Norma Hunt, the widow of Kansas City Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt and mother to current Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, has died at the age of 85.
The Hunt family announced her passing in a statement released by the team on Sunday.
The matriarch of the Hunt family, Norma was a powerful presence and deeply connected to both the Chiefs and FC Dallas, the Major League Soccer team also owned by the Hunts. She is the only woman to have attended every Super Bowl in league history, including February's game between the Eagles and Chiefs, which saw Kansas City capture its third Super Bowl in franchise history.
"Kind, generous and unfailingly positive, mom was one of a kind," the Hunts' statement read. "Her joy and zeal for life were infectious. She loved caring for others, and she always had an encouraging word. She was a loyal friend, the consummate hostess and she had a rare ability to make everyone she encountered feel valued and at ease.
"Mom was steadfastly devoted to her family and fiercely passionate about her family's sports teams. She was by our father Lamar's side every step of the way -- from the merger of the AFL and the NFL to the formation of Major League Soccer, World Championship Tennis, the North American Soccer League, and their founding investment in the Chicago Bulls. She was the only person we knew who rivaled his love of sports. The two of them found such joy together, whether at home, or in stadium stands around the world."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell extended condolences to the entire Hunt family and to all who had the privilege of coming to know Norma throughout her life:
"The entire NFL family is deeply saddened by the passing of Norma Hunt, who was a significant presence in the NFL for the last seven decades," Goodell said on Sunday.
"I was fortunate to know Norma for nearly 40 years and was always struck by her warmth and grace, her partnership with Lamar, and her pride in their family. Norma's sense of family extended to the Chiefs' organization which she greatly adored. Norma was one of the most passionate fans of the Chiefs and the NFL, and understood and enjoyed every aspect of the game. She loved being around the team and referred to the players as 'real-life superheroes.' Norma attended every Super Bowl ever played, including the two recent Chiefs' victories, and was the only woman to do so.
"Norma's role in football was highlighted recently in the documentary appropriately entitled 'A Lifetime of Sundays.' Norma's place in NFL history will forever be remembered by the Chiefs' organization and the entire league."
Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue also released a statement, noting he and his wife, Chan, knew Norma Hunt for six decades.
"She was a compassionate, loving friend who was devoted to her late husband Lamar, their family and her beloved Chiefs," Tagliabue said. "We enjoyed many quiet visits with Norma and Lamar over the years at NFL events and also in Kansas City. Norma was not only the Hunt family matriarch, but we also considered her the 'The Matriarch of the Super Bowl' since she was the only woman to have attended all 57 games. We extend our deepest sympathies to Clark and the entire Hunt family on their loss."
