Former Chiefs running back James Hadnot dead at 59
By Matt Conner
James Hadnot, who played for the Chiefs from 1980 to 1983, passed away on Friday at the age of 59.
Former Kansas City Chiefs running back James Hadnot has passed away from a heart attack at the age of 59 at his home in Lubbock, Texas. According to KLTV, the Jasper, Texas native will have his funeral at Jasper High School sometime next week.
Hadnot was a star at Texas Tech University who was drafted by the Chiefs in the third round (66th overall) of the 1980 NFL Draft by general manager Jim Schaaf. Hadnot set Texas Tech’s rushing records as a junior (1,369 yards) and again as a senior (1,371 yards) after the coaching staff converted him from tight end to running back after his sophomore season.
Hadnot ended up playing four seasons with the Chiefs, playing 43 games and making 22 starts in the process. He shifted from running back to fullback in front of Joe Delaney after his rookie season. He finished his NFL career with 266 carries for 1,029 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. He also caught 54 catches for 426 receiving yards.
Hadnot also played one more season for the San Antonio Gunslingers in the USFL.