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Hank Stram Obituary
Stram had been in declining health for several years and Dale Stram attributed his father's death to complications from diabetes. He died at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, near his home in Covington, across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans. He had built a home there during his two-year stint as coach of the Saints and retired there.
"Pro football has lost one of its most innovative and creative coaches and one of its most innovative and creative personalities as well," Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt said in a telephone interview.
Stram was the Chiefs' first coach. He took over the expansion Dallas Texans of the upstart AFL in 1960 and coached them through 1974, moving with them to Kansas City where they were renamed the Chiefs in 1963.
The gregarious, stocky, blazer-wearing Stram carried a rolled up game plan in his hand as he paced the sidelines. He led the Chiefs to AFL titles in 1962, '66 and '69 and to appearances in two of the first four Super Bowls, beating Minnesota in 1970.
He was credited with the two-tight end offense that provided an extra blocker.
Stram was the first coach to wear a microphone during a Super Bowl and Stram's sideline antics, captured by NFL Films, helped bring the league into the video age.
Stram later coached two seasons with the Saints and enjoyed a successful second career in CBS' television and Monday Night Football radio booths as an analyst.
"Everything he did in his life he was so passionate about," said his son, Stu.
Stram was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003. The then-80-year-old had to be pushed onto the stage in a wheelchair and his induction speech was videotaped.
Len Dawson, the Hall of Fame quarterback who played under Stram at Kansas City, also called him an innovator.
"He was responsible for doing a lot of the things in the '60s that teams are still using now," said Dawson, citing the moving pocket and the triple stack defense.
"His whole life was football that's what he was born for, I think. He had a passion for it, not just a liking," Dawson said. "He was really sincere when he talked about the team being a family. Everybody really loved him."
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
Memories and Condolences
for Hank Stram
320 Entries
Karen Raunft
February 19, 2025
I am only seeing this as I was reading about Mike Ditka selling his home in Naples. Many memories are coming back and I said to my husband, I was trying to learn to play golf with my parents at The Beau Chene golf club in the late 70s. A lone golfer approached in his cart, with his mother riding along. My Dad Cliff Barth signaled play through when he saw it was Hank playing alone. I was taking so long with each shot and a few wiffs that Mr. Stram smiled encouragingly and carried on. I'm sorry to find this and have sincere wishes to the Stram family. How much we miss all of our dear ones with whom we remember such good times.
Clifton Kaho
December 5, 2020
Thank you
Richard McKinney
February 3, 2020
Your Chiefs won the 2020 Super Bowl Hank! Was telling my wife about watching Len, Jan and you the last time and how you were the classiest coach in football, always dressed first class.
Harry Simpson
July 10, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Godspeed.
Rest Hank, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Donna Stram
July 6, 2007
Please know that you have our deepest sympathies for your loss.
May 19, 2007
HANK STRAM WAS A CREDIT TO FOOTBALL, THE OLD AFL AND LATER THE NFL. HE WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN THE HISTORY OF THE AFL/NFL. HE WAS A GREAT COACH AND PERSON. I WAS SORRY TO HEAR OF HIS DEATH.
John Lindsey
May 19, 2007
I cannot tell you how great of a person Hank was to me. He was the most professional coach, person I have ever seen. What a delight to watch old film of this great man, and wish I could have met him in person. His family can be proud to know there are still people today that think of him daily, with happy memories of his wonderful life. Would love to speak on-line with is family at my e address [email protected]
Jarek Sefrit
May 2, 2007
I remember old Hankie...what a cool guy...he was, is, and always will be my longgggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggtime hero. I'll never forget you little buddy.
Seth
May 2, 2007
Hey whats up yall i love the chiefs
CML None
January 23, 2007
Thanks for the innovations and your dignity!
Terri Kahler
January 7, 2007
Love you Stu. We lost Wayne Sept. 23, 06. He went to be with Joyce on her birthday, Sept. 26th. Hope all is well with you and your family.
Eric McNack
January 6, 2007
Standing next to the man, you could feel he knew something you could only hope to know.
