Floyd Little was the best player to ever wear jersey No. 44 for the Denver Broncos.
After playing college football at Syracuse, Little was drafted by the Broncos in the first round (sixth overall) in the 1967 NFL draft. He went on to spend his entire nine-year career in Denver, rushing for 6,323 yards and 43 touchdowns.
Little was a five-time Pro Bowler and one-time first-team All-Pro. He led the NFL with 1,133 rushing yards in 1971, and his 12 rushing touchdowns in 1973 tired for the most in the league that season.
A three-time first-team All-American in College, Little had his No. 44 retired by the Syracuse Orange. The Broncos also retired Little’s number and the team added him to their Ring of Fame in 1984.
Nicknamed "The Franchise," Floyd Little's impact was immense, having helped put the @Broncos on the map in the franchise's early years.
On the day the late Little would've turned 81, we remember his legacy. #HOFForever pic.twitter.com/XK5gCSPJg0
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) July 4, 2023
Little was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. His 6,323 career rushing yards rank second in franchise history only behind fellow Hall of Famer Terrell Davis (7,607 yards).
Nicknamed “The Franchise,” Little helped prevent the Broncos from moving out of Denver in the 1960s. He was one of the best (and most important) players in franchise history.
Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
