Halfling Floyd Little, known for his career with the Denver Broncos in the 1970s and a three-time All-American at Syracuse, died Saturday. He is 78 years old.
He revealed last May that Little was battling cancer and was placed in palliative care in November.
Little was nicknamed “The Franchise” during her career in Denver. Her number 44 was retired through Syracuse and the Broncos. Little was the sixth pick in the 1967 AFL-NFL Draft before playing nine seasons with the franchise and amassing 6,323 yards with 43 touchdowns. Fifteen times Pro Bowler, Little led the AFL in combined yards in 1967 and 1968.
“Floyd Little was a true hero of the game. He was a guy of wonderful integrity, hobby and courage,” Professional Football Hall of Fame President and CEO David Baker said in a statement. “Her contributions from him from the beginning were even more vital than his accomplishments. Floyd’s smile, center, and character embodied what it meant to have a Hall of Fame life.
Little’s family circle posted a message that read: “The family circle expresses its gratitude to all who have supported Floyd Little and his family circle during this time with prayers, callings and their sincere expressions of love. “
Today’s professional soccer world celebrates the life and mourning of Floyd Little. A member of the Class of 2010, Little passed away on Friday. He 78. Read more: https://t. co/nW3hwUEfDU#HOFForever pic. twitter. com/OKdXIj93yN