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Football

Floyd Little, New Haven’s Pro Football Hall of Famer, dies at 78

Jim Fuller | January 2, 2021

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Floyd Little, left and Bill Santillo at the 2011 dedication of the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven.
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Floyd Little, left and Bill Santillo at the 2011 dedication of the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven.

Contributed / Bill O'BrienShow MoreShow Less
SPORTS-HAMDEN-Pro football hall of famer, Floyd Little (L) talks about the difference that Robert Schreck's (R) encouragement, made in his life. The two men are attending the Gridiron Club Halll of Fame Awards Dinner. Melanie Stengel/Register 12/09/10
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SPORTS-HAMDEN-Pro football hall of famer, Floyd Little (L) talks about the difference that Robert Schreck's (R) encouragement, made in his life. The two men are attending the Gridiron Club Halll of Fame Awards Dinner. Melanie Stengel/Register 12/09/10

 Show MoreShow Less
Reg0662Photo-Peter Casolino 10/26/06 New Haven-- New Haven Athletic Director Joe Canzanella addresses the crowd as former Hillhouse standout and NFL Hall of Famer Floyd Little had his number retired during the halftime of the Hillhouse Vs. Shelton Game .Photo-Peter Casolino
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Reg0662Photo-Peter Casolino 10/26/06 New Haven-- New Haven Athletic Director Joe Canzanella addresses the crowd as former Hillhouse standout and NFL Hall of Famer Floyd Little had his number retired during the halftime of the Hillhouse Vs. Shelton Game .Photo-Peter Casolino

Peter Casolino | Hearst Connecticut Media file photoShow MoreShow Less
Floyd Little, National Football League Hall of Fame inductee and former Denver Broncos running back with his nephew Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson as he kisses his oldest sister Betty Jackson Wednesday 5/2/12 at Hillhouse High School, where Little was honored as a
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Floyd Little, National Football League Hall of Fame inductee and former Denver Broncos running back with his nephew Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson as he kisses his oldest sister Betty Jackson Wednesday 5/2/12 at Hillhouse High School, where Little was honored as a "Hometown Hall of Famer" by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Allstate Insurance Co. Photo by Peter Hvizdak / New Haven Register

Hearst Connecticut Media file photoShow MoreShow Less
Former Denver Broncos player Floyd Little poses with a bust of himself after enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
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Former Denver Broncos player Floyd Little poses with a bust of himself after enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

Mark Duncan / APShow MoreShow Less
Former Syracuse and Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little acknowledges the crowd during a halftime ceremony to retire the No. 44 jersey in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)
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Former Syracuse and Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little acknowledges the crowd during a halftime ceremony to retire the No. 44 jersey in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2005. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)

Kevin Rivoli / Associated Press file photoShow MoreShow Less
Former Denver Broncos player Floyd Little speaks during his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
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Former Denver Broncos player Floyd Little speaks during his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

Ron Schwane / APShow MoreShow Less
Syracuse Orangemen's Floyd Little (44) keeps charging down the field despite efforts of Baylor's Willie Walker (83) and Paul Ortiz (30) trying to stop the hard running halfback during third quarter of their game on Sept. 12, 1966 at Baylor Stadium in Waco, Texas. Coming in to assist on the play are O.B. Goolsby (50) and Bob Purvis (18). Baylor won the non-conference game, 35-12. (AP Photo/FK)
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Syracuse Orangemen's Floyd Little (44) keeps charging down the field despite efforts of Baylor's Willie Walker (83) and Paul Ortiz (30) trying to stop the hard running halfback during third quarter of their game on Sept. 12, 1966 at Baylor Stadium in Waco, Texas. Coming in to assist on the play are O.B. Goolsby (50) and Bob Purvis (18). Baylor won the non-conference game, 35-12. (AP Photo/FK)

