Tag: Floyd Little

Bo Nix is the Broncos’ first rookie to earn this honor since 1967

“It’s a huge honor and a lot of privilege, but it brings a lot of responsibility, too,” Broncos QB Bo Nix said of being named team captain.

The Denver Broncos named their 2024 captains from offense, defense and special teams on Wednesday. Of those leaders voted on by the players, quarterback Bo Nix made history by becoming the club’s first rookie captain to hold that title since Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little in 1967.

“[A rookie being elected captain is] not something that happens that often,” coach Sean Payton said. “I think it’s something you earn. These guys — all of them voted on these guys. It’s probably as clean a result as I’d seen in a while relative to those players that were all selected.

“It’s unusual for a rookie to get made captain, and yet by nature that position to some degree is leading. That was something that organically takes place throughout the spring and training camp and goes from there.”

Nix’s rookie captaincy is also a first for Payton in his coaching career.

“It’s an honor,” Nix said. “It’s a privilege. I’m excited to be with this group and [I’m] excited to be a captain. I don’t take it lightly. I know it’s a big deal. It hasn’t happened often, but I’m not going to take it for granted.

“I have to come into work every single day and just prove that you can be a captain. I’m excited to work with these other guys, and I think it’s good that we can get out there and set the tone. It’s always good to be a captain.”

Nix appreciates having the backing of his teammates.
“It’s a huge honor and a privilege,” the QB continued. “I understand that it’s been a long time, and I’m just very thankful. Very thankful for the guys to trust me in this opportunity. I think that’s a huge statement for our team. I think it says a lot [about] where we are. We’re excited to get going and excited for the future. Definitely it’s going to be one of those things that becomes more and more real as time goes on. It’s a huge honor and a lot of privilege, but it brings a lot of responsibility, too.”
Even before being named captain, Nix was one of the team’s key leaders.
“He’s one of those guys that [has] the ‘C’ on his chest and he carries himself like that,” wide receiver Courtland Sutton said. “He carries himself like a leader. He doesn’t look at any stage as it being too big for him. That’s all we can ask for out of our quarterback and out of our leader.”

The future for Denver and Nix will begin on Sunday, when they kick off the 2024 regular season on the road against the Seattle Seahawks.

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View all of the Broncos players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Randy Gradishar is the latest Broncos legend to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame. View the full list here.

Former Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on Saturday evening.

So, how many players do the Broncos have in the Hall of Fame now? That depends on who you believe qualifies for the count.

There are several players — running back Floyd Little, quarterback John Elway, safety Steve Atwater, tight end Shanahan Sharpe, offensive lineman Gary Zimmerman, running back Terrell Davis and cornerback Champ Bailey — who are obvious Broncos Hall of Famers. That’s seven.

Quarterback Peyton Manning only played four years in Denver, but he won the AFC West in all four seasons and won Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos. That’s eight. Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware spent the majority of his career with the Dallas Cowboys, but he won his ring in Denver. Nine.

John Lynch won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but he, like Manning, played the final four years of his career with the Broncos — and he’s a member of the team’s Ring of Fame. Ten.

So Gradishar is essentially the 11th Denver player to reach Canton. There are others, though. Safety Brian Dawkins played three seasons with the Broncos. Cornerback Willie Brown played four seasons in Denver before a 12-year stint with the Oakland Raiders. Running back Tony Dorsett and cornerback Ty Law also spent one season each with the Broncos.

Additionally, late team owner Pat Bowlen was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2019. So there are at least a dozen members of the Hall of Fame who Broncos fans can claim as their own. Up next should be former coach Mike Shanahan, who was snubbed again by voters in 2024.

Here’s a quick list of every former Bronco in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

1. RB Floyd Little (1967-1975)

(Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports)

2. LB Randy Gradishar (1974-1983)

(Rod Hanna-USA TODAY Sports)

3. QB John Elway (1983-1998)

(Photo By USA TODAY Sports)

4. DB Steve Atwater (1989-1998)

(Getty Images)

5. TE Shannon Sharpe (1990-1999, 2002-’03)

(MARK LEFFINGWELL/AFP via Getty Images)

7. OL Gary Zimmerman (1993-1997)

(USA TODAY Sports, US Presswire Sports Archive)

8. RB Terrell Davis (1995-2001)

(Jamie Squire /Allsport)

9. CB Champ Bailey (2004-2013)

(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

10. DB John Lynch (2004-2007)

(Rick Scuteri-US Presswire Copyright Rick Scuteri)