Lauri Hardwick
November 16, 2006
So sorry and embarrassed at how late I am in expressing my heartfelt sorrow for the passing of one of the greatest men ever, Hank Stram, Yes, he was a great coach, great NFL leader, great announcer, the man who led teams to unthinkable victory and other incredible feats. The feat best known and highest in my book to this unknown gal was the man that I remember – Hank Stram the neighbor, the husband, the dad. I went to school with Gary and Marynell (Mary...it's Chorck! I miss you terribly!) who are two of most stellar, forthright, giving, generous, honest people I have been fortunate enough to have met, schooled with, played with, laughed with in my entire lifetime. Mary (and Gary) taught me to laugh at myself and not take life so darn seriously. Mary taught me how to do a standing backflip with no thought. Mary taught me that it was okay to have the largest calves in the room filled with boys. Where did these two young people learn to be such giving people? At home. On occasion, I would pop into the Stram household to meet Mary for some sort of school event or go to work or whatever the uneventful occasion might have been. Never once did I feel like an outsider or that I was in the hall of a famer (well, okay, when I entered Mr. Stram’s ‘office’ – yep, it was a tad intimidating!). I felt at home, sans the magnitude of celebrity. I didn’t realize then what I realize, and feel, now – I was in the presence of greatness. Shucks, Mr. Stram was ‘just a dad’ who wanted to know exactly where the girls were going and when they’d be home. The fact that Mr. Stram was on the phone ‘chatting’ to Archie (Manning) in that high-pitched coaches/announcer ‘whine’ or that Rich Mauti (cutest Saint ever!) was perched at the kitchen counter waiting form Stram to get off the phone didn’t phase this once-teen then like it does now. I am floored now with what I took for granted then. What I remember most (besides Mrs. Stram….who belongs in a Hall of Fame herself!), is the funny man who would ride in his golf cart, Bassett Hound at his side, down the paths of Beau Chene Country club pursuing a high school girl ‘working out’ for the HS track team, chanting, “Faster, Faster, faster girl….Chopp, you can do better, you can run faster, run harder.” I was a teenage girl struggling as a field-eventor on a high school track team…running down the fairways after school, laughing, laughing, running harder, pushing the limit with this funny man, this caring father of a friend, in tow, cute/cuddly/content canine obediently at his side. Grins ensue, ear-to-ear, when the warm memories of Hank Stram stream through my mind. Thank you Coach Stram, thank you for having such a wonderful, warm, loving family…thank you Mary, thank you Gary, thank you Mrs. Stram, your greatness lives on.
Lauri Hardwick
November 16, 2006
So sorry and embarrassed at how late I am in expressing my heartfelt sorrow for the passing of one of the greatest men ever, Hank Stram, Yes, he was a great coach, great NFL leader, great announcer, the man who led teams to unthinkable victory and other incredible feats. The feat best known and highest in my book to this unknown gal was the man that I remember – Hank Stram the neighbor, the husband, the dad. I went to school with Gary and Marynell (Mary...it's Chorck! I miss you terribly!) who are two of most stellar, forthright, giving, generous, honest people I have been fortunate enough to have met, schooled with, played with, laughed with in my entire lifetime. Mary (and Gary) taught me to laugh at myself and not take life so darn seriously. Mary taught me how to do a standing backflip with no thought. Mary taught me that it was okay to have the largest calves in the room filled with boys. Where did these two young people learn to be such giving people? At home. On occasion, I would pop into the Stram household to meet Mary for some sort of school event or go to work or whatever the uneventful occasion might have been. Never once did I feel like an outsider or that I was in the hall of a famer (well, okay, when I entered Mr. Stram’s ‘office’ – yep, it was a tad intimidating!). I felt at home, sans the magnitude of celebrity. I didn’t realize then what I realize, and feel, now – I was in the presence of greatness. Shucks, Mr. Stram was ‘just a dad’ who wanted to know exactly where the girls were going and when they’d be home. The fact that Mr. Stram was on the phone ‘chatting’ to Archie (Manning) in that high-pitched coaches/announcer ‘whine’ or that Rich Mauti (cutest QB ever!) was perched at the kitchen counter waiting form Stram to get off the phone didn’t phase this once-teen then like it does now. I am floored now with what I took for granted then. What I remember most (besides Mrs. Stram….who belongs in a Hall of Fame herself!), is the funny man who would ride in his golf cart, Bassett Hound at his side, down the paths of Beau Chene Country club pursuing a high school girl ‘working out’ for the HS track team, chanting, “Faster, Faster, faster girl….Chopp, you can do better, you can run faster, run harder.” I was a teenage girl struggling as a field-eventor on a high school track team…running down the fairways after school, laughing, laughing, running harder, pushing the limit with this funny man, this caring father of a friend, in tow, cute/cuddly/content canine obediently at his side. Grins ensue, ear-to-ear, when the warm memories of Hank Stram stream through my mind. Thank you Coach Stram, thank you for having such a wonderful, warm, loving family…thank you Mary, thank you Gary, thank you Mrs. Stram, your greatness lives on.
Tom Pringle
August 31, 2006
If only we could turn back the hands of time to the memories of our childhoods. Things were good.
The memories only enriched with time. Thanks for the memories Hank. Rest in peace old friend.
Chandler Renee' Wilson
February 8, 2006
My Condolensces
To the Stram Family. My God Bless the Hank Stram Family.
Mitch Connell
September 10, 2005
The Mentor. The Innovator. The Offense of the Seventies.
We will miss a great coach and human being. A great unwitting advocate by example for civil rights. A colorful man in a time of coaching drabness. A coach who got the mosty out of his great players.
Henry will be missed
Benny Alcanter
September 9, 2005
As an original member of the Chiefs huddle club, at 8 years old, my eyes witnessed one of the great ones. Let me say Hank, coaches like you, who inovate and change the way the game is play come far and few between. From the brillant creation of the "moving pocket", to the now illegail inside TE "Wham" block and the 2 tight end offense, made the Chiefs fun during your rein. Your abiltiy to study, analyze and develop a game plan to the full extent of the rules, places you among the elite. It is because of you Hank that as of today, I still am a season ticket holder, true fan, and wear my colors proudly. On my wall I still have the Huddle Club World Championship patch and a team photo of the Superbowl IV players. Thanks for being an inspiration in my life by your enthusiam, positive attitude, and desire for success. You will be greatly missed by all.
Van Hecke
August 12, 2005
You will be missed. What you helped bring to this community will live on forever.
Troy Trussell
July 24, 2005
You definitely change the game, thank you Coach Stram. I'll will always remember Toss Power 65 Trap!!!
Donna Walters
July 16, 2005
My love of the Chiefs started with your great teams. Watching you stride the sidelines. Thank you for all those years coach.
Greg Albers
July 13, 2005
Thaks for all the great Sunday afternoons. You were a class act and helped make the Chiefs one also.
James Fritz
July 12, 2005
I never met you. I never knew you. I have heard of you,quite a bit through the years. I lost a chance to experience one of the greatest men ever,in Professional Football,College Ball,walks of life,period.To your family, friends, students,colleagues,and cohorts,I pray for you all for the lost you've had in this great, loving man
Carl George
July 11, 2005
It takes man to coach but it takes a great man to teach. Hank was a great man
Northrup Larson
July 11, 2005
You were the great inovator in football & life . one of the best of the best .
THANKS FOR THE RIDE
Rene Moreno
July 11, 2005
Dear Mr. Stram,
The first time I was blessed with footage of you was during Your SB IV victory over Minni a la NFL Films. I heard you (as you were the first coach to attempt this) speaking to your playcaller coming onto the field. You called a play and said "Let's see this hole just bust open" (to that extent) and BANG you scored a TD from maybe 20-15 yards out. I turned to my bros and proceeded to say "IF this man ever coached me. I would NEVER doubts him after that call." It was probably the case with players such as Willie Lanier who must have respected you to the fullest. I feel that you were one of the reasons the AFL got a chance and without you, my Dolphins & Black players would have been held back from the game we love. Thank you Mr. Stram for your contribution to a game of men and a game of WILL.
You will ALWAYS be remembered so long as teams keep matricualting the ball up the field!!!
R.I.P
Rene Moreno
27
Canada
Jason Gomez
July 11, 2005
Thank you Hank for all you did for KC football. I never got the chance to see you coach, I was much too young. I heard the stories from my father, and watched NFL films to see all about you and your style. Thanks again and best wishes to your family.
Jason....GO CHIEFS
from Iowa
Kenney Ison
July 11, 2005
My first game was the inagural game at Arrowhead against the St Louis Cardinals. That was in 1972 and been a season ticket holder ever since. Thanks for the memories and we will matriculate the ball down the field forever.
