Abner Haynes was a star running back who was the first-ever Player of the Year in the AFL and a Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame inductee.
- Died: July 18, 2024 (Who else died on July 18?)
- Details of death: Died in Dallas, Texas at the age of 86.
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Abner Haynes’ legacy
Denton, Texas-born halfback Abner Haynes helped integrate college football in the Lone Star State, playing at North Texas State College (now the University of North Texas) before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1960. However, Haynes chose the AFL over the NFL, staying closer to home when he signed with the Dallas Texans. The AFL was a new league, and Haynes played a big role in its early success thanks to his strong rookie season. He led the league in rushing and led his team in receiving, punt returns, and kickoff returns, plus earned both Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors.
Haynes stayed with the squad when they became the Kansas City Chiefs but was traded after taking part in a protest boycotting the 1965 All-Star game. The match was set to take place in New Orleans, but after Black players noted rampant mistreatment by businesses in the city, the game was moved to Houston. Haynes was reprimanded for his part in the boycott and traded. He finished out his career with the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets.
In eight seasons, Haynes ran for 4,630 yards and scored 68 touchdowns. The four-time AFL all-star holds the American Football League record for combined yards: a notable 12,065. He was named to the Professional Football Researchers Association Hall of Very Good in 2019. He is in the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame, and his number has been retired.
On fighting bigotry, even if doing so negatively impacts you:
“Ain’t nobody watching you but you. You can violate who you are, or you can be real to it. And that’s who you are.” — Interview with The Kansas City Star, 2020
Tributes to Abner Haynes
Full obituary: ESPN
