Hank Stram passes at 82 years of age

By Hugo Guzman | Tuesday, July 05, 2005 | ( 0 )

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Hall of Fame NFL coach Hank Stram has passed away at the age of 82. He began his career coaching the AFL's Houstan Texans, who where then moved and renamed the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963. He was able to take his Chiefs to the Super Bowl twice, earning an NFL championship in 1970.

According to his family, Hank Stram had been in declining health for years. They attributed his death to complications stemming from diabetes. Stram died in a local hospital near his home in Covington, Louisiana.

Stram was well known to generations of football fans thanks to his zany performances on NFL Films movies. He reached iconic status because of these films. He could always be found wearing a black blazer and carrying a rolled up game plan in his hand. His hilarious commentary during games and his way of talking to players and referees made him an NFL Films legend.

It is important to note, however, that before he was a star on NFL Films he was well known and respected in the NFL community for his innovative play calling. For example, Hank Stram is credited with inventing the two-tight end offense. In 17 AFL/NFL seasons Stram was 131-97-10 in the regular season and 5-3 in the postseason. He was inducted to the NFL Hall of Fame in 2003.

In an interview recorded two years ago Stram was quoted as saying ,"I've lived a charmed life. I married the only girl I ever loved and did the only job I ever loved."

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