FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – FEBRUARY 06: Floyd Little speaks on stage after he was announced as one of the newest enshrinees into the Hall of Fame during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2010 Press Conference held at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center as part of media week for Super Bowl XLIV on February 6, 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
College and Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little has died at the age of 78.
Floyd Little was the No. 6 overall pick in the 1967 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. The halfback had just wrapped up a career at Syracuse where he was a three-time All-American, following in the footsteps of Jim Brown and Ernie Davis.
He played his entire career with the Broncos from 1967-1975 and remains of the greats in franchise history. Sadly, news broke this weekend that Little has died at the age of 78 after a battle with a rare form of cancer.
Remembering Little’s legendary career
Our thoughts go to all his family and loved ones in this tough time around the holidays.
This news comes before the Broncos are set to close their 2020 season at home against the Las Vegas Raiders. This game will be played in a stadium that features Little’s retired No. 44 and his name as a member of the Broncos Ring of Fame.
Those who know their history know how Little is right up there in Syracuse lore alongside Brown and Davis. He was even portrayed by the late Chadwick Boseman in the film The Express: The Ernie Davis Story. That marked Boseman’s first role in a feature film.
Little made five Pro Bowls in his career and was finally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Even after decades have passed he ranks No. 80 overall in NFL career rushing yards with 6,323. That is impressive considering all the ways the game has changed since he suited up at halfback.
Little is gone but not forgotten. He is a legend of the sport and remains a foundational figure in the Broncos franchise. He is one of only three players to have his number retired, proving how much he meant to that city and team.
Once again our thoughts go out to his loved ones at this tough time.