Abner Haynes, a former star running back who spent most of his career in the Kansas City Chiefs organization, has died, the team announced Thursday. He was 86.
Haynes was drafted into the American Football League and NFL in 1960 after a standout career at North Texas. He ended up playing for the Dallas Texans in his and their first season in the AFL and was with the team when they moved to Kansas City to become the Chiefs.
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Abner Haynes of the Kansas City Chiefs. (Fake Images)
He also spent time with the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets until the 1967 season.
“My family and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Chiefs Hall of Famer Abner Haynes,” Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt said in a statement. “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, earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and fans alike.
“In addition to his prowess on the field, Abner was a courageous man and leader from a young age. He remained involved in the community long after his playing days ended 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.”
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Haynes was the UPI Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in 1960 and earned All-Pro honors while leading the AFL with nine rushing touchdowns and 875 rushing yards. He led the AFL in rushing touchdowns also in 1961 and 1962.
Abner Haynes, #28 of the Dallas Texans, runs with the ball during an AFL game against the Buffalo Bills on November 12, 1961, at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. (Hy Peskin/Getty Images)
Haynes was a Pro Bowler in 1961 and 1962 and again in 1964.
He gained notoriety in the 1962 AFL Championship Game when he famously told an umpire that when choosing whether to kick or receive he told the umpire, “We'll kick until the clock.” The umpire only heard “We'll kick” and the Houston Oilers received the ball first.
Fortunately for Haynes and the Texans, Dallas won the game in double overtime.
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He finished his career with 4,630 rushing yards and 46 total touchdowns.
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