STEVE DONALDSON
July 11, 2005
WELL HANK I GUESS IT IS YOUR FAULT THAT I AM A CHIEFS FAN, 1969 OAKLAND , CA. I WAS 9 YEARS OLD AND I HAVE BEEN BLEEDING RED EVER SINCE.
Scott Sefers
July 11, 2005
Thanks Hank for leading the Chiefs to the promised land. You were one of the best coaches ever to coach the game. Rest in peace.
Bryce Anderson
July 11, 2005
The first pro football game I ever saw was the Chiefs-Raiders at Mun. Park in KC in Oct. 1965. Chiefs 14, Raiders 7. I've been a Chiefs fan ever since. Thanks, Hank, for the memeories and legacy of greatness in so many ways for the Chiefs and fans like me.
Gary Romele
July 10, 2005
Hank, what you taught on the field was Football. What you taught off the field was life. You showed what it was to be true to yourself and to your fellow man. It really was more than just football to you. Thanks Hank for all those years.
Craig U.
July 10, 2005
Thanks Hank! I'll always remember you as a great ambassador for Football and I'll never forget the work you and Jack did on Monday nights when I couldn't watch. It was my honor to hear you guys bring the game right in front of me on my radio. R.I.P.
Charles Winchester
July 10, 2005
Hank Stram brought the Chiefs national attention. He shall forever be a Chief of Kansas City.
clark beatty
July 10, 2005
hank i alway's liked your style and leadership you brougth football what it is today rest in peace i loved you.
Brian Rich
July 10, 2005
We Appreciate all ya did hank!!!!! may you Rest in peace!!! and may the chiefs WIN the Super Bowl For you this year!!!!!!
Robert Lott
July 10, 2005
My deepest sympathy to the Stram family. Hank Stram gave us some great football memories . A great man and one of the best NFL coaches to ever coach the game.
John Allmon
July 10, 2005
My fondest memories are of the Chiefs in the late 60s and early 70s, especially Super Bowl IV. Hank Stram was a classy man and a great football coach. My thoughts and prayers to the Stram family.
Ivon Vinnett
July 10, 2005
My deepest sympathy to the Stram family.I remember Hank Stram as a kid while attending Super Bowl IV with my late brother in law who was a Chief fan.
Mike Hobbs
July 10, 2005
God Bless the Stram family. He was a great man. He gave Kansas City some of its greatest memories. He will always be remembered.
Billy R. Freeman
July 9, 2005
I just found out today: 7/09/05 I don't know when we lost Hank. I used to work for Bobby Bell of the Chief's @ his Bar-B Q resturant in Gladstone, MO. back in the early eighties. I met Hank and Len Dawson through Bobby.
perry utley
July 9, 2005
Hank Stram will be missed by Chiefs fans everywhere.They need to rename Arrowhead Stadium after him,or even a street in K.C.What better way to pay tribute.
Sara Larsen
July 9, 2005
Hank Stram was the Chiefs! He imparted the class and style of a great football team that only a man with great class and style could. I remember going to the parade after the Super Bowl win and being so proud. I am now a transplanted Louisianan also, but was not here when he coached the Saints. I am now a Saints fan, but not if they are playing the Chiefs. KC will always be my home and Hank Stram will always be part of my hometown memories. My deepest sorrows to all the family.
mark morrison
July 9, 2005
to the stram family,
i grew up in kc i named my sons casey and kyle for the initials. i have been a chiefs fan since the afl days.hank will always be one of my favorite thoughts, class men my sons can look up to are hard to find. god bless you and i'm sure hank is having a coaching session in heaven.
Staton Family
July 9, 2005
Our deepest sympathy to the Stram family. Hank Stram gave us football memories that will never be forgotten. A great man and the best NFL coach ever.
Thomas Hargis
July 9, 2005
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Stram Family and to all KC Chiefs fans who feel as I do that we have lost a great leader and close friend.
With loving respect....Tom Hargis
Steve Sanders
July 9, 2005
As a former broadcaster, interviewer at KMBZ many years ago, my fondest memories of Hank were how he would bristle at we reporters when we questioned problems the Chiefs were having. But, at the same time, how he would respond positively to the next question moments after. It was the best time in the world to be a football fan. Standing on the sideline and watching Coach Stram and his teams perform their magic was a special treat.