FK / ASSOCIATED PRESSShow MoreShow Less
Floyd Little and his mother Lula Little, New Haven, Connecticut, have a hug for each other and a smile for the photographer after Floyd's standout performance in 51-13 stomping of Pitt by Syracuse on Oct. 30, 1965 at New York's Shea stadium. Little romped for four touchdowns, one a 95 yarder. (AP Photo)
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Floyd Little and his mother Lula Little, New Haven, Connecticut, have a hug for each other and a smile for the photographer after Floyd's standout performance in 51-13 stomping of Pitt by Syracuse on Oct. 30, 1965 at New York's Shea stadium. Little romped for four touchdowns, one a 95 yarder. (AP Photo)

Associated Press file photoShow MoreShow Less
Syracuse University halfback, Floyd Little is shown Sept. 13, 1966 in New Haven, Connecticut. (AP Photo)
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Syracuse University halfback, Floyd Little is shown Sept. 13, 1966 in New Haven, Connecticut. (AP Photo)

ASSOCIATED PRESSShow MoreShow Less
FILE - In this September 1969 file photo, Denver Broncos' Floyd Little avoids the tackle of New York Jets' Steve O'Neal (20) during a football game in Denver. At left is Jets' John Dockery (43). In August 2009, a month after retiring from the car business by shuttering the dealership he'd run for 32 years, Little was finally a Pro Football Hall of Fame nominee, something he had started to suspect he'd never see in his lifetime. (AP Photo/File)
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FILE - In this September 1969 file photo, Denver Broncos' Floyd Little avoids the tackle of New York Jets' Steve O'Neal (20) during a football game in Denver. At left is Jets' John Dockery (43). In August 2009, a month after retiring from the car business by shuttering the dealership he'd run for 32 years, Little was finally a Pro Football Hall of Fame nominee, something he had started to suspect he'd never see in his lifetime. (AP Photo/File)

Anonymous / ASSOCIATED PRESSShow MoreShow Less
Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little (44) as he was headed off by Houston Oilers? Olen Underwood (56) and Tom Domres (71) in the first quarter of the game in the Houston Astrodome on Nov. 29, 1970. Little tried over his right tackle and picked up three-yards as teammates Bob Young (60) and Clem Turner (35) tried to open up a hole for him. (AP Photo/EFK)
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Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little (44) as he was headed off by Houston Oilers? Olen Underwood (56) and Tom Domres (71) in the first quarter of the game in the Houston Astrodome on Nov. 29, 1970. Little tried over his right tackle and picked up three-yards as teammates Bob Young (60) and Clem Turner (35) tried to open up a hole for him. (AP Photo/EFK)

Ed Kolenovsky / APShow MoreShow Less
Former National Football League running back star Jim Brown left, chats with Mrs. A. Marie Fleming of Elmira, N.Y. and former Syracuse running back Floyd Little at a dinner, Friday, Oct. 19, 1979, New York. The dinner was held to honor former Syracuse University running back Ernie Davis. Davis, son of Mrs. A. Marie Fleming and the first black to earn the Heisman Trophy, died of leukemia in 1963 but is to be inducted into the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame on Saturday. (AP Photo/Bailey)
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Former National Football League running back star Jim Brown left, chats with Mrs. A. Marie Fleming of Elmira, N.Y. and former Syracuse running back Floyd Little at a dinner, Friday, Oct. 19, 1979, New York. The dinner was held to honor former Syracuse University running back Ernie Davis. Davis, son of Mrs. A. Marie Fleming and the first black to earn the Heisman Trophy, died of leukemia in 1963 but is to be inducted into the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame on Saturday. (AP Photo/Bailey)

Bailey / ASSOCIATED PRESSShow MoreShow Less
Jim Brown, left, and Floyd Little laugh during a news conference Friday, Nov. 11, 2005, in Syracuse, N.Y. On Saturday, Syracuse University will retire football jersey No. 44, which was worn by both men at Syracuse. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)
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Jim Brown, left, and Floyd Little laugh during a news conference Friday, Nov. 11, 2005, in Syracuse, N.Y. On Saturday, Syracuse University will retire football jersey No. 44, which was worn by both men at Syracuse. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)

