The Kansas City Chiefs organization, today, announced the loss of one of its best and important players in the history of its franchise. Running back Abner Haynes, who played for the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs from 1960-1964, passed away at the age of 86.
Clark Hunt, the Chairman and CEO of the Chiefs, released the following statement:
“My family and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Chiefs Hall of Famer Abner Haynes. 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.
“In addition to his on-the-field prowess, Abner was a man of courage and leadership from a very young age. 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.”
Haynes still holds several Chiefs franchise records, including:
- Most touchdowns by a rookie (12)
- Most points by a non-kicker rookie (72)
- Most points in a game (30)
- Most touchdowns in a game (5)
- Most rushing touchdowns in a game (4)
Abner Haynes Was the First Player of the Year in AFL History
Haynes was originally drafted into the NFL by the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, then Steelers head coach Buddy Parker and quarterback Bobby Layne showed up to his house drunk one night. Haynes’ minister father encouraged him to play in the AFL after that.
And so that is what he did. Haynes played for the Dallas Texans of the newly formed American Football League. In his first season, he led the league in rushing attempts (156), rushing yards (875) rushing touchdowns (9), and total touches (211).
Haynes was named the first Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the history of the AFL.
The next season, 1961, Haynes led the league in rushing touchdowns again (9) and yards per attempt (4.7). In 1962, he rushed for 1,049 yards (the only time he went over 1,000 yards in a season) while leading the league with a career-high 13 rushing touchdowns.
Abner Haynes Believed the Kansas City Chiefs Traded Him Due to His Protests Against Racism
Haynes moved with the Texans to Kansas City where they became the Chiefs in 1963. He played two more seasons with the franchise before being traded to the Denver Broncos.
The Chiefs Hall of Famer believed that the organization decided to trade him after he refused to attend the AFL All-Star Game, which was held in New Orleans. At that time in the country’s history (the Civil Rights Movement), African American players were not treated well by hotels and businesses in the South, including the city of New Orleans.
Haynes claimed he received a letter from the Chiefs chastising him for his boycott shortly before they traded him.
He played two seasons with the Broncos before finishing up his career in 1967 with the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets.
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