to see them all.
She was so special.
Mom will be cheering her Chiefs from heaven today with my Dad.
I miss and love you both so much. Go Chiefs! pic.twitter.com/RmgO5gxaEx
— Dan Hunt (@DanHuntFCD) February 11, 2024
Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, also expressed his deep respect and admiration for Norma, stating, “I was fortunate to know Norma for nearly 40 years. She was one of the most passionate fans of the Chiefs and the NFL, and understood every aspect of the game.” Her legacy of attending every Super Bowl since the beginning stood as a testament to her dedication and love for football.
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Can the Chiefs keep the legacy of the Hunt family going by molding their franchise into a dynasty?