Hall of Fame Nominees Profile: Floyd Little

Floyd Little-Denver Broncos-Syracuse-1967-1975


Recently selected as a senior nominee, Floyd Little’s career statistics may seem underwhelming in light of the production of more current nominees (Emmitt Smith, Eddie George, etc.) However, when looked at in the context of where he ranked in all-time rushing when his career finished, he definitely has a strong case. He finished 7th in all-time rushing yardage and was a big contributor as a receiver and return man. On total, he had over 12,000 combine yards (12,157 to be precise) and 53 total touchdowns. The small number of touchdowns, relatively small number of 1,000 yard and 10+ touchdown seasons (one each) and lack of a league championship does hurt his cause. He was also a five-time pro bowler and a two-time all-pro, which does add some more validity to the argument of his place as a Hall of Famer. Also, all of the players who were ranked ahead of him in rushing at the time of his retirement have all made the Hall of Fame. This argument seems to be a bit flawed, as the players who are in the Hall shouldn’t have a bearing on who is getting into the Hall. For me, while there are weaknesses to his candidacy, I would vote him in as a senior nominee, mostly because of his effect as an all-purpose threat.