The sports world is in mourning today following the news of Abner Haynes' passing at the age of 86. Haynes was a trailblazer in the American Football League (AFL) and remains a celebrated figure in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Haynes' football career began with a splash when he earned Rookie of the Year honors in 1960. That same year, he made history as the first player to be awarded the AFC Player of the Year. His rookie season was nothing short of spectacular, leading the league in attempts, rushing yards, touchdown runs, and total touches. By the end of his career, he had accumulated a remarkable 12,065 yards.
Abner Haynes wasn't just a standout player for the Kansas City Chiefs; he was a cornerstone of the team during its early years, known as the Dallas Texans before relocating. In 1962, Haynes' prowess was on full display. He rushed for 1,049 yards and 13 touchdowns, and caught 39 passes for 573 yards and six touchdowns. His performance helped the Texans secure a thrilling 20-17 victory against Houston in the AFL title game, where he scored two touchdowns, securing his place in football lore.
Haynes' contributions did not go unrecognized. He was inducted into the Chiefs Ring of Honor, and both his No. 28 jersey and his number at North Texas were retired. His career, spanning eight years, also saw him don the jerseys of the Broncos, Dolphins, and Jets, demonstrating his versatility and enduring talent on the field.
Clark Hunt, Chairman and CEO of the Chiefs, shared heartfelt reflections on Haynes' impact: "Abner was one of the first great stars of the Dallas Texans and the American Football League. He earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and fans alike." Hunt added, "In addition to his on-the-field prowess, Abner was a man of courage and leadership from a very young age."
Beyond his athletic achievements, Haynes was a dedicated community servant, continuing to make a difference well after his playing days were over. Hunt highlighted this aspect of his legacy: "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."
Former Chiefs Hall of Fame coach Hank Stram also paid tribute to his former player: "He was a franchise player before they talked about franchise players. He did it all -- rushing, receiving, kickoff returns, punt returns. He gave us the dimension we needed to be a good team in Dallas."
Stram's admiration for Haynes underscores the comprehensive skill set he brought to the field, a versatility that helped define the early successes of the Dallas Texans and later the Kansas City Chiefs. Haynes’ legacy is one of both individual brilliance and team contribution, exemplifying what it means to be a complete player in the truest sense.
While his passing marks the end of an era, Abner Haynes' legacy will continue to inspire future generations of football players. His achievements on the field were matched by his character off it, making him a role model in every sense of the word. The reverence and respect he has garnered from the football community, evidenced by the moving tributes from those who knew him best, attest to a life well-lived both within and beyond the realm of sports.