Chiefs vice chairman, former GM, announces retirement

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) _ Jack Steadman, a member of the Kansas City Chiefs' front office since their founding in 1960 as the AFL's Dallas Texans, announced his retirement Tuesday. <br/><br/>Steadman,

Tuesday, January 30th 2007, 11:56 am

By: News On 6

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) _ Jack Steadman, a member of the Kansas City Chiefs' front office since their founding in 1960 as the AFL's Dallas Texans, announced his retirement Tuesday.

Steadman, who was the general manager when Kansas City won its only Super Bowl title after the 1969 season, is currently the Chiefs' vice chairman. His retirement takes effect Wednesday.

Steadman has also been the team's president, executive vice president and chairman during his 47-year tenure.

He is credited with conceiving the side-by-side stadium layout at the Truman Sports Complex, site of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium and the Kansas City Royals' Kauffman Stadium.

``Next to my father, Lamar, no single person has had a greater impact on the Chiefs organization than Jack Steadman,'' Chiefs chairman Clark K. Hunt said in a statement issued by the team. ``For nearly six decades, he has tirelessly supported our family serving as the driving force behind almost every major initiative undertaken in that time.''

Steadman, who helped develop the Worlds of Fun theme park in Kansas City with Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt, is also retiring Wednesday from his position as chairman of Hunt Midwest Enterprises. The real estate development company owns the world's largest underground industrial park and also has a 50 percent interest in Hunt Martin Materials, a limestone rock mining company.

``To have the opportunity to work with and for the people of Kansas City in varying capacities over the last 47 years has truly been an honor and one I will always cherish,'' Steadman said. ``It was a pleasure to work with Lamar on the projects he loved so much, and I thank the entire Hunt family for their friendship and support through the years.''