Jack Steadman, former KC Chiefs executive, passes away at 86

The Kansas City Chiefs are mourning the loss of former GM Jack Steadman, who passed away on Sunday morning. He died of natural causes at 86 years old.

Steadman spent more than four decades with the Chiefs, beginning in the 1960s when he helped construct the Chiefs first and only Super Bowl winner as well as helping bring them to Kansas City to begin with.

"My entire family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jack Steadman," Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said in a statement. "Jack was more than a dedicated and talented businessman, but a dear friend to my family. He was one of my father's greatest business associates and the two of them accomplished much during the more than four decades they worked together. Jack played a key role in the development of the American Football League and was also an influential figure in the success of the Chiefs. During his tenure as General Manager, the team won four championships including Super Bowl IV."

In addition to the Chiefs, Steadman also helped develop Worlds of Fun and real estate business Hunt Midwest.

"I had the privilege of knowing Jack my entire life, and he taught me much about both business and life," Hunt said. "He always brought a strong, innovative perspective to the room. Jack was an outstanding man of character, who greatly valued his faith and family. While today we are saddened by his passing, his contributions to the Chiefs, the Kansas City community and my family will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Judy, and the entire Steadman family."

Steadman was also involved in the decision to build Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums next to each other when the Truman Sports Complex was born in 1972.

Read up on some of Steadman's accomplishments here. Even if you weren't familiar with him, he's had an impact on your Kansas City sports fandom.