All he did for minority athletes was unnoticed by Coach Stram because he saw all people the same, as human beings. Good people know no color other than the color of class, respect, achievement and success in life. Just reading all the wonderful messages on these past 27 pages was quite inspiring. I could not stop reading them and had to write my own little comment.
God gave the world a great person when Hank Stram was born. I always enjoyed talking with Coach Stram. He was a font of positive energy.
As Bob Dylan says, ""A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do." Judging by those words, Coach Stram was a HUGE success.
God bless Phyllis and Coach Stram's family and all those who will miss one of this country's truly inspirational and innovative sports leaders.
Randy Sluder
July 9, 2005
God Bless the Stram family.Heaven gained a special man on monday.God Bless!!!
J. T.
July 9, 2005
When you are a guy without athletic ability, it's not the money and fame that you miss. What you lack is the opportunity to have a mentor like Hank Stram.
In these guest book entries and newspaper stories about Coach Stram, I was struck by the inveterate acts of kindness he performed during his life. He was a big winner, as well as a consummately nice man.
"Who's the coach? Who's the mentor?" he asked during Super Bowl IV. It was the beautiful guy in the red vest, Henry Stram.
michael hamilton
July 9, 2005
thanks for all the great memories, you will be missed
Michael Thompson
July 9, 2005
Through Vietnam, drugs, watergate, Hank and the Chiefs kept us all focused on football. Thanks for the ride. May the Lord bless your family and let them know you are in the loving arms of Christ today. Mike (still a Chief's fan)
Tom Stewart
July 8, 2005
My father and Hank went to Lew Wallace HS in Gary. They lifeguarded together on Lake Michigan for two years back before the war. Dad coached HS football in Champaign, IL for thirty years and scouted the Illinois games for the Chiefs in the sixties. I will never forget the few times that Hank called my house looking for Dad's phone number...that voice and energy was unmistakeable. He will be missed but he was greatly loved.
brian puterbaugh
July 8, 2005
I enjoyed watching highlights of you at super bowl 4 . I went to see you inducted into the pro football hall of fame. may god bless you in heaven #1 coach.
Ludy Naquin
July 8, 2005
Hank,you be miss god is with you now.The Naquin Family.
James Moore
July 8, 2005
Hank Stram was the first coach I ever really knew about; he was larger than life to me then. I was in college at Northwest Missouri State in 69, when Hank won the super bowl. His Team and Himself won my heart. I have been a Chiefs season ticket holder and fan ever since then.
My respects to his family. May he rest in peace. God Bless!
JVM
Jenn Peterson
July 8, 2005
I wish I had been a Chiefs fan in Coach Stram's day. I came to the Chiefs much later (Marcus Allen is my first Chiefs hero) but from what I've read in the past few days, Coach Stram was just the kind of coach and person I would have been crazy about. I wish the family all good things and thank them for sharing him with us, the wacko screaming fans wearing red and gold. It's obvious that his legacy with the team will live on long after his passing.
Julie Russell
July 8, 2005
Coach Stram, you were the greatest. God Bless You and your family. Rest in peace.
steve may
July 8, 2005
Thanks for the memories. God Bless
Tom Moore
July 8, 2005
I was with the Marines in Viet Nam when Hank and the Chiefs won the 1970 Super Bowl. My son sent me a tape with the last few moments of the radio broadcast. Coach, you and that team did a great deal for the morale of all those Marines who listened to that tape. Stu, please know that our thoughts and paryers are with you and all the family.
Amy (Cappello) Fedick
July 8, 2005
Much has been written about Hank Stram's outstanding and inspiring coaching. What bears mentioning is what a decent, talented children he and Phillis raised.
I attended SM East with two of the Stram kids; Stu (a classmate) and Julie. Even though I was not close friends with either, I do not recall one moment where they were anything but kind and decent, treating everyone with repect. Given their father's fame, and now that I'm a parent, I realize the tremendous effort put forth by Hank and Phillis. Obviously a tribute to great parenting!
God bless you all and my condolences to the Stram family.
Ramon & Sandy Villarreal
July 8, 2005
Thanks for the memories.
SFC GAMBLIN
July 8, 2005
Word is spreading even here in Iraq of Hank's passing all the Chiefs fans here and even our AFC rival fans seam down about the loss. But after thinking about it we all agree... wow what a life he had, and blessed by family too. What a fortunate man.
