On January 1st, 2021, Floyd Little passed away at the age of 78 after battling cancer. Little was primarily known for his career with the Denver Broncos and was often referred to by his nickname, “The Franchise.” Little originally became a football star while attending Hillhouse High School in New Haven, Connecticut, but was forced to abstain from playing as a senior due to his academic records. While attending Borden Military Institute in Pennsylvania in an attempt to improve his academic standing, Little began to receive offers from college programs, and eventually committed to attending Syracuse University. At Syracuse, Little rushed for 2,750 yards and scored 39 touchdowns in three seasons from 1964 to 1966. He was an All-American each of those years and eventually earned a membership in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
Over the span of his career with the Denver Broncos, Little rushed for 6,232 yards, played in five Pro Bowls, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Outside of his professional sports career, Little at one time owned a chain of auto dealerships and additionally worked as a special assistant at Syracuse to mentor students. He also retained a presence in his hometown of New Haven, and the athletic facilities at Hillhouse High School were named after him in 2011. After the announcement of Little’s death, President-elect Joe Biden, who was on Syracuse’s campus at the same time as Little, tweeted: “Floyd Little and I were students at Syracuse University together. And over the years, I got to know the man behind the number. He was full of character, decency, and integrity. I will miss my friend. The entire Biden family sends our love to DeBorah and the Little family.” Little is survived by his wife DeBorah Little, his son Marc Little, and his daughters Christy Little Jones and Kyra Little DaCosta.
Sources:
“Denver Broncos Hall of Fame RB Floyd Little dies at 78” https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30638047/denver-broncos-hall-fame-rb-floyd-little-dies-78
“NFL Hall of Famer Floyd Little, among Connecticut’s most revered athletes, dead at 78” https://www.courant.com/sports/football/hc-sp-floyd-little-obit-20210102-20210102-tmx52cdk3vhbtbqualrzbp6gsi-story.html
