Abner Haynes, a star running back in the early days of the American Football League who still holds some Kansas City Chiefs records, died Thursday in Dallas at 86. No cause was given.
Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt sent his condolences to the Haynes family, calling the star a “man of courage and leadership.
“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.”
Haynes played his college ball at North Texas State (now the University of North Texas), where he and teammate Leon King became the first black players to suit up for an integrated college football team in the state.
Haynes became a pro with the then-Dallas Texans, spurning the NFL’s Steelers for the new AFL.
He lead the AFL in rushing (875 yards, 62.5 yards per game) and scoring 12 total touchdowns during its inaugural season, which remains a Chiefs franchise rookie record.
Haynes took home the AFL’s Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year honors.
In 1962, he led the AFL in total yards from scrimmage with 1,622, helping the team win the league championship.
In 1962, he also led the AFL in total yards from scrimmage with 1,622, helping the team win the league championship.
He played five years with the organization, three in Dallas and two once it moved to Kansas City.
A Chiefs Hall of Fame member, Haynes is also one of 10 players to have their number retired by the team.
He still holds multiple franchise records, including most touchdowns in a game with five and most rushing touchdowns in a game with four.
No information on survivors was available.