KEVIN RIVOLI / ASSOCIATED PRESSShow MoreShow Less
In this Sept. 22, 1969 file photo, Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little (44) runs past New York Jets defender Steve O'Neal (2) during a football game in Denver. Little and former star defensive back Dick LeBeau are finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, it was announced on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/File)
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In this Sept. 22, 1969 file photo, Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little (44) runs past New York Jets defender Steve O'Neal (2) during a football game in Denver. Little and former star defensive back Dick LeBeau are finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, it was announced on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/File)

Anonymous / APShow MoreShow Less
Floyd Little poses with his bust after enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
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Floyd Little poses with his bust after enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

Mark Duncan / ASSOCIATED PRESSShow MoreShow Less
Floyd Little, right, poses with his son, Marc, after enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
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Floyd Little, right, poses with his son, Marc, after enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

Mark Duncan / ASSOCIATED PRESSShow MoreShow Less
Former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little's Hall of Fame Ring given during halftime of an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in Denver. Little was honored for his Hall of Fame induction.(AP Photo/ Jack Dempsey )
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Former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little's Hall of Fame Ring given during halftime of an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in Denver. Little was honored for his Hall of Fame induction.(AP Photo/ Jack Dempsey )

Jack Dempsey / ASSOCIATED PRESSShow MoreShow Less
Floyd Little speaks to the crowd as he is honored in a Hall of Fame ring ceremony at halftime of the Denver Broncos' game against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL football game in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010. Colts won 27-13. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)
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Floyd Little speaks to the crowd as he is honored in a Hall of Fame ring ceremony at halftime of the Denver Broncos' game against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL football game in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010. Colts won 27-13. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)

Barry Gutierrez / APShow MoreShow Less
A bust of former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little is shown during the halftime of an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in Denver. Little was honored for his Hall of Fame induction.(AP Photo/ Jack Dempsey )
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A bust of former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little is shown during the halftime of an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in Denver. Little was honored for his Hall of Fame induction.(AP Photo/ Jack Dempsey )

Jack Dempsey / APShow MoreShow Less
Former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little is honored during the halftime of an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in Denver. Little was honored for his Hall of Fame induction.(AP Photo/ Jack Dempsey )
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Former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little is honored during the halftime of an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in Denver. Little was honored for his Hall of Fame induction.(AP Photo/ Jack Dempsey )

Jack Dempsey / ASSOCIATED PRESSShow MoreShow Less
Former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little is honored during the halftime of an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in Denver. Little was honored for his Hall of Fame induction.(AP Photo/ Jack Dempsey )
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Former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little is honored during the halftime of an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in Denver. Little was honored for his Hall of Fame induction.(AP Photo/ Jack Dempsey )

Jack Dempsey / ASSOCIATED PRESSShow MoreShow Less
Former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little is honored during the halftime of an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in Denver. Little was honored for his Hall of Fame induction.(AP Photo/ Jack Dempsey )
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Former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little is honored during the halftime of an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, in Denver. Little was honored for his Hall of Fame induction.(AP Photo/ Jack Dempsey )

Jack Dempsey / APShow MoreShow Less
Los Angeles Rams running back Jack Snow (left) snaps a souvenir picture of the Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little and Spec. 4 Charles Perea (Salida, California) during a handshaking tour at a military hospital in Saigon on Jan. 28, 1970. Perea is in the hospital recovering from wounds from a booby trap explosion during an operation in the Mekong Delta. At center is St. Louis Cardinals defensive end, Charles Walker. (AP Photo/Dang Van Phuoc)
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Los Angeles Rams running back Jack Snow (left) snaps a souvenir picture of the Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little and Spec. 4 Charles Perea (Salida, California) during a handshaking tour at a military hospital in Saigon on Jan. 28, 1970. Perea is in the hospital recovering from wounds from a booby trap explosion during an operation in the Mekong Delta. At center is St. Louis Cardinals defensive end, Charles Walker. (AP Photo/Dang Van Phuoc)

