First off, if you’re looking for a great story – really, the definitive story and the only piece you need to read — on the passing of Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson, an Alliance High School product, check out Steve Doerschuk’s work in the Canton Repository.

A tremendous story-teller who knows Stark County sports history, especially as it relates to the Browns, better than anyone, Steve delves into the most interesting part of Dawson’s story, his time growing up in that area and playing for the Aviators, his being recruited by Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes, his decision to attend Purdue and the early times of his relationship with Hall of Famer Hank Stram, who was his offensive coordinator with the Boilermakers and then his head coach with the Kansas City Chiefs.

It’s an interesting read. You won’t be sorry you perused it.

Dawson owns an interesting piece of Browns history. The Browns finished 5-7, Hall of Famer Paul Brown’s only losing record in 17 seasons as head coach of the club, in 1956, the year after iconic quarterback Otto Graham retired. Knowing he needed another great quarterback to have another great run, Brown used his Big Ten connections from his time as Ohio State head coach to get enough information on Dawson to know that he was the guy he wanted.

Having the No. 6 overall pick in the 1957 NFL Draft, Brown waited for Dawson to fall into his lap, but the rival Pittsburgh Steelers, sitting at No. 5, beat Brown to the punch and tabbed Dawson. The shocked and disappointed Brown settled for a Syracuse running back by the name of Jim Brown. Yes, the greatest football player of all time was first a Plan B choice.

Dawson didn’t make it with the Steelers, or with the Browns in 1960 and ’61 after they acquired him. It wasn’t until he reunited with Stram in Kansas City that his star began to shine.

Steve King

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