The world of sports is mourning the loss of Abner Haynes, one of the pioneering stars of the American Football League (AFL) and a former Kansas City Chiefs player, who has passed away at the age of 86.
Haynes' illustrious career began with a bang in 1960, when he earned the league's Rookie of the Year honors. His outstanding performance that year also made him the first player ever awarded the AFC Player of the Year. Haynes outshone his peers by leading the AFL in attempts, rushing yards, touchdown runs, and total touches — an incredible feat for a rookie.
Clark Hunt, Chairman and CEO of the Chiefs, remembered Haynes as “one of the first great stars of the Dallas Texans and the American Football League.” Hunt added, “He earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and fans alike.” It's no surprise, then, that Haynes' remarkable talent and leadership on the field left an indelible mark on the sport.
Haynes' legacy is punctuated by extraordinary statistics. Over his professional career, he amassed a total of 12,065 yards, a testament to his versatility and endurance. His standout season in 1962 — while he was with the Dallas Texans, before they became the Kansas City Chiefs — was particularly notable. That year, he achieved 1,049 rushing yards and 13 touchdown runs. His prowess wasn’t limited to running with the ball; Haynes also caught 39 passes for 573 yards and six touchdowns.
Haynes played a pivotal role in the 1962 AFL title game, showcasing his talent on a grand stage. His performance helped the Dallas Texans secure a 20-17 victory against Houston. Haynes scored two critical touchdowns in that game, further cementing his status as a franchise player and a clutch performer when it mattered most.
Hank Stram, the former Chiefs Hall of Fame coach, once emphasized Haynes' all-around capabilities: “He did it all — rushing, receiving, kickoff returns, punt returns. He gave us the dimension we needed to be a good team in Dallas.” Stram's words capture the essence of Haynes' multi-faceted contributions to the team.
During his eight-year professional career, Haynes also had stints with the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets. Despite moving between teams, his performance remained consistently outstanding. His impact was so profound that the Kansas City Chiefs chose to retire his No. 28 jersey, a significant honor that pays homage to his contributions to the team.
Beyond his exploits on the field, Haynes was a man of integrity and character, having captivated the admiration not only of his fans but also of his community. Hunt highlighted this aspect, saying, “In addition to his on-the-field prowess, Abner was a man of courage and leadership from a very young age.”
Even after his playing days were over, Haynes continued to serve his community, solidifying his legacy off the field. He remained involved in various initiatives, illustrating his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the sport he dominated.
As the sports world pays its respects to Abner Haynes, it’s clear that his legacy extends far beyond the gridiron. His dynamic abilities, leadership, and contributions to the community encapsulate the qualities of a true sports icon. In the words of the Chiefs' Chairman and CEO, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Guadalupe and his entire family during this difficult time.”
Abner Haynes leaves behind a rich legacy, not only as a pioneering AFL star but also as an individual who embodied the spirit of sportsmanship and community service. His impact on both the game of football and the lives of those he touched will be remembered for generations to come.