It’s a sad day in the NFL, especially for the Kansas City Chiefs family, as Hall of Famer Abner Haynes has died at the age of 86. A member of the original American Football Conference (AFL) team, the Dallas Texans, started his career in 1960 as the league itself.
He was a star running back and a return specialist, named to the AFL’s All-AFL team three consecutive years from 1960-62 and was the league’s first Rookie of the Year. The Kansas City Chiefs issued a statement where they mention the significant loss for their family and the league.
Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt remembered Haynes and expressed the Hunt family’s condolences. “My family and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Chiefs Hall of Famer Abner Haynes. Abner was one of the first great stars of the Dallas Texans and the American Football League. In the league’s first season in 1960, Abner earned Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year honors, and more importantly, he earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and fans alike. In addition to his on-the-field prowess,” Hunt said.
RIP Abner Haynes🙏🏻
Dallas Texans/#Chiefs Halfback• 1962 AFL Champion🏆
• AFL All-Time Team
• 1960 AFL Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year
• AFL All-Time Ranks
· #1 – All-purpose yards
· #1 – Rushing TD
· #1 – Points (and TD) in a game
· #1 – Total TD & rush TD… pic.twitter.com/E97jZZQaS1— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) July 18, 2024
“Abner was a man of courage and leadership from a very young age. He remained involved in the community well after his playing days were over, and his legacy extends far beyond the gridiron. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Guadalupe and his entire family during this difficult time.”
He was a legend in college as well
A two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference running back for the Eagles, Abner Haynes ranked seventh in the nation in rushing and fifth in scoring as a in 1959. He led North Texas to the 1959 Sunshine Bowl.
1959 and was named an All-American by Time magazine that same year. He signed with the Dallas Texans of the AFL and was named AFL Player of the Year in 1960 in a time where the league took the world of football by storm with their high flying offensive strategies.
Hayes rushed for more than 4,500 yards during his professional career. His number was retired by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1988 and he was inducted into the UNT Hall of Fame in 1986.
Abner Haynes, one of the great players in North Texas football history, has died.
Haynes, left, and Leon King became the first Black athletes to play major college football in Texas in 1956 when they joined the Mean Green.
Stay tuned to #DentonRC for more. pic.twitter.com/I8vsrwsYSf
— Brett Vito (@brettvito) July 18, 2024
