Remembering Chiefs Hall of Famer Abner Haynes

The Kansas City Chiefs franchise lost an absolute top player last week. Legendary running back Abner Haynes passed away at the age of 86.

Haynes was a trailblazer for the Dallas Texans of the American Football League in the 1960s. During the league’s inaugural season in 1960, Abner won Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year honors. Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt released a statement about Abner following the news of his passing.

“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.”

Abner holds or shares several franchise records, including most touchdowns in a rookie season, most points by a non-kicker in a rookie season, most points in a game, most touchdowns in a game, and most rushing touchdowns in a game.

The world has lost its first AFL Player of the Year and a Chiefs Hall of Famer. Rest in peace Abner ❤️

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) July 18, 2024

“He earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and fans. In addition to his prowess on the field, Abner demonstrated courage and leadership at a young age,” Hunt said. “He remained involved in the community even after his playing days were over, and his legacy extends far beyond the field. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Guadalupe, and his entire family during this difficult time.”

After joining the North Texas freshman team, Haynes broke barriers. He and teammate Leon King became the first black student-athletes to play on an integrated college football team in Texas or anywhere in the South. He was inducted into the North Texas Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1991.