11. QB Peyton Manning (2012-2015)

(Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports)

12. OLB DeMarcus Ware (2014-2016)

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

13. Owner Pat Bowlen (1984-2019)

(Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports)

14. DB Brian Dawkins (2009-2011)

Brian Dawkins
(Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)

15. CB Willie Brown (1963-1966)

(Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)

16. RB Tony Dorsett (1988)

(Rod Hanna-USA TODAY Sports)

17. CB Ty Law (2009)

(Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)

Floyd Little was the best player to wear No. 44 for the Broncos

A member of the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame, Floyd Little was the best player to ever wear No. 44 for the Broncos.

Floyd Little was the best player to ever wear jersey No. 44 for the Denver Broncos.

After playing college football at Syracuse, Little was drafted by the Broncos in the first round (sixth overall) in the 1967 NFL draft. He went on to spend his entire nine-year career in Denver, rushing for 6,323 yards and 43 touchdowns.

Little was a five-time Pro Bowler and one-time first-team All-Pro. He led the NFL with 1,133 rushing yards in 1971, and his 12 rushing touchdowns in 1973 tired for the most in the league that season.

A three-time first-team All-American in College, Little had his No. 44 retired by the Syracuse Orange. The Broncos also retired Little’s number and the team added him to their Ring of Fame in 1984.

Little was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. His 6,323 career rushing yards rank second in franchise history only behind fellow Hall of Famer Terrell Davis (7,607 yards).

Nicknamed “The Franchise,” Little helped prevent the Broncos from moving out of Denver in the 1960s. He was one of the best (and most important) players in franchise history.

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Denver Broncos’ top-12 all-time leaders in return yards

Rick Upchurch ranks No. 1 on the Broncos’ all-time return list with 5,363 yards.

From wide Rick Upchurch to Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little, the Denver Broncos have had some brilliant kick and punt returners in their history.

Upchurch ranks No. 1 on the team’s all-time return list with 5,363 yards, almost 2,000 yards more than the next-highest player (Little with 3,416 yards).

The team’s most recent game-changing returner was arguably Trindon Holliday, who ranks No. 11 on the team’s all-time return list despite playing just two seasons in Denver. Holliday might have had a longer tenure with the Broncos if not for his fumbles (he had 10 in 25 games).

Here’s a quick look at the top-12 players on the team’s all-time list for combined punt and kickoff return yards.

5 best Broncos who never won a Super Bowl

It’s heartbreaking that these Broncos legends never won a Super Bowl ring.

As we come to the close of another NFL season following Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, we take a look back at some of the best Denver Broncos who never won a Super Bowl.

Denver Broncos’ top-10 all-time leaders in rushing yards

Despite having his career cut short by injury, Terrell Davis ranks No. 1 on the Broncos’ all-time rushing list.

Denver Broncos Pro Football Hall of Fame running backs Terrell Davis and Floyd Little rank first and second, respectively, on the team’s all-time rushing list.

Here’s a quick look at the top-10 rushing leaders in franchise history.

President-elect Joe Biden with stirring salute to friend Floyd Little

Joe Biden paid tribute to his former fellow Syracuse University student, Floyd Little

President-elect Joe Biden attended Syracuse University. Despite his long career, he hasn’t forgotten his Orange roots.

That came out on Saturday when Biden paid homage through a statement to the great Syracuse running back, Floyd Little, who died a day earlier after a battle with cancer.

“Floyd Little and I were students at Syracuse University together,” Biden said in a statement. “I was in law school and he was a star halfback on the football team. I watched him play in Archbold Stadium, his number 44 flashing by defenders who had no chance, running as if he was chasing the spirit of his dear friend and fellow 44 legend, Ernie Davis.

“In the years that followed, I got to know Floyd as the man behind the number. He was full of character, decency, and integrity. He was always gracious with his time with fans — parents and grandparents who wanted to introduce their children and grandchildren to a genuine role model.

“I was one of them. My family got to know Floyd. We’d call each other after Syracuse games and to check in on one another. I remember our call when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the joy in his voice. And I remember the more recent call when he shared his cancer diagnosis, and how fearless he was in his conviction to fight it. As with everything else he did in life, Floyd lived to the very end with grit and heart, and love for his family and faith in God.

“I will miss my friend. He was a good man. The entire Biden family sends our love to DeBorah and the entire Little family.”

