One of the franchise’s all-time greats has passed away, and the whole football community feels the loss.
It’s a sad day in the NFL, particularly for the Kansas City Chiefs family, as Hall of Famer Abner Haynes died at the age of 86. A member of the inaugural American Football Conference (AFL) squad, the Dallas Texans, he began his career in 1960 as the league itself.
He was a standout running back and return specialist, making the All-AFL team three years in a row from 1960 to 1962 and becoming the league’s first Rookie of the Year. The Kansas City Chiefs released a statement acknowledging the huge loss to their family and the league.
Clark Hunt, Chiefs Chairman and CEO, recalled Haynes and sent his sympathies on behalf of the Hunt family. “My family and I are very saddened by the death of Chiefs Hall of Famer Abner Haynes. Abner was one of the Dallas Texans’ and the American Football League’s early stars. In the league’s inaugural season in 1960, Abner was named Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year, but more importantly, he garnered the respect and adoration of his colleagues and spectators alike. “In addition to his on-field abilities,” Hunt stated.
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 guy of courage and leadership from an early age. He remained active in the community long after his playing days were done, and his influence goes far beyond the field. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Guadalupe and the rest of his family during this difficult time.”
He was a legend in college as well
Abner Haynes, a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference running back for the Eagles, finished seventh in the nation in rushing and fifth in scoring in 1959. He guided North Texas to the 1959 Sunshine Bowl.
In 1959, Time magazine named him an All-American. He signed with the AFL’s Dallas Texans and was awarded AFL Player of the Year in 1960, during a period when the league dominated the football globe with its high-flying offensive strategies.
Hayes carried for almost 4,500 yards in his professional career. The Kansas City Chiefs retired his number in 1988, and he was inducted into the University of North Texas 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
