Abner Haynes is a local legend, and the pioneer professional football star of Dallas, Texas. His accomplishments merit long overdue inclusion in the NFL Hall of Fame, and the name of Haynes should rightfully be included in discussions of all time great Dallas football running backs along with names such as Dorsett and Smith. It is my contention then that not only should we of the city of Dallas remember Abner Haynes and respect his local gridiron accomplishments at the High School, College, and Professional levels; but that the NFL itself is long overdue to recognize his professional football achievements by including him among his peers in the Hall of Fame.
Born and raised in Denton, Texas; the legendary Abner Haynes:
-Was one of Texas’ greatest High School Running Backs ever (Dallas Lincoln High)
-Along with High School teammate Leon King; broke the college football color barrier in the state of Texas by earning a place on the 1956 North Texas State University roster (now University of North Texas) in Haynes’ hometown of Denton.
-Was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 55th overall pick in the 1960 NFL Draft. At that time African-American football players were rarely drafted by the NFL.
-Chose instead to sign with his hometown AFL Dallas Texans.
-Was the AFL’s first ever Rookie of the Year (1960)
-Was the AFL’s first ever Player of the Year (1960)
-Was the AFL’s first ever Rushing yardage leader (1960; 875 yards in 14 game schedule)
-Scored Dallas’ only two touchdowns in their 20-17 1962 Double Overtime AFL Championship victory over the 2 time defending AFL Champion Houston Oilers (longest Championship Game in professional football history to date).
-Was the AFL’s All Time All Purpose Yards leader (12,065 AP yards; 1960-1968)
-Without question Dallas, Texas’ first ever superstar professional football player. His name should be in every discussion along with Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett when discussing the greatest professional running backs in the history of Dallas, Texas.
In spite of these many accomplishments, and in spite of having career stats equal to and even exceeding comparable Pro Football Hall of Fame Running Backs of his era; such as Gale Sayers, Abner Haynes has never been selected to assume his rightful place in the NFL Hall of Fame.
Dallas legend Abner Haynes for the NFL Hall of Fame.
Long live the memory of the AFL.
Dave Henderson
The AFL Original Eight 