Well played, by the man who becomes Mr. President on Jan. 20.

Syracuse, Denver Broncos great Floyd Little dies at 78

Former Denver Broncos and Syracuse great running back Floyd Little died at 78

Floyd Little, a great running back at Syracuse University and for the Denver Broncos died Friday at the age of 78.

Little had been battling cancer and was in hospice care.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5gx7Bnh13M&feature=emb_logo

The following is a statement from Hall of Fame President & CEO David Baker:

“Floyd Little was a true hero of the game. He was a man of great integrity, passion and courage. His contributions off the field were even greater than his amazing accomplishments he did on it. Floyd’s smile, heart and character epitomized what it meant to have a Hall of Fame life.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Floyd’s wife, DeBorah, and their entire family. We will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration for future generations. The Hall of Fame flag will be flown at half-staff in Floyd’s memory.”

A member of the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, had 1,641 carries for 6,323 rushing yards, 215 receptions for 2,418 receiving yards, 81 punt returns, 893 return yards, and 54 total touchdowns.

In college, he played from 1964-66 for Syracuse and ran for 2,750 yards and scored 35 rushing touchdowns.  He was a three-time All-American for the Orange and followed Jim Brown and 1961 Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis in Syracuse’s legendary running backs who wore the No. 44

Little served as a special assistant to the athletic director at Syracuse from 2011-16. In 2016, he received an honorary doctorate degree from Syracuse. Statues of him, Brown, and Davis are erected at the football practice facility.

“Floyd Little is a Syracuse treasure,” Syracuse University Director of Athletics John Wildhack said. “The legacy that he leaves here is so much more than just one who wore #44, was an All-American, was in the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Floyd’s legacy is that he was a wonderful, wonderful person. He treated everyone with genuine care and respect and was always there for people. His impact as a person is those who he impacted.

“He was always willing to share his time, his wisdom, his support. His passion for Syracuse University – not just Syracuse Athletics, but the entire University – was inspiring to all of us. It is a legacy that will last forever and will never be replaced. He is someone who leaves a legacy of pure class in every single respect. There was only one Floyd Little and there will never be another one like him.”

Pro Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little enters hospice care

Pro Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little has entered hospice care

The great former Syracuse and Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little has entered hospice care after undergoing cancer treatments since the spring.

“Floyd’s courageous battle with a difficult disease (cancer) is now at a critical stage in his life,” former Syracuse teammate Pat Killorin wrote on Facebook Saturday night. “This is a time when a husband and wife must make important decisions regarding potential end of life decisions.”

Today we are going to talk about a new phase in Floyd’s journey…. hospice,” Killorin wrote. ” … In the many years I have had the honor to be a family caregiver for hospice, I have seen the mentral strain, tearful decision-making process, and frustration of two people in love asking the Lord to take their hand and guide them to make the right decision for their loved one. So much is discussed that is heartbreaking, however necessary for peace of mind. Hospice provides a chaplain to help hospice patients as they struggle through this process.”

He was the NFL rushing champion in 1971 (1,133 yards) and currently ranks second in team history in rushing attempts (1,641), yards (6,323), and touchdowns (43), behind fellow Hall of Famer Terrell Davis in all three categories.

A Gofundme called Friends of Floyd has been ongoing. You can click here if you wish to contribute.

Twitter shares support for Floyd Little after cancer diagnosis

Sports fans took to Twitter to tweet support for former Broncos running back Floyd Little.

Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little has been diagnosed with a “treatable but aggressive form of cancer,” former college football teammate Pat Killorin told Nate Mink of Syracuse.com.

Killorin started a GoFundMe page to help pay for Little’s medical expenses. As of Sunday morning, the page has raised almost $13,000.

“Floyd has a wide community of support who expressed the desire to support him in prayer and in the expense of his cancer treatment,” Killorin wrote on the GoFundMe page. “So we created this Friends of Floyd (‘FOF’) Page with the permission of the Little Family to receive words of encouragement and to solicit funds to offset the financial burden this journey will take on Floyd and his family. We believe the last thing we want our friend Floyd to do is to worry about this expense or to give up in order to avoid it.”

Broncos fans, Syracuse alumni, media members and coaches shared messages of support for Little on Twitter.

Little, 77, was a three-time first-team All-American at Syracuse before going on to earn five Pro Bowl selections with the Broncos in the NFL. He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Denver and Syracuse both retired his No. 44 jersey.

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