On July 18, 2024, former American Football League (AFL) star and Kansas City Chiefs halfback, Abner Haynes, passed away at the age of 86 in Dallas, Texas. Haynes, renowned for his skills as a runner, receiver, and return specialist, had a profound impact on both the sport and the community.
Haynes, born on September 19, 1937, was both a trailblazer and record-setter throughout his career. His 1960 season was especially noteworthy, as he became the first player to be named AFL Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, leading the league in rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns.
For eight years, Haynes demonstrated exceptional agility and speed on the field. He led the AFL in multiple statistical categories, including rushing yards, touchdown runs, total yards, punt return yardage, and kickoff returns for scores. His most significant season was in 1962 when he helped the Dallas Texans (now the Kansas City Chiefs) secure their first-ever AFL title, scoring two essential touchdowns in the championship game against the Houston Oilers.
“My family and I are profoundly saddened by the loss of Chiefs Hall of Famer Abner Haynes,” stated Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt. “Abner was one of the pioneering stars of the Dallas Texans and the American Football League, earning the deep respect and admiration of his teammates and fans alike.”
“From a young age, Abner demonstrated remarkable courage and leadership,” Hunt continued. “Even after his football career ended, he stayed deeply engaged with the community, leaving a legacy far beyond the football field. Our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Guadalupe, and their entire family during this challenging time.”
Alongside his notable on-field achievements, Haynes also played a significant role in the integration of college football. In 1956, he and his teammate Leon King became the first Black athletes to play for the North Texas State College (now the University of North Texas) football team.
In 1965, Haynes was a central figure in the players’ boycott of the AFL All-Star game due to racial discrimination, which resulted in the game being moved from New Orleans to Houston. This demonstration of his stance against injustice further solidified his reputation as an off-field leader.
Haynes stayed closely involved with his community even after retiring from professional football. He devoted his time to promoting “Heroes of Football,” a program that lends support to former professional players dealing with disabilities, further exemplifying his character and long-lasting impact.
Haynes’ significant contributions to football were acknowledged with several accolades. Both the Chiefs and North Texas retired his number 28 jersey, and he was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame. In 2019, he was honored with a place in the Professional Football Researchers Association Hall of Very Good.
Haynes’ influence on the field is clearly reflected in his record-setting career. In his eight-year tenure in the AFL, he amassed 12,065 total yards – an AFL record that remains unbroken. His multifaceted skills as a runner, receiver, and returner established him as a franchise player before the term became commonly used.
“Abner was a player who was ahead of his time,” said the late Hall of Fame Chiefs coach Hank Stram. “He did it all—rushing, receiving, kickoff and punt returns. He gave us the dimension we needed to be a good team in Dallas.”