Trent Gamblin (Liberty Missouri)
Craig Campbell
July 7, 2005
One of my earliest memories in life was when I was 4 years old. It was 1974, Hank's last year in KC. My father took us to the Chiefs game. We arrived early, and my dad spotted him as he was walking into the stadium. I can't remember everything that was said, but Hank came up with a big smile on his face, shook my dad's hand, smiled at me and gave me one of those little rubs on the head, thanked us for coming out to the game and to have fun while we were there. It was the only time I was fortunate enough to meet Hank, but he touched me in those few moments. I have been a Chiefs fan ever since, as well as a fan of Hank Stram. I'll never forget that day long ago. I'll never forget Hank Stram and his big smile.
T Ludwig
July 7, 2005
Coach, you brought me week after week of joy as I became enthralled with football, the AFL and above all the KC Chiefs. I was a young kid then but many of the memories still remain as if it was yesterday.
Keep tricalating the ball down the field, Coach.
Rest in Peace dear friend.
Brian Kilz
July 7, 2005
TO the family of Hank Stram I can not tell you how much Joy he has given fans of football all over the USA and the world. My condolences to and best wishes God bless thank you.
Scott Fausset
July 7, 2005
~~~
'The Mentor' added so very much to the game of football that I too love. He was an admirable man, great coach, calculating risk-taker, and true innovator. "Thank you sir!"
Sadly, he is/was unkown to many of today's young and faithful fans. But we still have the films to review, learn from, and enjoy. I will always remember, "Now let's matriculate that ball down the field!"
He leaves us with such a significant legacy...
...we surely miss those that really made a difference.
I know his presence must be missed in his home as well as on the field. My condolences to his family and loved ones. At first it hurts. But later, we can all smile with the memories they supported from the sidelines. "Thank you Phyllis, family, and loved ones!"
~~~
.
Michael Shaw
July 7, 2005
Hank Stram's Chiefs were the team- my team. My brothers were Raiders and Jets fans. Our house lived and died on the fortunes of these clubs during football season. Thanks for the memories, coach. Without you, and the Chiefs, life would not have nearly as sweet.
Cal Pipher
July 7, 2005
A former Chicago kid myself, I have to say that Hank was one of the most intelligent and innovative football coaches ever and a terrific analyst. He was a good man! And that is the highest compliment I can give any man. The world will be a sadder place with him gone. God bless you, Coach.
D.J. Johnston
July 7, 2005
Thanks for the memorys,your game never dimished, and your name will live in the hearts of those you touched over the years.
Best wishes to your family, thanks for shareing Hank with us.
Pascal Howard
July 7, 2005
He was a great coach and a great human being who added life to so many people. He will be missed by all who knew him and loved him.
doris lee
July 7, 2005
I lived in K. C. MO during Hank's Super Bowl era and attended all his great Chiefs games! I remember an opposing coach said to Hank " How can I win? Your wearing your red vest and the Monsiegner's with you"!I was Activity Dir. then for 4 Seasons Nursing Center, Overland Park, Kansas. Hank Stram's son turned up among grade school volunteers I lined up to entertain patients one evening. He played
"Puff, the Magic Dragon" on the piano. I remember thinking Hank would be proud of the great job he did giving his time and talent to
the elderly. Prayers and sympathy to all Stram's! Doris Lee
Amber Guerra
July 7, 2005
What a legend! He'll certainly be missed.
Jerome J. Byers
July 7, 2005
Hank Stram embodied the class and character of a winner in the game of football, but more importantly in the game of life. Thank you Hank, you were first class. You are a big part of the reason I am a proud Chiefs fan for life.
Mark Montana
July 7, 2005
As a young boy, the first pro football game I ever watched was Super Bowl IV. I'll never forget Coach Stram pacing the sidelines in his red vest & black blazer as the Chiefs pulled off one of the biggest upsets in NFL history. This made me a Chiefs fan for life. Thanks for the memories Coach...
doug auzene
July 7, 2005
What a coach, what a guy....Many times I would turn off the sound on the T.V. and listen to Hank's play-by-play...Super Bowl IV..whatta job against the Vikings...Hank was never at a loss for words...You went out a champion & will be missed
Edward Vodopest
July 7, 2005
Last time I saw Hank was on TV as he rode out of Arrowhead in the golf cart on his HOF appreciation day. Once, Hank with a large entourage answered trivia questions to football fans at a 'sports bar' event - his answer to me was straightforward and not coachspeak -his analysis for Joe Montana and Schottenheimer's Chiefs proved accurate.
