Len Dawson was a star quarterback at Purdue University who went on to become a Pro Football Hall of Famer. Offered is a Len Dawson signed vintage Purdue University Historic Suspension Helmet. Dawson played at Purdue from 1954-56. He was recruited to Purdue by a Boilermaker assistant coach, Hank Stram, who later teamed up again with Dawson when Stram became the head coach of the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs. In '54, he led the Big Ten in passing efficiency and engineered a huge upset of Notre Dame, breaking the 13-game winning streak of the Fighting Irish. From 1954-56, Dawson threw for 3,325 yards passing and 29 touchdowns, leading the Big Ten in touchdown passes in each of his three seasons for the Boilermakers. He was All Big Ten in both '55 and '56. Known as "Lenny the Cool," Dawson played in the NFL/AFL for 19 seasons: Pittsburgh Steelers (1957-59), Cleveland Browns (1960-61), Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs (1962-75). Dawson was a 7-time Pro Bowl selection, and, working with head coach Hank Stram, he won Super Bowl IV (and the game's MVP Award) with Kansas City. In his pro career, Dawson threw for 28,711 yards and 239 touchdowns. Historic Suspension Helmet.
The offered Purdue helmet is black, with an old gold stripe in the middle and a gold #16 on each side. There is an authentic full size and shape vintage shell, a classic facemask, and old-style rivets & hardware. The helmet has original patented suspension webbing, genuine leather jaw pads and headband, old-school chinstrap, and historic team striping and colors. The helmet weighs approx. 28.75 ounces. No size is listed or marked. The helmet comes with a PSA LOA (Cert. Number AN54965), and it has an affixed PSA sticker, also with PSA Cert. Number AN54965. In neat, big and bold script, Dawson has signed the helmet in gold, fine tip marker and added the inscription "1953-57." The helmet is in EXCELLENT condition. Historic Suspension Helmet.
