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United States Floyd Little was a distinguished NFL athlete whose career achievements led to his induction into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His post-football career included business ventures and community involvement.
Floyd Little engaged in extensive work with the United Negro College Fund, demonstrating his commitment to humanitarian service.
Floyd Little's extensive humanitarian service included involvement with the March of Dimes, which earned him the Brian Piccolo Award for Humanitarian Service.
Floyd Little transitioned into the business world after his NFL career, owning a Ford dealership in Seattle starting in 1990, which operated until 2009.
Floyd Douglas Little was born on July 4, 1942, in New Haven, Connecticut. He began his football journey at Hillhouse High School in New Haven and continued at the Bordentown Military Institute. Little was heavily recruited for college football, ultimately choosing Syracuse University at the behest of Ernie Davis. During his college career at Syracuse from 1964 to 1966, he achieved three-time All-American honors, playing as a prominent running back. He recorded significant rushing yards and touchdowns, finishing fifth in Heisman Trophy voting in both 1965 and 1966. His collegiate success cemented his status as a top prospect, preparing him for a professional career.
Little was the sixth overall selection in the 1967 NFL/AFL draft by the Denver Broncos, becoming the first first-round pick to sign with the AFL’s Broncos. He was nicknamed “the Franchise” due to his pivotal role in generating fan interest and securing the team’s future in Denver. Throughout his nine seasons with the Broncos, he was a team captain every year. By the time of his retirement in 1975, Little was the NFL’s seventh all-time leading rusher with 6,323 yards and 54 total touchdowns. His number 44 jersey was retired by both the Denver Broncos and Syracuse University. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Beyond football, Little pursued a career in law and business, earning a master’s degree in legal administration from the University of Denver in 1975. He owned and operated Ford dealerships in Seattle and Santa Barbara until 2009. He also served as a special assistant to the athletic director at Syracuse University from 2011 to 2016. Little received honorary doctorates from Syracuse University and the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law, recognizing his contributions on and off the field. He passed away on January 1, 2021, at the age of 78.
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