Dang Van Phuoc / APShow MoreShow Less
Floyd D. Little, Syracuse halfback, holds Player of the Year award presented to him at the 12th annual dinner of the Eastern College Athlete conference in New York on Dec. 8, 1966. (AP Photo)
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Floyd D. Little, Syracuse halfback, holds Player of the Year award presented to him at the 12th annual dinner of the Eastern College Athlete conference in New York on Dec. 8, 1966. (AP Photo)

APShow MoreShow Less
Captain Floyd Little, left, and coach Ben Schwartzwalder of the Syracuse University football team stand with the Lambert Trophy, emblematic of gridiron supremacy in the East, during presentation ceremonies at New York's Hotel Pierre on Dec. 8, 1966. It was the fourth time Syracuse had won the trophy in its 31 years existence. (AP Photo/Anthony Camerano)
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Captain Floyd Little, left, and coach Ben Schwartzwalder of the Syracuse University football team stand with the Lambert Trophy, emblematic of gridiron supremacy in the East, during presentation ceremonies at New York's Hotel Pierre on Dec. 8, 1966. It was the fourth time Syracuse had won the trophy in its 31 years existence. (AP Photo/Anthony Camerano)

Anthony Camerano / APShow MoreShow Less
Floyd Little, running back for the Denver Broncos, 1972. Location unknown. (AP Photo)
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Floyd Little, running back for the Denver Broncos, 1972. Location unknown. (AP Photo)

APShow MoreShow Less
Pfc. Stanley M. Serokal, a patient at a military hospital in Saigon, gets a hand on a a puzzle from Denver Broncos' running back Floyd Little, Jan. 28, 1970. Led by Bill Granholm of the Football Commissioner's office, Little and four other professional players are currently on a two-week tour of the war zone. The visit to the Saigon hospital marked their first full day of activities in Vietnam. (AP Photo/Dang Van Phuoc)
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Pfc. Stanley M. Serokal, a patient at a military hospital in Saigon, gets a hand on a a puzzle from Denver Broncos' running back Floyd Little, Jan. 28, 1970. Led by Bill Granholm of the Football Commissioner's office, Little and four other professional players are currently on a two-week tour of the war zone. The visit to the Saigon hospital marked their first full day of activities in Vietnam. (AP Photo/Dang Van Phuoc)

Dang Van Phuoc / APShow MoreShow Less
Floyd Little (44), running back for the Denver Broncos on July 27, 1973. Location unknown. (AP Photo)
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Floyd Little (44), running back for the Denver Broncos on July 27, 1973. Location unknown. (AP Photo)

APShow MoreShow Less
The three recipients of the Connecticut Sports Writers Alliance Annual Gold key Award chat before the dinner honoring them got underway in Hartford, Conn., Jan. 29, 1973. From left: Floyd Little, running back for the Denver Broncos; Rev. Robert Keating, pastor of St. Jude Church in Derby, Conn.; and coach Tom Kelley. (AP Photo/Bob Child)
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The three recipients of the Connecticut Sports Writers Alliance Annual Gold key Award chat before the dinner honoring them got underway in Hartford, Conn., Jan. 29, 1973. From left: Floyd Little, running back for the Denver Broncos; Rev. Robert Keating, pastor of St. Jude Church in Derby, Conn.; and coach Tom Kelley. (AP Photo/Bob Child)

Bob Child / APShow MoreShow Less
Floyd Little of the Denver Broncos is presented the YMCA-Brian Piccolo Award for humanitarian service at Helms Hall in Los Angeles on Nov. 20, 1973, by Dr. Robert W. Harlan, executive director of the YMCA's national council. The award, in memory of the late Chicago Bears' running back, was made to Little for his work against drug abuse among young people. (AP Photo/David F. Smith)
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Floyd Little of the Denver Broncos is presented the YMCA-Brian Piccolo Award for humanitarian service at Helms Hall in Los Angeles on Nov. 20, 1973, by Dr. Robert W. Harlan, executive director of the YMCA's national council. The award, in memory of the late Chicago Bears' running back, was made to Little for his work against drug abuse among young people. (AP Photo/David F. Smith)

David F. Smith / APShow MoreShow Less
Syracuse Univ. halfback, Floyd Little, wearing symbolic number 44 (also worn by predecessors Jimmy Brown & Ernie Davis, both all-americans). (Photo by Herb Scharfman/The LIFE Images Collection via Getty Images/Getty Images)
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Syracuse Univ. halfback, Floyd Little, wearing symbolic number 44 (also worn by predecessors Jimmy Brown & Ernie Davis, both all-americans). (Photo by Herb Scharfman/The LIFE Images Collection via Getty Images/Getty Images)

Herb Scharfman / The LIFE Images Collection via Getty ImagesShow MoreShow Less
Running back Floyd Little of the Denver Broncos heads upfield on a run in a 42-28 win over the San Diego Chagers on December 9, 1973, at San Diego Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Richard Stagg/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
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Running back Floyd Little of the Denver Broncos heads upfield on a run in a 42-28 win over the San Diego Chagers on December 9, 1973, at San Diego Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Richard Stagg/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***

Richard Stagg / Getty ImagesShow MoreShow Less
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 8: Running back Floyd Little #44 of the Denver Broncos watches from the sideline during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium on October 8, 1972 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals defeated the Broncos 21-10. (Photo by Clifton Boutelle/Getty Images)
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CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 8: Running back Floyd Little #44 of the Denver Broncos watches from the sideline during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium on October 8, 1972 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals defeated the Broncos 21-10. (Photo by Clifton Boutelle/Getty Images)

Clifton Boutelle / NFLShow MoreShow Less
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 8: Running back Floyd Little #44 of the Denver Broncos runs upfield during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium on October 8, 1972 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals defeated the Broncos 21-10. (Photo by Clifton Boutelle/Getty Images)
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CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 8: Running back Floyd Little #44 of the Denver Broncos runs upfield during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium on October 8, 1972 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals defeated the Broncos 21-10. (Photo by Clifton Boutelle/Getty Images)

Clifton Boutelle / NFLShow MoreShow Less
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 20: Running back Floyd Little #44 of the Denver Broncos tracks a pass during pre-game warmups before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at Mile High Stadium December 20, 1970 in Denver, Colorado. Little played for the Broncos from 1967-75. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
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MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 20: Running back Floyd Little #44 of the Denver Broncos tracks a pass during pre-game warmups before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at Mile High Stadium December 20, 1970 in Denver, Colorado. Little played for the Broncos from 1967-75. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Focus On Sport / Getty ImagesShow MoreShow Less
NEW YORK - CIRCA 1967: Running back Floyd Little #44 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the New York Jets during an NFL football game at Shea Stadium circa 1967 in the Queens borough of New York City. Little played for the Broncos from 1967-75. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - CIRCA 1967: Running back Floyd Little #44 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the New York Jets during an NFL football game at Shea Stadium circa 1967 in the Queens borough of New York City. Little played for the Broncos from 1967-75. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Focus On Sport / Getty ImagesShow MoreShow Less
BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 5: Running back Floyd Little #44 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills during an NFL football game at Rich Stadium October 5, 1975 in Buffalo, New York. Little played for the Broncos from 1967-75. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
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BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 5: Running back Floyd Little #44 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills during an NFL football game at Rich Stadium October 5, 1975 in Buffalo, New York. Little played for the Broncos from 1967-75. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Focus On Sport / Getty ImagesShow MoreShow Less
CHICAGO, IL - CIRCA 1972: Running back Floyd Little #44 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the Chicago Bears during an NFL football game at Soldier Field circa 1972 in Chicago, Illinois. Little played for the Broncos from 1967-75. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL - CIRCA 1972: Running back Floyd Little #44 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the Chicago Bears during an NFL football game at Soldier Field circa 1972 in Chicago, Illinois. Little played for the Broncos from 1967-75. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Focus On Sport / Getty ImagesShow MoreShow Less
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 16: Running back Floyd Little #44 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during an NFL football game at Nippert Stadium October 16, 1969 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Little played for the Broncos from 1967-75. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
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CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 16: Running back Floyd Little #44 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during an NFL football game at Nippert Stadium October 16, 1969 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Little played for the Broncos from 1967-75. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Focus On Sport / Getty ImagesShow MoreShow Less
May 02, 1980 - New York, New York, USA - FLOYD LITTLE of Syracuse University halfback (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images/Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images)
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May 02, 1980 - New York, New York, USA - FLOYD LITTLE of Syracuse University halfback (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images/Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images)

