Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Famer Abner Haynes dies at 86 as Super Bowl champions pay tribute to ‘man of courage and leadership’

Chiefs Hall of Famer Abner Haynes has died at 86, the team announced on Thursday.

The halfback played with the franchise from 1960-64 (originally as a member of the Dallas Texans, before they were renamed to the Chiefs), and became the AFL‘s first Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year in 1960.

Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said in a statement, ‘My family and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Chiefs Hall of Famer Abner Haynes.’

He continued, ‘Abner was a man of courage and leadership from a very young age. He remained involved in the community well after his playing days were over, and his legacy extends far beyond the gridiron. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Guadalupe and his entire family during this difficult time.’

Earlier in his life, Haynes was a trailblazer in the college ranks, as he and teammate Leon King became the first black athletes on an integrated football team in Texas.

Chiefs Hall of Famer Abner Haynes has died at 86, the team announced on Thursday

Haynes (seen running with the ball) plays for the Dallas Texans vs. the Los Angeles Chargers 

The pair played at North Texas State College, which is now known as  the University of North Texas.

The school paid tribute to him on X, writing, ‘Forever a part of the Mean Green family.’

Haynes’ 8,473 career combined net yards are sixth in Chiefs history.

He also holds Chiefs franchise records for most touchdowns in a rookie season (12) and most rushing touchdowns in a game (four).

The Denton, Texas native would later go on to play for the Broncos, Dolphins and Jets, with his last season coming in 1967.