The top five running backs in KC Chiefs history

Abner Haynes

"“He was a franchise player before they talked about franchise players” – Hank Stram"

The more I learn about Abner Haynes, the more I think he doesn’t quite get the respect that he deserves in Chiefs Kingdom. Haynes grew up in Dallas, playing alongside friend and future college teammate Leon King at Lincoln High School. Together, both became the first African-American football players to suit up for the North Texas State College football team.

Haynes had a productive college career, eclipsing 1,000 yards from scrimmage his senior season and scoring 14 touchdowns. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as the first round of the 1960 AFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. While the NFL was far more prestigious at the time compared to the upstart AFL, Haynes decided instead to play in the AFL and for the Dallas Texans.

"“They said I’d have a lot more prestige. I’d just tell them I wanted to play right away, and that I couldn’t put prestige on my dinner table and eat it.” – Abner Haynes"

Haynes made his own prestige. The small school product hit the ground running in the AFL, leading the league in rushing and capturing both the AFL’s Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year awards. For context, in his rookie season he nearly matched Jim Brown‘s NFL output with 1,451 yards from scrimmage.

Haynes was an absolute star for five seasons with the Texans, and eventually Chiefs. From 1960 to 1964, even with a down year in 1963, he averaged 1,311 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns. In his most impressive season, 1962, he had 1,622 yards from scrimmage and 19 total touchdowns.

Haynes was one of the first superstars in franchise history and the AFL. He was an AFL All Star three times, voted to the All-AFL team three times, and the AFL Player of the Year in 1960. He is still the holder of nine franchise records and was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1991.