Sporting News Archive / Sporting News via Getty ImagesShow MoreShow Less
DENVER, CO - September 27 : Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little unveiled the sculpture at the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame Plaza in Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Denver, Colorado. September 27, 2013. The Plaza feature pillars honoring each of the 24 players in the Broncos Ring of Fame. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO - September 27 : Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little unveiled the sculpture at the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame Plaza in Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Denver, Colorado. September 27, 2013. The Plaza feature pillars honoring each of the 24 players in the Broncos Ring of Fame. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Hyoung Chang / Denver Post via Getty ImagesShow MoreShow Less
(Original Caption) Coaches Roy Simmons (left) and Dick Bell diagram a play with Syracuse star, Floyd Little, recently. The Orangemen from Syracuse will oppose LSU in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, New Year's Day.
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(Original Caption) Coaches Roy Simmons (left) and Dick Bell diagram a play with Syracuse star, Floyd Little, recently. The Orangemen from Syracuse will oppose LSU in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, New Year's Day.

Bettmann / Bettmann ArchiveShow MoreShow Less
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 24: Running back Floyd Little #44 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball during a game against the Cleveland Browns on October 24, 1971 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Denver won 27-0. (Photo by Ron Kuntz Collection/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
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CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 24: Running back Floyd Little #44 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball during a game against the Cleveland Browns on October 24, 1971 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Denver won 27-0. (Photo by Ron Kuntz Collection/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

Ron Kuntz Collection / Diamond Images via Getty ImagesShow MoreShow Less
Floyd Little receives his 1966 All-America certificate from Gerald B. Zornow, vice president of Kodak. The team was shown on The Ed Sullivan Show.
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Floyd Little receives his 1966 All-America certificate from Gerald B. Zornow, vice president of Kodak. The team was shown on The Ed Sullivan Show.

New Haven Register file photo / KodakShow MoreShow Less
Floyd Little was selected to the 1960 New Haven Register All-State team.
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Floyd Little was selected to the 1960 New Haven Register All-State team.

New Haven RegisterShow MoreShow Less
Floyd Little was selected to the 1960 New Haven Register All-State team.
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Floyd Little was selected to the 1960 New Haven Register All-State team.

New Haven RegisterShow MoreShow Less
Floyd Little
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Floyd Little

New Haven Register file photosShow MoreShow Less
Floyd Little was selected to the 1960 New Haven Register All-State team.
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Floyd Little was selected to the 1960 New Haven Register All-State team.

New Haven RegisterShow MoreShow Less
Floyd Little
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Floyd Little

New Haven Register file photosShow MoreShow Less
Hillhouse great and Pro Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little (left) shows off Hall of Fame ring alongside Hillhouse coach Reggie Lytle, showing off his 2016 state championship ring, during the New Haven Gridiron Club's 75th Annual Awards Banquet at Cascade Fine Catering in Hamden, Dec. 5, 2019
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Hillhouse great and Pro Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little (left) shows off Hall of Fame ring alongside Hillhouse coach Reggie Lytle, showing off his 2016 state championship ring, during the New Haven Gridiron Club’s 75th Annual Awards Banquet at Cascade Fine Catering in Hamden, Dec. 5, 2019

Sean Patrick Bowley / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
Hillhouse great and Pro Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little (right) congratulates Hillhouse's Josiah Artis (left) alongside Hillhouse coach Reggie Lytle during the New Haven Gridiron Club's 75th Annual Awards Banquet at Cascade Fine Catering in Hamden, Dec. 5, 2019
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Hillhouse great and Pro Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little (right) congratulates Hillhouse’s Josiah Artis (left) alongside Hillhouse coach Reggie Lytle during the New Haven Gridiron Club’s 75th Annual Awards Banquet at Cascade Fine Catering in Hamden, Dec. 5, 2019

