NFL legend Floyd Little dies at the age of 78

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After nearly a year of confrontation and even battles against cancer, the beloved hero, brother, uncle, grandfather, father and husband, Pro Football Hall of Famer, Denver Bronco and Syracuse # 44 Legend, Floyd D. Little walked his last mile, gracefully bowed his head and met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, ”said a family statement released Saturday.

Little spent his entire nine-year NFL career with the Broncos after being selected sixth in the 1967 AFL-NFL draft. In Denver, he was nicknamed “The Franchise” and was named team captain as a rookie.

Little rushed for over 6,000 yards, scoring 43 touchdowns for the Broncos. His best season was 1971 when he won the NFL title with 1,133 yards while playing on a team that finished last in his division with a record of 4-9-1.

He made it to the Pro Bowl five times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. In his Hall of Fame induction speech, he urged listeners never to give up on their dreams.
Floyd Little played for the Broncos in December 1971, the season in which he won the NFL title.

“Because of those who encouraged me in those early years, I’m here today. So I want to encourage you, every student, every athlete, every person who will hear my voice, don’t listen to the no-sayer. I had enough of that, “said Little.” Don’t listen to those who will judge you for your rough edges. Don’t focus on your weakness so you don’t become a victim … Because the good in you is better than the worst in most. The choice is yours. Be the best you can be. “

Hailing from New Haven, Connecticut, Little was a three-time All-American in Syracuse, an honor that led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.

Both Syracuse University and the Denver Broncos have retired No. 44, Little’s play number.

In May, it was revealed that Little had fought neuroendocrine tumors, a rare cell cancer, and that it had spread, according to CNN daughter KMGH. He died at his home in Henderson, Nevada.
In November, Little went to hospice care, according to former Syracuse teammate Patrick Killorin, who posted on Facebook, according to CNN partner KCNC.
Floyd Little speaks at halftime during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos on Sept. 26, 2010.
“Floyd Little was not only a Hall of Fame declining, he was also a Hall of Fame person,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

Faith, family and football were the pillars of his life. I was lucky enough to know Floyd and saw firsthand the impact he had on others. Whenever he represented the Broncos at the annual NFL Draft, others immediately tried him out. and his genuine excitement to be with his fellow Legends and his pride and passion for the Broncos was undeniable, ” said Goodell.

Little leaves behind his wife, two daughters, a son and some grandchildren, KMGH reported.

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