Floyd Little

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Lore & Background

Little's impact extended far beyond his playing stats; he was instrumental in securing the team's future. His signing helped convince Denver voters to approve funding for the purchase and expansion of Mile High Stadium, ensuring the franchise remained in Colorado. On the field, he made history as the first player to lead his conference in rushing while on a last-place team. In 1970, he led the AFC with 901 yards, and in 1971, he became the first Bronco to eclipse 1,000 yards, gaining 1,133 to lead the entire NFL. At 5'10" and 195 pounds, he was the smallest back to lead the league in rushing since World War II. During a six-year span from 1968 to 1973, no other running back in the NFL rushed for more yards or more total yards from scrimmage than Little.

In Their Own Story

In a week 12 win over Buffalo, Little showcased his explosive playmaking ability by catching four passes out of the backfield for 165 yards, including a 66-yard touchdown. This performance set a franchise record of 41.25 yards per reception that still stands. His versatility was evident early on; during his rookie year in 1967, he led the AFL in punt returns with a 16.9-yard average and led the league in combined yards, repeating as leader in 1968. He was also one of only two players to return punts for touchdowns in both those seasons. In a famous 1972 upset over the Oakland Raiders, Little threw a touchdown pass to receiver Jerry Simmons. Despite being drafted by the US Military Academy and recruited by Notre Dame, he chose Syracuse at the persuasion of Ernie Davis, where he finished fifth in Heisman voting in both 1965 and 1966 before becoming the heart of the Broncos.

Reader's Guide

For fans tracking Little's legacy, his jersey number 44 was retired by the Broncos in 1975. It was later retired by Syracuse on November 12, 2005, to honor him alongside Ernie Davis and Jim Brown. He was a charter member of the Broncos' Ring of Fame inducted on October 1, 1984, joining Rich Jackson, Lionel Taylor, and Goose Gonsoulin. Little retired in 1975 as the NFL's seventh all-time leading rusher with 6,323 yards and 54 total touchdowns across rushing, receiving, and returns. He was named first-team All-AFL in 1969 and made the Pro Bowl in 1970, 1971, and 1973. Notably, he is one of only five players in the Super Bowl era to reach the Hall of Fame without ever playing a postseason game. His influence continued off the field; from July 2011 to June 2016, he served as special assistant to the athletic director at Syracuse University.

Did You Know?

• Little was the last Broncos rookie to be elected team captain until Bo Nix in 2024.
• He is one of five players in the Super Bowl era inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame without playing a single postseason game.
• His decision to sign with the AFL's Broncos prevented the franchise from relocating in the 1960s.
• Little finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting in both 1965 and 1966 while at Syracuse.