The Kansas City Chiefs franchise lost an all-time great last week. Legendary running back Abner Haynes passed away at the age of 86.
Haynes was a trailblazer for the American Football League’s Dallas Texans during the 1960s. During the league’s first season in 1960, Abner earned 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 owns or shares various franchise records, including the most touchdowns in a rookie season, the most points by a non-kicker in a rookie season, the most points in a game, the most touchdowns in a game, and the most rushing touchdowns in a game.
The world has lost the AFL's first 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 alike. In addition to his on-the-field prowess, Abner was a man of courage and leadership from a very young age,” said Hunt. “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.”
After joining the North Texas first-year team, Haynes broke barriers. He and his 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.