NFL Matriarch, Norma Hunt, dies at 85

By Kevin Tolbert

This week, the NFL family lost one of its life-long members when Norma Hunt passed away at age 85. The wife of late Chief's founder Lamar Hunt had attended every Super Bowl in the league's history - the only woman to do so. Her last appearance at the league's finale was for the Chiefs’ 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.

The team made the announcement of Hunt's passing Sunday night, however, no cause of death was given. “Mom was steadfastly devoted to her family and fiercely passionate about her family’s sports teams,” the Hunt family said.

Norma Hunt, even at her death, was still closely linked to the Chiefs franchise through her charitable work. A crowning moment for the franchise's matriarch was seeing son Clark Hunt elevated to chairman of the franchise after his father’s death in 2006.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reflected on Hunt's passion for the game he witnessed for more than four decades. “Norma was one of the most passionate fans of the Chiefs and the NFL, and understood and enjoyed every aspect of the game, Goodell said."

"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 Hunt's passion for charitable work extended to the entire family including granddaughter Gracie Hunt. Gracie Hunt has continued giving back to the community through since 2015 through her work with the Special Olympics. She currently serves on the boar of the Kansas and Texas Special Olympics board of directors.

The team had yet to announce memorial details Sunday night.