Abner Haynes, the first American Football League (AFL) Player of the Year and Kansas City Chiefs Hall-of-Fame running back, died Thursday, the team announced. He was 86.
“In the league’s first season in 1960, Abner earned Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year honors, and more importantly, he earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and fans alike,” said Chiefs owner Clark Hunt in a statement. “In addition to his on-the-field prowess, Abner was a man of courage and leadership from a very young age. He remained involved in the community well after his playing days were over, and his legacy extends far beyond the gridiron.”
Haynes elected to play for the AFL’s Dallas Texans, which relocated to Kansas City in 1963 to become the Chiefs, despite the Pittsburgh Steelers drafting him in the fifth round of the 1960 NFL Draft.
During his five years with the Texans/Chiefs, Haynes led the team in rushing during the regular season four times, becoming the franchise’ first 1,000-yard rushing in 1962 (1,049 yards). That same season was also the best year in Haynes’ eight-year career. He helped the Texans win the AFL championship that year by generating 19 touchdowns and 1,622 all-purpose yards, earning first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. In the 64 years of the Texans/Chiefs franchise, Haynes either still owns or shares a number of franchise records — such as the most touchdowns in a rookie season (12), the most points by a non-kicker in a rookie season (72), the most points in a game (30), the most touchdowns in a game (five) and the most rushing touchdowns in a game (four).
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
With the Texans/Chiefs, Haynes totaled 793 rushes for 3,810 yards with 39 rushing touchdowns and added 199 receptions for 2,739 yards with 17 touchdowns. Haynes tallied 52 kickoff returns for 1,326 yards with one touchdown and 55 punt returns for 598 yards as a returning specialist.
In 1960, Haynes led the league in rushing with 875 yards, resulting in him winning the AFL Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards. Haynes also played for the Denver Broncos (1965 to 1966), Miami Dolphins (1967) and New York Jets (1967).
Haynes, from Denton, Texas, attended North Texas State College, now known as the University of North Texas. He was a standout college athlete, becoming a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference player and an All-American during his senior season in 1959.
Haynes was one of the first Black student athletes to play on an integrated college football team in Texas when he was a freshman at North Texas. He was a passionate advocate for providing youth opportunities to play football through his charitable work with the organization “Heroes of Football.”
Haynes was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1991.
(Photo of Abner Haynes: Dick Raphael / USA Today)
