New York Jets owner Leon Hess died early Friday morning at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. The cause of death was attributed to complications from a blood disease.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 10 in New York. Commissioner Tagliabue made the following statement:
May 7, 1999
STATEMENT FROM COMMISSIONER TAGLIABUE:
Leon Hess was a great American success story. He was a prince of a man at a time when such individuals are rare. We will deeply miss him and his always-wise counsel. Leon cared deeply for his Jets and wanted only the best for the Jets fans. There will be a terrible void as the Jets pursue their dream of another Super Bowl victory; this time it will be done without Leon’s behind-the-scenes but forceful encouragement and support. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Norma and to his family.