NFL legend Floyd Little dies at 78

by



[ad_1]

“After nearly a year of battling cancer, if not battling cancer, Floyd D. Little, hero, brother, uncle, grandfather, father and husband, of the Pro Football Hall of Famer, and legend of Syracuse # 44, Floyd D. graciously bowed his head and met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, “according to a family statement released on Saturday.

Little played his entire nine-year NFL career with the Broncos, having been selected sixth in the 1967 AFL-NFL Draft. In Denver, he received the nickname “The Franchise” and was elected captain of team as a rookie.

Little rushed for over 6,000 yards and scored 43 touchdowns for the Broncos. His best season was 1971 when he won the NFL title with 1,133 yards while playing for a team that finished last in his division with a 4-9-1 record.

He has made the Pro Bowl five times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. In his Hall of Fame induction speech, he urged listeners to never give up on their dreams.
Floyd Little playing for the Broncos in December 1971, the season in which he won the NFL racing title.

“Because of those who encouraged me in those early years, I am here today. So, I want to encourage you, every student, every athlete, every person who will hear my voice, don’t listen to the offender. I’ve had a lot of these, ”Little said. “Do not listen to those who will judge you for your rough edges. Do not focus on your weakness so as not to become a victim … Because the good in you is better than the worst in most. The choice is yours. Be the best you can be. “

A native of New Haven, Connecticut, Little was a three-time All-American in Syracuse, an honor that led to his being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.

Syracuse University and the Denver Broncos retired No. 44, Little’s playing number.

In May, it was revealed that Little had battled neuroendocrine tumors, a rare cell cancer, and had metastasized, according to CNN affiliate KMGH. He died at his home in Henderson, Nevada.
In November, Little entered hospice care, according to former Syracuse teammate Patrick Killorin, who posted on Facebook, according to CNN affiliate KCNC.
Floyd Little speaks at halftime during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos on September 26, 2010.
“Floyd Little was not just a Hall of Fame running back, he was a Hall of Fame member,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

“Faith, family and football were the pillars of his life. I was fortunate to know Floyd and to witness the impact he had on others. Whenever he represented the Broncos in the annual NFL Draft, others immediately sought to greet him and his genuine enthusiasm to be with his fellow Legends and his pride and passion for the Broncos was undeniable, ”said Goodell. .

Little leaves behind his wife, two daughters, a son and several grandchildren, KMGH reported.

[ad_2]

Source link