Facebook Pixel

What Is the NKH Patch on the Chiefs’ Uniforms?

Who was Norma Knobel Hunt, and how are the Chiefs and the NFL honoring her legacy this year? What is the role she played in the franchise's history?

The Kansas City Chiefs are wearing a patch with the initials “NKH” on the jersey this year to honor Norma Knobel Hunt, who died in June. Norma was married to team founder Lamar Hunt for 42 years until his death in 2006. Norma Hunt was called the “First Lady of Football” and was the only woman to attend every Super Bowl.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said of Hunt’s death, “I was fortunate to know Norma for nearly 40 years and was always struck by her warmth and grace, her partnership with Lamar, and her pride in their family. Norma’s sense of family extended to the Chiefs’ organization which she greatly adored. Norma was one of the most passionate fans of the Chiefs and the NFL.”

The Chiefs also wear a patch on the left side of the jersey, honoring Lamar Hunt and the American Football League.

From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!

How Lamar and Norma Hunt Met

Bringing professional football to Dallas was one of the main reasons why Lamar Hunt was the principal founder of the AFL. He tried to get an NFL franchise in Dallas, but his attempts at expansion and relocating an existing team were denied.

After graduating from North Texas State University, Norma Hunt became an American history teacher. Lamar and Norma met when she joined a group of women selling tickets for his Dallas Texans games. The couple married in 1964 and were on their honeymoon when Lamar learned that the AFL had secured a major TV deal with NBC.

The Dallas Texans started playing in 1960 and won the AFL title in 1962 before moving to Kansas City. The NFL expanded to Dallas with the Cowboys to counter the Texans being in the AFL. Hunt moved his team because both Dallas teams were struggling to develop a strong base.

Continuing Hunt’s Legacy

The NFL and team announced the Norma Hunt Super Bowl Champion of Education program, which will select one female educator to attend the game and be honored for their commitment to education.

MORE: NFL Prime-Time Games 2023

Her son and Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said, “My family and I are so proud to honor our mother’s life and legacy this season. While it will be difficult to begin football season without her, we look forward to continuing her legacy of attending every Super Bowl with the creation of the Norma Hunt Super Bowl Champion of Education program.”

Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said in a statement when Hunt died, “Norma was not only the Hunt family matriarch, but we also considered her the ‘The Matriarch of the Super Bowl’ since she was the only woman to have attended all 57 games.”

Related Stories