Abner Haynes, a former standout halfback for the Kansas City Chiefs and star of the American Football League (AFL), died at the age of 86 on July 18, 2024. He was renowned for his remarkable abilities as a runner, receiver, and return specialist, leaving a significant legacy in both the sport and the community.
Haynes, born on September 19, 1937, set records and broke down barriers throughout his career. In 1960, he garnered attention when he was declared both the AFL Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, the first player to achieve these accolades. During that year, Haynes topped the league in rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns, distinguishing himself as a skilled and powerful player.
Known for his speed and agility during his eight-year career, Haynes dominated the AFL in several statistical categories, including rushing yards, touchdown runs, total yards, punt return yardage, and kickoff returns for scores. His peak season was in 1962 when he aided the Dallas Texans (now known as the Kansas City Chiefs) in clinching their first AFL title. He rushed for 1,049 yards, scored 13 touchdowns and caught 39 passes for 573 yards, contributing six receiving touchdowns. Haynes scored two essential 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,” 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.”
Beyond his achievements on the field, Haynes’ legacy includes his role in integrating the football team of North Texas State College (now the University of North Texas) in 1956, alongside teammate Leon King. This critical step paved the way for future generations of Black athletes.
Haynes was also a vocal advocate for racial equality. In 1965, he played a significant role in the players’ boycott of the AFL All-Star game, which was moved from New Orleans to Houston due to racial discrimination. This action against injustice solidified his reputation as a leader both on and off the field.
“Abner was a player who was ahead of his time,” said Hank Stram, the late Hall of Fame Chiefs coach. “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 his retirement from professional football, Haynes remained active in his community. He devoted his time to “Heroes of Football,” a program designed to support former professional players dealing with disabilities. His dedication to giving back was a testament to his character and his enduring influence.
Haynes’ significant contributions to football were acknowledged with numerous awards. 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, which recognizes significant contributions to the sport.
Reflecting on Haynes’s career, his impact on the field is evident in the records he set and the legacy he left behind. Over his eight seasons in the AFL, he amassed 12,065 total yards, an AFL record that still stands. His versatility and skill as a runner, receiver, and returner positioned him as a franchise player before the term became 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.”