Enjoyed the SB years - when Green Bay had its recent success under Holmgren warned an avid 70 year old GB fan that even with Farve the Chiefs were coming back - Hank and his team set the tone for Chief's football. Often preferred Hank's radio broadcasts over TV - accuracy over hype - Gunther and current Chief's players need to be able to predict plays off alignments and tendencies as well as Hank.
Best wishes to the Stram family.
DJ Tegeler
July 7, 2005
As a lifelong fan of the Chiefs since 1963 you were my hero as a coach. As an adult you have inspired me with the best summary of how to live your life. "Do what you love and marry the girl of your dreams." You will be missed but never forgotten. thank you and your family for allowing me to grow up and see class at work, love, and play.
I also want to thak the Stram family for letting all of us be part of your family. Your husband and father was a truly nice and great man, our prayers and thoughts are with you.
scott brooks
July 7, 2005
65 toss power trap. I grew up watching NFL films tape of Super Bowl III. I watched the second half of the game (at age 7)after ice skating. I've only gone ice skating 2x since then, but watched Mr. Stram's wonderful perfomance on NFL films hundreds of times. (BIG Chiefs Fan growing up) I sat in the basement of my aunt and uncles house crying my eyes out when we lost the longest game.
Thanks for all the memories...I think I'll pop in the game tape again tonite and toast a real football genius.
Aloha Mr. Stram
Mike Dugan
July 7, 2005
The fans and yhe NFL along with thousands of local Buffalo Bills fans have lost a friend.
Hank's inspiration his professionalism and just being himself to the fans are a legacy that I won't forget.
My condolences to the Stram family at this time but you can be sure we all will see Hank again.I can see he is making a playbook now so that we can be together again.
brian ryder
July 7, 2005
thanks Hank Stram..for the memorys and the good humor ,,you always seemed to remember that football was a career and serious , but still just a game,,you made it fun to watch and put kansas city on the sports map...and helped revolutionized the game , thx..my condoliences to the Stram family and all those who knew him
Russ Laraway
July 6, 2005
They are finally going to install the rolling pocket in heaven - thanks, Hank!
Ward Hitt
July 6, 2005
Hank Stram is the greatest coach ever in the AFL. The W/L record alone proves that.
But, the true proof of Stram's greatness is a game you may never have heard about: against the dreaded Raiders in the early 70's (sorry, can't remember exactly when). For our hated rivals, Stram completely threw out the pass-heavy playbook, and created one comprised entirely of 30's era run plays. They were completely confused. Lenny threw maybe 4 passes in the first half, and we killed them. A one time deal, never seen before or since. Unbelievable.
My personal anecdote is more about his family, though. I had the great honor of meeting Hank Stram in 1974. I was just a kid, 17, and I was given a scholarship from P&G because Len Dawson was named named NFL Man of the Year. There was a huge banquent, hundreds of people, TV cameras, and I had to give a speech. I was scared to death. But sitting next to me on the dias was Phyllis Stram. I have never forgotten her sweetness and encouragement in my most public moment.
To Phyllis and the Stram family, my deepest condolences and appreciation.
Cedric Cheng
July 6, 2005
My condolensces to the Stram family and my salute to a great coach of my first favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs. I was a little boy when you were the head coach but I knew the impact that you had and continue to have in the NFL today. Interestingly, my active memory of you was as an analyst on CBS' radiocast of Monday Night Football. And of course, the NFL Films segment from SB IV. In any event, God Bless Hank Stram, football fans and NFL fans will remember you always.
Frank
July 6, 2005
Coach , You put Kansas City on the map . You were a field general in every sense of the word. Always well dressed and looking great on the sidelines in suit and tie with the confidence rarely seen by a any coach . You knew we would be great did'nt you coach ?
