Jack Steadman, the top executive at the Kansas City Chiefs for nearly five decades, died Sunday at age 86. Steadman was Lamar Hunt’s right-hand man beginning in 1960 with the founding of the team and the creation of the American Football League. The Kansas City Star calls Steadman the principal force behind the construction of the Truman Sports Complex, home to Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums.  He oversaw three AFL championships and a Super Bowl victory.

Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt issued the following statement:

“My entire family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jack Steadman. 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.

While Chiefs football was his true passion, Jack and my father had many other business ventures together, including the development of Worlds of Fun and Hunt Midwest Enterprises, both key contributors to the growth of Kansas City.

I had the privilege of knowing Jack my entire life, and he taught me much about both business and life. 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.”