Floyd Little: The NFL’s most complete back is finally headed to Canton

Five years ago Floyd Little, tired of being overlooked by the Hall of Fame and even more exhausted
by the throngs of fans that repeatedly asked him, “Why aren’t you in the Hall of Fame?” decided to
take matters into his own hands.

He sat down and wrote personal letters to the nine Hall of Fame Seniors Committee Members that
nominate senior candidates (players that have been retired 25 years or more) about why he was
never nominated. Floyd also threw in an extra letter to Sports Illustrated’s Paul Zimmerman, because
he always valued his insight.

Incredulously only 3 of the 10 writers responded, Zimmerman being one of them. One writer, Dave
Goldberg, told Floyd that only 2 things go into considering a running back for the HOF: Rushing
Yards and Super Bowls. That’s it.

Things like receiving yards, return yards, pro bowls, impact to the franchise, years serving as captain,
and overall respect throughout the league and community service were not given much weight.

In fact, voters are only asked to look at what a player did on the field, not how many DUIs he had or
domestic violence raps he collected. When it comes to HOF voting, those atrocities are swept under
the rug.

Floyd Little epitomized all that was great about the NFL.

Not only did he retire as the 7th leading rusher in NFL history, he retired 8th in yards from scrimmage
(rushing and receiving), and totaled more than 12,000 yards in all-purpose yards (rushing, receiving
and punt-and kick-off returns).

Plus, he was Captain all 9 seasons and a 5-time Pro Bowler, All-Pro twice! Best of all, he was a tireless
beacon of hope in the Denver community. A special assistant to the Governor of Colorado, Floyd
constantly worked with youth. And, oh yeah, because of his signing in 1967 as the Broncos first #1 pick
to not bolt to the NFL, the team stayed in Denver even though the moving vans were half-full at the time.

Floyd was my hero growing up and, thanks to the gift from my wife seven years ago on my 40th birthday
I’ve had the privilege to know him since 2003. He remains my hero and today I consider him one of my
best friends. I am proud to have helped him achieve eternal greatness with his 2010 election to the Pro
Football Hall of Fame.

Because of the special way Floyd carried himself on and off the field, I am asking the Pro Football Hall
of Fame to reconsider how they select candidates from here on out.

I believe the hall of fame should take a page from the baseball hall of fame in Cooperstown by including
Hall of Famers, guys who actually played the game, in the voting while also adopting baseball’s sublime
approach: “voting shall be based upon the individual’s record, ability, integrity, sportsmanship,
character and contribution to the game.”

Wow . . . ability and integrity, sportsmanship and character. What a concept! Above all else, these are
the things our kids should strive for.

Hey, Pro Football Hall of Fame – just call it “The Floyd Little Rule”

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