Abner Haynes, a notable figure in the American Football League (AFL) and former halfback for the Kansas City Chiefs, died aged 86 on July 18, 2024. Haynes was highly regarded for his aptitude as a runner, receiver, and return specialist, leaving a lasting impression on both the game and the community.
Born on September 19, 1937, in Denton, Texas, Haynes set records and shattered barriers throughout his career. He first garnered attention in 1960 when he was named the AFL Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, the first player to achieve both honors. That year, Haynes led the league in rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns, distinguishing himself as a versatile and powerful player.
Over his eight-year career, Haynes was celebrated for his speed and agility. He topped the AFL in several statistical categories, such as rushing yards, touchdown runs, total yards, punt return yardage, and kickoff returns for scores. His most impressive season was in 1962 when he aided the Dallas Texans (now the Kansas City Chiefs) in securing their first AFL title. In that championship year, Haynes ran for 1,049 yards, made 13 touchdowns on the ground, and caught 39 passes for 573 yards, adding six receiving touchdowns. He scored two crucial touchdowns in the Texans’ 20-17 win over the Houston Oilers in the AFL title game.
“My family and I are profoundly saddened by the loss of Chiefs Hall of Famer Abner Haynes,” said 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.”
Haynes’ legacy goes beyond his achievements on the field. In 1956, he and his teammate Leon King were the first to integrate the North Texas State College (now the University of North Texas) football team, laying the groundwork for future generations of Black athletes.
Aside from his pioneering role in college football, Haynes was a vocal advocate for racial equality. In 1965, he played a critical role in the players’ boycott of the AFL All-Star game, which was moved from New Orleans to Houston due to racial discrimination. His stand against injustice earned him respect and admiration, reinforcing his reputation as a leader both on and off the field.
“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.”
After retiring from professional football, Haynes stayed active in his community. He devoted his time to promoting “Heroes of Football,” a program to support former professional players facing disabilities. His commitment to giving back illuminated his character and his enduring impact on those around him.
Haynes’ contributions to the sport were recognized with multiple accolades. He was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame and both the Chiefs and North Texas retired his number 28 jersey. In 2019, he was named to the Professional Football Researchers Association Hall of Very Good, acknowledging his significant contributions to the game.
Looking back on Haynes’ career, his influence on the field is clear in the records he set and the legacy he left behind. Over his eight seasons in the AFL, he accumulated 12,065 total yards, an AFL record that still stands. His multifaceted skill as a runner, receiver, and returner made him a key player before the term was widely used.
“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.”
