The Kansas City Chiefs have been in the headlines in an offseason filled with adversity.
Right after they won their second-straight Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers, their parade became a horror scene as gunfire sent fans fleeing and praying for their lives. After that terrifying event, the Chiefs continued to make headlines all offseason and they weren’t always for the right reasons.
Second year WR Rashee Rice was one of the biggest stories, as he awaits his fate from law enforcement for leaving the scene of a hit-and-run where he was caught on video. Rice was also involved in a separate physical altercation but charges were dropped.
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Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker became a national story after giving a controversial commencement speech at a private Catholic college where many believed he degraded women and said they should be content taking care of the home, a mindset that was popular years ago but his viewed as derogatory in modern society.
Beyond those two incidents, the Chiefs have had a few other players get arrested for minor charges. If Patrick Mahomes and company are going to pull off three-straight Super Bowl victories, they will need to be focused and eliminate as many off-the-field distractions as possible.
Kansas City Chiefs Legendary Running Back Abner Haynes Suddenly Passes Away
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On Monday, more adversity hit the Chiefs fans and community with the announcement that one of legendary players passed away over the weekend.
Former AFL MVP running back Abner Haynes passed away at home in Dallas. He was reportedly surrounded by friends and family members.
The former AFL star, who played for the Chiefs from 1960-64, was one of the best running backs in team history. The franchise is deeply saddened by his passing.
Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt released statement on the death of Haynes.
“My family and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Chiefs Hall of Famer Abner Haynes,” Hunt said.
“Abner was one of the first great stars of the Dallas Texans and the American Football League. In the league’s first season in 1960, Abner earned Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year honors, and more importantly, he earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and fans alike.”
An original Dallas Texan with the team beginning in the inaugural 1960 season, Haynes was an exciting running back and return specialist who owns or shares a number of franchise records, including most touchdowns in a rookie season (12), most points by a non-kicker in a rookie season (72), most points in a game (30), most touchdowns in a game (five) and most rushing touchdowns in a game (four).
In addition to his on-the-field prowess, Abner was a man of courage and leadership during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. He remained involved in the community well after his playing days were over, and his legacy extends far beyond the gridiron. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Guadalupe and his entire family during this difficult time.”
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During his 8 professional seasons, Haynes carried the ball 1,036 times for 4,630 yards, a 4.5 average; caught 287 passes for 3,535 yards, a 12.3 average, and 20 touchdowns; returned 85 punts for 875 yards, a 10.3 average, and 1 touchdown; and ran back 121 kickoffs for 3,025 yards, a 25.0 average, and 1 touchdown.
His 12,065 combined yards is the American Football League record. Haynes had three games in which he gained 100 or more yards on 14 or fewer carries, and was selected to the All-Time All-AFL second-team. He had a program called “Heroes of Football” which connects former professional players.
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