Norma Hunt, the mother of Kansas City Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt and widow of Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt, died Sunday at age 85.
The announcement about Hunt, the only woman to attend every Super Bowl since it started in 1967, came in a statement by the Hunt family.
"She was a wonderful mother and an extraordinary woman who will be dearly missed by all who knew her," said the family, which also owns the soccer team FC Dallas.
"Kind, generous and unfailingly positive, mom was one of a kind," the statement continued. "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."
We mourn the passing of Norma Hunt.
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) June 4, 2023
She was regarded as the "First Lady of Football," having gone to every NFL Super Bowl.
In addition to attending all of the games, she also had a hand in naming the event. Her husband, Lamar, who died in 2006, suggested the name "Super Bowl" because of a toy, the "Super Ball," that she had bought for a young Clark and Daniel Hunt.
The 57th Super Bowl took place in February, featuring her Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Chiefs won the game 38-35. This would be the last Super Bowl that Norma would see — a Chiefs victory and her son Clark hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
Following the announcement of her death, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and various organizations from around the league tweeted their support for the family and offered their condolences.
Mrs. Norma was the best. Glad to be a part of this special organization she help build. She will be missed! Prayers to the entire Hunt family. 🙏🏽💔 https://t.co/YOiDzVUK3j
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) June 4, 2023
The NFL's Twitter account also posted a video commemorating her.
Norma Hunt was the only woman in history to attend every single Super Bowl.
Her impact on the @Chiefs and the league is immeasurable and her legacy will live on forever. ❤️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/uWlJKpraV5
— NFL (@NFL) June 5, 2023
"Her quiet yet deep faith sustained her throughout her life, and we take great comfort knowing that she is home with the Lord," the family's statement concluded. "She will be greatly missed by our family, the extended Chiefs and FC Dallas families, and by everyone who knew her."