Sean Patrick Bowley / Hearst Connecticut MediaShow MoreShow Less
(From left) Ed Goldstone, Hillhouse's Josiah Artis, Floyd Little and NHGC president Bill Santillo with the New Haven Gridiron Club's 75th Anniversary Awards Dinner cake during the New Haven Gridiron Club's 75th Annual Awards Banquet at Cascade Fine Catering in Hamden, Dec. 5, 2019
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(From left) Ed Goldstone, Hillhouse’s Josiah Artis, Floyd Little and NHGC president Bill Santillo with the New Haven Gridiron Club’s 75th Anniversary Awards Dinner cake during the New Haven Gridiron Club’s 75th Annual Awards Banquet at Cascade Fine Catering in Hamden, Dec. 5, 2019

Sean Patrick BowleyShow MoreShow Less

Floyd Little, one of Connecticut’s greatest athletes, has died.

Little, born on July 4, 1942, burst into football prominence at James Hillhouse High School before Hall of Fame careers at Syracuse University and with the Denver Broncos. Little was enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983 and Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. He was a charter member of Broncos Ring of Fame in 1984.

He died Friday at his home in Las Vegas with his wife, DeBorah, at his side, according to a statement from his family.

Little was uncle to former Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson, who called his uncle “magnetic.”

“He was one of the greatest football players of all time,” Jackson said. “He was a better person than he was a football player.”

JEFF JACOBS: Floyd Little rose to greatness from a humble beginning

Jackson said Little was one of six children, all of whom have died except Jackson’s mother, the oldest of the siblings.

There’s a tradition the family has followed when a family member passes away, Jackson said.

“We all get up and tell stories about the loved one that we’ve lost,” he said. “In a pandemic, I don’t know what it’s going to look like. I don’t know that we’re going to be able to do that.”

When asked what story he would tell, Jackson said he didn’t know yet.

“There are too many to tell of uncle Floyd. There are just too many,” he said, recalling that his own father passed away when he was a young adult. “When we needed a father figure, uncle Floyd would ably step in. He walked my sister down the aisle. He gave the first toast at mine.”

Little, 78, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in May. He entered hospice care in late November.

Little ran for 6,323 yards and 43 touchdowns in nine seasons with the Denver Broncos after being the sixth overall selection in 1967 draft. He recorded his lone 1,000-yard season in 1971 when he was the NFL rushing champion with 1,133 yards in 14 games. He led the AFL in all-purpose yards in 1967 and 1968, and led the AFL and NFL in rushing yards per game during the 1969 and 1971 seasons.

He remains a popular figure in Denver. On Nov. 22, the Broncos awarded Little and his family the game ball following a 20-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

A member of Syracuse’s all-century team, Little earned All-American honors at Syracuse from 1964-66 and graduated with a program record 2,704 yards. He broke Jim Brown’s program record with 1,681 all-purpose yards in 1964 and broke that mark with 1,990 yards in 1965, a record that still stands. The 1966 team captain, played seven games as top 10 teams during his three seasons with the Orange.

Little was enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983 and Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

President-elect Joe Biden, a classmate and fraternity brother of Little’s at Syracuse, videotaped one of two introductory speeches for Little.

“President-elect Biden and he were able to connect on the phone a couple of weeks ago,” Jackson said.

“I watched him play in Archibald Stadium, his number 44 flashing by defenders who had no chance,” Biden said in a released statement Saturday, “running as if he was chasing the spirit of his dear friend and fellow 44 legend, Ernie Davis.

“In the years that followed, I got to know Floyd as the man behind the number,” Biden said. “He was full of character, decency, and integrity. 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.

“I was one of them,” Biden said. “I remember our call when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the joy in his voice. And I remember the more recent call when he shared his cancer diagnosis, and how fearless he was in his conviction to fight it. 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. I will miss my friend. He was a good man.”

President-elect Joe Biden comments on the passing of Floyd Little.

