Hall of Famer Floyd Little dies at 78
Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little died at the age of 78 on Friday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced.
The former Denver Broncos tailback reportedly died from a rare form of cell cancer, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"Floyd Little was a true hero of the game. He was a man of great integrity, passion, and courage," Hall of Fame president David Baker said in a statement.
"His contributions off the field were even greater than (the) amazing accomplishments he did on it. Floyd's smile, heart, and character epitomized what it meant to have a Hall of Fame life."
Little earned All-American honors three times during his collegiate career at Syracuse. The Broncos selected him sixth overall in the 1967 AFL-NFL Draft.
We’ve lost a great person and a great Bronco. Floyd will always be a huge part of this organization and his legacy will live on forever.
— John Elway (@johnelway) January 2, 2021
My heart goes out to DeBorah and the entire Little family. pic.twitter.com/DGkdTiAHHg
Little made an immediate impact with Denver as a rookie. He returned 35 kickoffs for 942 yards, the second-most in the league, and rushed for 381 yards on 130 carries across 12 starts.
Nicknamed "The Franchise," Little recorded 6,323 rushing yards, 215 receptions, 2,418 receiving yards, 893 return yards, and 54 total touchdowns during his nine-year career with the Broncos. From 1968 to 1973, he registered more rushing and scrimmage yards than any other running back in the NFL.
Additionally, Little made five Pro Bowl appearances and was named a first-team All-Pro in 1969. He also led the league with 1,133 rushing yards in 1971 and 12 scores on the ground in 1973. However, Denver mustered just two winning seasons during his tenure.
Little was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.