Challenges in the Life of Lamar Hunt in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 15, 2025

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Lamar Hunt's life and career.

Lamar Hunt Sr. was an American businessman who significantly impacted the sports landscape in the United States. He was a key figure in the promotion of football, founding the American Football League (AFL) and later playing a vital role in the merger of the AFL and NFL, creating the Super Bowl. Hunt was also instrumental in popularizing soccer in the U.S., as one of the founders of the North American Soccer League (NASL) and owner of the Kansas City Wizards. Additionally, he supported tennis, helping to establish the World Championship Tennis circuit. Beyond sports, Hunt engaged in business ventures, including an attempt to corner the silver market.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1959: Application for NFL Expansion Franchise Rejected

In 1959, Lamar Hunt's application for a National Football League (NFL) expansion franchise was turned down. The NFL executives were wary of "oversaturating" the market by expanding too quickly.

1960: Attempt to Purchase Chicago Cardinals Failed

In 1960, Lamar Hunt's attempt to purchase the NFL's Chicago Cardinals franchise, with the intention of moving them to Dallas, was turned down. The team subsequently moved to St. Louis, Missouri.

1960: Dallas Cowboys Franchise Founded

In 1960, the NFL quickly placed a new franchise of their own in Dallas, the Dallas Cowboys, who also began play in response to the presence of the AFL franchise in Dallas.

1962: Divorced Rosemary Carr

In 1962, Lamar Hunt divorced Rosemary Carr due in part to his travel schedule.

September 1979: Silver Market Ownership Led to Price Rise

By September 1979, Lamar Hunt and his brothers' ownership of one-third of the world silver market caused the price to rise from $11 an ounce.

January 1980: Silver Price Rose to $50 an Ounce

By January 1980, the silver market price rose to $50 an ounce as a result of the Hunt brothers' ownership.

March 27, 1980: Silver Thursday Price Collapse

On March 27, 1980, known as Silver Thursday, the silver market price collapsed after the Hunt brothers attempted to corner the market.

1981: Merged Dallas Tornado with Tampa Bay Rowdies

In 1981, after 15 seasons and losses in the millions, Lamar Hunt and his Dallas Tornado partner, Bill McNutt, decided to merge their team with the Tampa Bay Rowdies franchise.