Biden is a Syracuse law school graduate. pic.twitter.com/si3EW3Lxrj

— Robert Harding (@RobertHarding) January 2, 2021

As Little’s son, Marc Little, recalled during a speech when his father was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Biden made sure to mention his friend: “Joe said, ‘Ladies and gentleman, I’ve always dreamed I’d stand in this place, but I was hoping I’d be standing next to my friend Floyd Little.’”

During his enshrinement in Canton, Little passed on notecards and spoke from the heart, including his humbling beginnings in New Haven.

“Because of those who encouraged me in those early years, I am here today,” Little said. “I want to encourage you, every student, every athlete who will hear my voice. Don’t listen to the naysayer. I had plenty of those. Don’t focus on your weakness, so you won’t become a victim. Find the goodness in you that says, yes I can be a good student. Yes I can be a good son or daughter. Yes I can be a positive role model.

“The choice is yours. Be the best you can be. I truly believe that none of us is anything until the least of us is something. Leave a legacy that you and your family can be proud. I’ve given you everything that I’ve got, and I’m a better person for it.”

During Little’s Hall of Fame induction speech, he also made reference to the angry young man at Troup Middle School. Implied in his speech were the many peers, coaches and administrators who “saw the good in him” and gave him a chance to excel.

Little told the New Haven Register in 2010 that one of those people was Bob Schreck, a former teacher at Troup and later principal at Troup and Lee High School. Little credited Schreck with helping convince school administrators to allow him to return to school after as a seventh-grader he was expelled for fighting a ninth-grade bully, and then helped steer a better path for a painfully shy young man who was ridiculed over what was perceived as his lack of academic wherewithal.

“Because of those who believed in me, I was re-enrolled back in school, became class president (in ninth grade) and started my journey as a leader in everything I did,” said Little. “I never looked back.”

Little also gave much credit to former Hillhouse football coaching legend Dan Casey. Little praised Casey in his Hall of Fame speech for seeing the good in him when others didn’t. Little’s SAT scores were not good, but Casey was determined to get Little into the best possible preparatory environment he could.

“He pulled out all the stops and found a school in Bordentown that wanted to integrate,” Little told the Register in 2010. “They wanted a more mature person that could deal with hostility and anger and racism. I was the first African American to go to Bordentown.”

The same year he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he returned to New Haven to personally present a scholarship named in his honor at the New Haven Gridiron Club annual dinner. He shocked the New Haven Gridiron Club that evening with a personal check for $12,000 to the organization.

Little returned to the New Haven Gridiron Club dinner again in 2015 when his Hillhouse backfield mate Billy McCoy was inducted.

Hillhouse won eight of nine games in 1960, a controversial loss to Notre Dame-West Haven in October costing it the Waskowitz Trophy — a coveted prize in the days before CIAC playoffs and the Register Top 10 Poll.

McCoy and Little shared the story of how Little found his way into the lineup in 1959 during an interview with the Register in 2015.

Little was not a starter. His persistent pleading with Casey finally got him on the field. And a little white lie opened the door. Hillhouse trailed Harding 21-0 in the 1959 home opener when Casey, tired of listening to Little, told him to go in and block for McCoy. Little got to the huddle and said, “Coach wants me to carry the ball.” He scored on a long run and remained a fixture in the lineup.

The New Haven Athletic Center was renamed in Little’s honor in 2011. Leading up to the dedication of the building, he said in an interview with the Register how much it meant to him to have one of the state’s best indoor athletic facilities named after him.

“Entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a cut above all of the awards I’ve received in sports,” Little said. “It’s historical. But when you put it in perspective, I’m one of 267 people in the Hall of Fame. I’m bust number 257 of 267. But how many people enshrined in Canton have a building with their name on it? That’s something that perpetuates you. That’s what makes me say, ‘Wow.’ And to have it in the place where it all started for me, that’s what makes it more significant for me than being in the Hall of Fame.

“It’s so special because it’s my home,” Little said in 2011. “There’s still a lot of Connecticut in me. I became who I am because people in New Haven believed in me. They saw the good in me and helped me, and I hope I can do that same thing for kids in my hometown.”

About Jim Fuller

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