(Kansas City, MO)—Monday, the United States House of Representatives is scheduled to pass HR 53, a resolution honoring Lamar Hunt. Introduced by Congressman Cleaver, the resolution recognizes the dedication of this great man to the City of Kansas City, the Chiefs and the nation.

“Lamar Hunt used his quiet, yet persuasive voice of reason to mold the game he loved so dearly. At the age of 27, Lamar Hunt created the American Football League and founded the Dallas Texans, which later became our beloved Kansas City Chiefs,” said Congressman Cleaver.

“He was a man whose devotion to our community never failed. While he may have been a Texan, in Kansas City he was always around a home crowd. So much so, that he is the only non-resident to be named Kansas Citian of the year. That’s how much he meant to us,” said Cleaver, “My only complaint about Lamar was he never gave me my dream job. I would have been a great wide receiver for the Chiefs.”

For 40 years, Lamar Hunt owned and was vital to the Kansas City Chiefs Football Club and created the Championship Game between the American Football League and the National Football League that became known as the Super Bowl, a moniker Hunt coined.

“Mr. Hunt brought us the Chiefs and in 1970 made our up-and-coming town champions of the world. His belief that we were a football town put Kansas City on the map. We believed we could be a world-class city, because our Chiefs proved it to the world. I am proud to extend this resolution on behalf of a grateful community and nation,” said Cleaver.

Schedule of Events for planning purposes:

5:00 p.m.          H.Res. 53 to be debated on the House of Representatives Floor.

Approx.

5:25 p.m.          Voice Passage

5:30 p.m.        Congressman Cleaver accompanies the Hunt Family to the Reception and Program.

5:30 p.m.        Cleaver Reception for H.Res. 53 “Honoring the Life of Lamar Hunt” begins in the House Financial Services Committee Hearing Room, 2128 Rayburn House Office Building.

6:00 p.m.          Program Begins

                        Welcome & Introductions – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver

·         U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer, Majority Leader, U.S. House of Representatives. 

·         Mr. and Mrs. Clark & Tavia Hunt, Owner/Chairman of the Kansas City Chiefs.  Accompanying the Hunts will be Mr. Ryan Petkoff of H.F.V. Funds.

·         Mr. Willie Lanier, Member Pro Football Hall of Fame, LB Kansas City Chiefs #63.  As part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 1986, he became the second Chiefs player to be enshrined in Canton.  Named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1994. Chiefs starting middle linebacker for 11 years.  Lives in Richmond, Virginia where he is the President at First Wheat Securities.

·         Mr. Al Saunders, Associate Head Coach, Washington Redskins.  Former Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs.  24 years of NFL coaching experience and recently finished his 15th coaching campaign with the Kansas City Chiefs. 

·         Mr. Troy Vincent, President of the National Football Players Association (NFLPA). A 15-year NFL veteran and All-Pro defensive back who has played for the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins.  Vincent and his family founded Love Thy Neighbor Community Development and Opportunity Corporation, which provides comprehensive community development with housing and economic empowerment as its cornerstone.  Mr. Vincent will be accompanied by Mr. Ben Zelenko, NFLPA Lobbyist.

·         Mr. Martin Gold, Esq. with Covington and Burling, Lobbyist for the National Football League.

·         Recognize any Members of Congress Present

Remarks

·         Remarks about H.Res. 53 and on Lamar Hunt: Congressman Cleaver

·         Reflections on Mr. Hunt:  Willie Lanier

·         Presentation of H.Res. 53 to Mr. Clark Hunt:  Rep. Cleaver & Majority Leader Hoyer, Brief Remarks by Mr. Hoyer.

·         Remarks by Clark Hunt

·         Conclusion:  Congressman Cleaver

6:30 p.m.          Program Conclusion

6:30 p.m.          House Votes expected.

6:35 p.m.          Hunt Family Departs for Dulles Airport

7:30 p.m.          End of Reception

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar, Missouri. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee.