"Whenever he represented the Broncos at the annual NFL Draft, others immediately sought to greet him and his genuine excitement of being with his fellow Legends and his pride and passion for the Broncos was unmistakable. Juli and I send our condolences to DeBorah and Floyd's family. Floyd Little, a Hall of Fame running back who starred at Syracuse University and later for the Denver Broncos, died Jan. 1 at his home in Henderson, Nev. "Floyd Little was a true hero of the game. "Football, the Broncos and the NFL were a large part of his life, but nothing could surpass his love and affection for his wife DeBorah and his children, Marc, Christy and Kyra. He was 78. His best season was 1971 when he won the NFL rushing title with 1,133 yards while playing on a team that finished last in its division with a record of 4-9-1. Died: Friday, January 1, 2021 (Who else died on January 1?) Floyd Little, the versatile running back who starred at Syracuse and for the Denver Broncos, has died after a long bout with cancer. Floyd Little Death - Floyd Little Obituary | Cause Of Death : On the... 4th of January 2021, Dead-Death learned about the unexpected death of Floyd Little. 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Floyd Little, the versatile running back who starred at Syracuse and for the Denver Broncos, has died after a long bout with cancer. Little, who was the sixth pick of the 1967 AFL-NFL draft by the Broncos, played nine seasons with Denver and rushed for 6,323 yards with 43 touchdowns. In Denver, he was given the nickname, "The Franchise" and was elected team captain as a rookie. Updated 0136 GMT (0936 HKT) January 3, 2021. "Floyd Little embodied what it means to be Orange," Syracuse chancellor Kent Syverud said in a statement. "Without question, Floyd was one of the greatest Broncos of all-time and an unforgettable part of our history," Broncos president and CEO Joe Ellis said in a statement. Little's family said in a statement: "The family extends their gratitude to all who have supported Floyd Little and his family during this time with prayers, calls and your heartfelt expressions of love.''. Floyd Little speaks during halftime at an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos on September 26, 2010. Seeing him finally receive that Gold Jacket was the culmination of a tremendous lifetime in football. Here's how they got here, NFL experts pick best matchups, biggest winners from schedule release, 2021 NFL schedule: Analysis and a bold prediction for all 32 teams, NFL families seek equal brain injury treatment, Chris Long poses as airline on Twitter to troll Texans RB Mark Ingram, The 2021-22 NFL schedule is here, and teams are pumped, Covered Broncos for nine years for Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News, Previously covered Steelers, Bills and Titans, Member of Pro Football Hall of Fame Board. Former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little has died at 78. No doubt it will be the toughest fight of his life,” Killorin wrote on the page. He was 78. Little had been diagnosed with cancer, which became public this past May, and was moved to hospice care in November. Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little, who starred for the Denver Broncos in the 1970s, has been diagnosed with cancer died Saturday. "I got to know Floyd as the man behind the number. "We'd call each other after Syracuse games and to check in on one another. "Floyd Little was not only a Hall of Fame running back, he was a Hall of Fame person. The Pro Football Hall of Fame said he died Friday night at his home in Nevada. Former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little died Friday at the age of 78, according to his family. The choice is yours. On the evening of May 25, 2020, at sometime before 8:00 pm, Floyd purchased cigarettes at Cup Foods, a grocery store at the intersection of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in the Powderhorn Park neighborhood of Minneapolis. Faith, family and football were the pillars of his life," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in statement. His motivation, courage, and all around personality will be missed. The Hall of Famer spent his entire career with the Broncos and retired in 1975 seventh on the NFL's all-time rushing list. ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Pro Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little, known as "The Franchise'' in his career with the Denver Broncos, died on New Year's Day. Little played his entire nine-year NFL career with the Broncos, having been selected sixth in the 1967 AFL-NFL draft. Many Broncos Hall of Famers were on hand … He was a man of great integrity, passion and courage," Hall of Fame President and CEO David Baker said. Running back Floyd Little played nine seasons for the Denver Broncos. He was 78. He also became the first player to lead the NFL in rushing while playing for a last-place team (1971 with 1,133 yards). And I remember the more recent call when he shared his cancer diagnosis, and how fearless he was in his conviction to fight it. He was 78. Little was called "The Franchise" because his signing, when players could choose between the NFL and AFL, was credited with keeping the team from relocating in the 1960s and with helping to convince local voters to approve funds to build Mile High Stadium. He achieved success in the business world. Floyd Little, the versatile running back who starred at Syracuse and for the Denver Broncos, has died after a long bout with cancer. He was always gracious with his time with fans — parents and grandparents who wanted to introduce their children and grandchildren to a genuine role model," Biden recalled. The Broncos finished with a winning record just twice in Little's career -- in 1973 and 1974. Floyd's smile, heart and character epitomized what it meant to have a Hall of Fame life. From 2011 to 2016, Little worked in the Syracuse athletic department, and in 2016, he was given an honorary doctorate degree from the school. Former Syracuse football great Floyd Little dies at 78. DENVER Broncos legend and Hall of Famer Floyd Little passed away Friday night at the age of 78. "Even after his retirement, Floyd was a wonderful ambassador for the game and the Denver Broncos, carrying himself with warmth, kindness and class -- always with humility and a smile. Floyd Little, the versatile running back who starred at Syracuse and for the Denver Broncos, has died after a long bout with cancer. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said those around Little were proud to have known him. Floyd Little, Star Running Back for Syracuse and Broncos, Dies at 78 Gen. Douglas MacArthur urged him to attend West Point, but he became an Orangeman to honor a promise to Ernie Davis. He was 78. He was full of character, decency, and integrity. The star football player was enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 2010 after having amassed over 12,0000 all-purpose yards and scoring 54 touchdowns in his career, spanning from 1967 to 1975. He was 78. Little's wife, DeBorah, posted photos on social media of the ball in Little's room in hospice. Floyd Little, with a drawing of an exhausted player on a bench, an image he says he identifies with. But he was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and led the AFL in combined yards in both 1967 and 1968. Little made the Pro Bowl five times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. 44, Little's playing number. "Football has given me so much, and I will always try to give back in every way to young people who need our help. A store employee believed Floyd had paid with a counterfeit$20 bill. ", In May, it was revealed that Little had been fighting, In November, Little entered hospice care, according to a former Syracuse teammate Patrick Killorin, who posted on Facebook, according to CNN affiliate. "I've always been blessed around the game and through all the aches and pains will always feel that way.''. In recent months, he faced his cancer diagnosis with the same grit and determination that defined his incredible playing career.". As with everything else he did in life, Floyd lived to the very end with grit and heart, and love for his family and faith in God.". "His contributions off the field were even greater than his amazing accomplishments he did on it. 44 retired by both Syracuse and the Broncos. Little rushed for more than 6,000 yards and scored 43 touchdowns for the Broncos. Floyd Little, the running back who starred at Syracuse and for the Denver Broncos, has died.He was 78. "Floyd Little put #BroncosCountry on the map," the. He was a three-time All-American at Syracuse University, and in 1967 was the sixth selection of the 1967 NFL/AFL draft, the first common draft. Whenever he represented the Broncos at the annual NFL Draft, others immediately sought to greet him and his genuine excitement of being with his fellow Legends and his pride and passion for the Broncos was unmistakable," Goodell said. "I was so fortunate to know Floyd and witnessed first-hand the impact he had on others," Goodell said in a statement. Broncos legend Floyd Little dies at 78. (CNN) Former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little died Friday at the age of 78, according to his family. Running back Floyd Little played nine seasons for the Denver Broncos. He was 78. (CNN)Former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little died Friday at the age of 78, according to his family. “Floyd Little was not only a Hall of Fame running back, he was a Hall of Fame person,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. The world of sports took to social media to offer their condolences and pay their respect. "After nearly a year of confronting, even battling cancer, the beloved hero, brother, uncle, grandfather, father and husband, Pro Football Hall of Famer, Denver Bronco, and Syracuse #44 Legend, Floyd D. Little ran his last mile, gracefully bowed his head, and met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," according to a family statement released Saturday. A store employee called the police to report that Floyd had passed "fake bills", wa… Those early years of the Broncos' franchise -- one of the original AFL teams in 1960 -- were usually a struggle on the field as Little starred for teams that didn't make the playoffs. Floyd Little was a legendary running back for the Denver Broncos and a five-time Pro Bowler. He was a great friend, to me and to his beloved Syracuse University. Running back Floyd Little in 1972 during his time with the Denver Broncos. The NFL was saddened by the news that Pro Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little passed away at 78 years old. Denver Broncos. "...As the first Pro Football Hall of Famer to star for the Broncos, Floyd brought credibility to this team while becoming one of the most dominant players of his era. ", Syracuse men's basketball coach Jim Boeheim honored Little in a tweet, calling him a "great friend" and one of the school's "greatest ambassadors. To them and the entire Little family we extend our deepest sympathy.". Floyd Little, the franchise’s star during years of struggles in the 1960s and ‘70s, died at his home in Las Vegas following a battle with a rare form of cell cancer. Earlier this year former Syracuse teammate Pat Killorin made Little's cancer diagnosis public as he created a GoFundMe page called "Friends of Floyd.'' "Faith, family and football were the pillars of his life. May God comfort you at this time of mourning. I remember our call when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the joy in his voice. January 6, 2021. The Broncos didn't reach the postseason until the 1977 season, two years after Little's retirement. To Mr Floyd's wife,children and other family members I offer my sincere sympathy for your loss. He was a man of great integrity, passion and courage," Pro Football Hall of Fame president and CEO David Baker said in a statement. President-elect Joe Biden, who attended Syracuse with Little, said in. "Don't listen to those that will judge you for your rough edges. Pro Football Hall of Fame halfback Floyd Little, known for his career with the Denver Broncos in the 1970s and as a three-time All-American at Syracuse, died Saturday, the Hall announced. Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Broncos running back Floyd Little has died. The news about this death has brought deep unhappiness to the hearts of Floyd's friends, family and every concerned persons, and words cannot express how devastated they are at this difficult time of mourning their beloved one. Little had Stage 2 neuroendocrine tumor cancer, and more than $100,000 was raised to help the Littles with medical costs. Always a vibrant presence at team functions, Little had also become a regular at ceremonies in Canton, Ohio, for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A three-time All American at Syracuse, Little is in the College Football Hall of Fame as well. Broncos legend Floyd Little, 78, dead … Floyd Little playing for the Broncos in December 1971, the season in which he won the NFL rushing title. Floyd Little brought a smile to the face of everyone he encountered. Little was enshrined in the Hall's Class of 2010. ", I have lost a great friend and Syracuse University has lost one of its all-time greatest ambassadors. Floyd mentored countless student-athletes, and dedicated his time, energy and resources to improving the lives of others. After the Broncos' Nov. 22 win over the Miami Dolphins, when the team rushed for 189 yards as Denver South High School's Phillip Lindsay finished with 89 yards on 16 carries, the team sent a game ball to Little. "He was an all-American student-athlete. Little, who died Friday, played nine seasons with the Broncos and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection. Floyd Little, a great running back who starred at Syracuse and for the Denver Broncos, has died. I had plenty of those," Little said. Floyd Little, number 44, will forever be our Orange MVP.” Little leaves a wife, DeBorah, and three children, Marc, Christy and Kyra. Floyd Douglas Little (July 4, 1942 – January 1, 2021) was an American professional football player who was a halfback for the Denver Broncos, initially in the American Football League (AFL) and later the National Football League (NFL). NFL Hall of Famer Floyd Little and future NFL Hall of Fame Peyton Manning take the field before a game. "As with everything else he did in life, Floyd lived to the very end with grit and heart, and love for his family and faith in God," Biden said. For many fans, Little was the team's first star. I was so fortunate to know Floyd and witnessed first-hand the impact he had on others. He was the first first-round draft pick to sign with the AFL's Broncos, where he was known as "the Franchise". Both Syracuse University and the Denver Broncos have retired No. Don't focus on your weakness so you won't become a victim ... Because the good in you is better than the worst in most. “Floyd was recently diagnosed with a treatable but aggressive form of cancer. Megan Rapinoe celebrates Najee Harris’ hurdle over Notre Dame defender He was 78. Be the best that you can be. Floyd Little, the Hall of Fame running back who starred at Syracuse and for the Denver Broncos, has died. "Because of those that encouraged me in those early years, I am here today. He was 78. Floyd Little, Syracuse and Broncos great, dies at 78. Syracuse Athletics. Floyd Little, the versatile running back who starred at Syracuse and for the Denver Broncos, has died after a long bout with cancer. Little is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son and several grandchildren, KMGH reported. He was 78. Condolences to Floyd Little’s family and to the NFL for the loss of your loved one and friend. Floyd Little was a once in a lifetime player and human. The Pro Football Hall of Fame said he died Friday night at his home in Nevada. Floyd Little, the versatile running back who starred at Syracuse and for the Denver Broncos, has died after a long bout with cancer. He was 78. He was 78. The Pro Football Hall of Fame said he died Friday night at his home in Nevada. He set records in the NFL. Employees of the store approached Floyd while he was in his vehicle and demanded that Floyd return the cigarettes; he refused. "I feel so blessed in everything, and as long as I can I will always come back [to Canton], and I always hope to see many more Broncos here with me as the years go by,'' is how Little put it in 2019 when both Champ Bailey and Broncos owner Pat Bowlen were enshrined. He died at his home in Henderson, Nevada. “Floyd Little was not only a Hall of Fame running back, he was a Hall of Fame person,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. Floyd Little, the versatile running back who starred at Syracuse and for the Denver Broncos, has died after a long bout with cancer Little was elected to the College Footbal… He was 78. Little had his No. President-elect Joe Biden, who attended law school at Syracuse at the same time Little was a student, called the running back a "good man" and a friend in a statement. pic.twitter.com/sIdzEdwhkV. Hailing from New Haven, Connecticut, Little was a three-time All-American at. Former Syracuse University and Broncos star running back Floyd Little died on Friday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced. Floyd Little, college and professional football Hall of Famer, has died after "nearly a year of confronting, even battling cancer," his son Marc Little said in a statement Saturday.The great running back who starred at Syracuse and for the Denver Broncos passed away early evening Friday at home in Las Vegas with his wife, DeBorah Little, by his side, the family said. "Floyd Little was a true hero of the game. Known as "The Franchise" and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Little died Friday at his home in Henderson, Nev. Credit: AP. "Floyd Little was not only a Hall of Fame running back, he was a Hall of Fame person," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a. Yards ), 2021 ( who else died on January 1? before game. 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