NFL legend Floyd Little dies at 78

NFL legend Floyd Little dies at 78

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“After nearly a year of facing, even struggling cancer, the beloved hero, brother, uncle, grandfather, father and husband, Pro Football Hall of Famer, Denver Bronco, and Syracuse # 44 Legend, Floyd D. Little has his last mile ran, bowed his head gracefully and met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, ‘according to a family statement released Saturday.

Little spent his entire nine-year NFL career with the Broncos, after being selected sixth in the 1967 AFL-NFL draft. In Denver, he was nicknamed ‘The Franchise’ and is a rookie as a team captain. elected.

Little rushed more than 6,000 yards and recorded 43 touchdowns for the Broncos. His best season was in 1971 when he won the NFL running title by 1,133 yards while playing in a team that finished last in its division with a record of 4-9-1.

He made the Pro Bowl five times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. In his Hall of Fame introductory speech, he urged listeners to never give up on their dreams.
Floyd Little played for the Broncos in December 1971, the season in which he won the NFL running 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, do not listen to the naysayer. I have had enough of it, said Little. “Do not listen to those who will judge you for your rough sides. Do not focus on your weakness so that you do not fall victim … Because the good in you is better than the worst in most. The choice is yours. Be the best you can be. ‘

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

Both Syracuse University and the Denver Broncos retired number 44, Little’s number.

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

“Faith, family and football were the pillars of his life. I was so happy to know Floyd and saw firsthand the impact he had on others. When he represented the Broncos at the annual NFL draft, ‘others immediately tried to greet him and his sincere excitement to be with his fellow legends and his pride and passion for the Broncos was unmistakable,’ said Goodell.

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

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