Thursday, December 14, 2006

R.I.P. Lamar Hunt

One of American Soccer's great pioneers passed away yesterday at 74. Hunt was best known for his work in American Football as owner of the Kansas City Chiefs and one of the founders of the Super Bowl. But Hunt was probably the first big American business man to become interested in Soccer. Hunt owned the Dallas Toranados of the NASL and the Kansas City Wiz (later the Wizards) and Columbus Crew of the MLS. He and his sons have poured millions of Dollars into facilities, training centers, stadiums and programs to develop soccer in our country. Hunt developed his love for Soccer by traveling to the 1966 World Cup in England and was hooked for life. He attended every subsequent World Cup until his death. Soccer truly lost a pioneer and an advocate yesterday.

1 comment:

USA2010 said...

Lamar Hunt was a true visionary who "put his money where his mouth is". Most of the coverage has concentrated on his contributions to football via the AFL and coining the term Super Bowl. But even more amazing was his passion for soccer and his backing which made MLS possible.

An incredible man whose spirit will live on.