Rest in peace Coach Stram
Geoffrey Travis
July 6, 2005
I am very sorry for the loss of Hank Stram. He was a good inspiration and a leader in the AFL league. He will be truely missed by alot of people. Includin the KC Chiefs organization. He led the team to 3 Super Bowl wins and was the best coach of the 60's. He made a good impact on all of us and the teams. I even have one of Len Dawsons cards from the 60's when Stram was the coach. He had the best defenseive set of all the coaches. So he was a very good inspiration to all of or commmunity in KC and will always be remembered in our hearts. RIP Hank Stram
Jack Rich
July 6, 2005
What a great coach and fine human being this man was ! My dad, Don Rich, got to know Hank away from football as a golfing partner. My favorite story was when my Dad was bedridden in Bapist Hosipital in KC with what the Doctors thought to be terminal cancer, suddenly on a Sunday evening in walks Hank with Howard Cosell. Hank and Howard spent the entire evening cheering up my Dad and the other patients in the cancer ward. Mr. Cosell handed out his book (signed) to the folks in the ward. This unsolicted kind hearted visit really made my Dad's day and changed his whole attitude.
Thanks Hank ! God Bless You !
Lew W
July 6, 2005
The Dallas Texans and later the Chiefs were my favorite team. Nearly every Sunday I was watching the Chiefs in the 4:00 o'clock game. Of course the big day was in Jan., 1970 when the Chiefs dominated the Vikings. Coach Stram put an exciting team on the field each week.
Condolences to his family
Lew W
Monica Goeddel
July 6, 2005
Although I have wonderful memories of KC Chiefs and the games (and still love them today), my memories are from the 1972 team.
My brother was diagnosed and dying from an inoperable brain tumor. Coach Stram and Warpaint paid a visit to our home to see my brother. He and the team also participated in a charity basketball game to help raise money to help defer hefty medical expenses.
I was 9 years old, and in awe of all this. My parents were honored, humbled, and grateful for his and the team's kindness. He set the example of kindness and community
that still resonates in our family more than 30 years later.
God Bless the Stram family.
Phyllis McBrayer
July 6, 2005
When I was a child,I got to go to William Jewell College to watch the Chief's practice.I always felt it was a privilege as they were led by this Wonderful Coach!THAT WAS WHEN FOOTBALL WAS FOOTBALL! Thanks HANK,for all the memories!
DR Robert Blundell
July 6, 2005
Ironically the Chiefs have not won the big one since Hank Stram. Everyone in my age group remembers him I am 51 and have not lived in KC since 1981. As a Navy officer I have met people from Okinawa Japan to San Diego to Norfolk VA who remember what he did for the Chiefs and the city. We all have the great team picture from Super Bowl IV on our walls. We will never forget. Hm, did not even remember that Hank was fired. He was a great Coach and innovator.
Gil McIlwain
July 6, 2005
This world has lost a great man. I had no idea he lived so close to me. I remember his days with the K.C. Chiefs, he had great teams that will be remembered for all time. He was an excellent leader and a person I admired. I wish that I could have met him. To his family, he will be missed, but his life will be remembered forever by the millions of people he was admired by for being Hank. May God bless you.
Bruce Pitchford
July 6, 2005
I was fortunate enough to meet You and your team when I was a child. You held practice at a facility near where I played baseball. I grew up around some of your players, and more than a few of their children. I'm sure you dont remember me but when I met you as a child you made me feel like you would remember me. You made me feel ... important.
Coach, no fan will ever forget what you did for football. And Hank, no one who ever met you will ever forget you. God bless your family and friends.
Godspeed Hank
Samuel
July 6, 2005
I love listening to football over the radio. Hank was a class act and a true professional. Helluva coach and leader. Gotta love that Chiefs blazer, too. G-d Bless.
GRANT WILCOX
July 6, 2005
WHAT A GREAT LOSS TO THE STRAM FAMILY AND THE CHIEF NATION!! I'AM SURE HE'S ON THE FEILD WITH WARPAINT AND PRAYING THE LORD BLESS ARROWHEAD THIS YEAR!-- MY DEEPIST CONDOLENCES ---GW
Da Most
July 6, 2005
Even Raider fans have to pay respects to Hank. Even though he coached the hated Chiefs, Hank was a Coaches Coach. Second only to Madden on and off the field, Hank made my Monday night drive home on the west coast. I would listen to his first quarter call on the radio as I raced home from work. Thanks Hank for always making me want to hurry up and see the action you captured.
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