Floyd Little feature on NFL.com home page - The Orange Mane

The Moops · 08-13-2006, 06:47 AM

Check out NFL.com home page, there's a new story on "The Franchise."

It's been up since Friday . . . also on the Broncos home page.

Hogan11 · 08-13-2006, 06:50 AM

Thanks for this!

IMO, He'll always be the greatest RB in Broncos history.

Spider · 08-13-2006, 06:57 AM

He was special , his legend is Always mentioned in Bronco lore ......

BroncoBuff · 08-13-2006, 06:57 AM

Floyd Little - The Original Franchise

by Mike Donnelly
NFLPLAYERS.COM
08/11/2006

When you think of the Denver Broncos, the name John Elway is usually the one name that comes immediately to mind. Prior to Elway however, the football player who made the biggest impact in Denver was Floyd Little.

The former Bronco known as "The Franchise," was the sixth overall draft choice in 1967 and was the first No. 1 pick to ever sign with Denver. As a three-time all-American at Syracuse, Little came into the NFL with a slashing style that allowed him to become one of the best running backs in the league. He played in five All-Star/Pro Bowls and led the NFL in rushing in 1971 with a career best 1,133 yards.

Although rarely done today, Little's nine (1967-1975) years in professional football began and ended with one team, the Broncos. He came to earn the nickname "The Franchise" for his devotion to the team and inspiring rushing ability that almost single-handedly allowed for the Broncos to sell enough tickets to be saved from relocation during a time of multiple losing seasons.

"I scored a touchdown in my first game as a rookie and in my last game before I retired which is significant," said Little. "I enjoyed playing for Denver for my entire career."

Little influenced the lives of Broncos fans on the field and did so off of it as well. His work in the community saw him earn the 1973 Brian Piccolo Award and the 1974 Byron "Whizzer" White Humanitarian Award for community service.

In 1975 Little retired, and at the time, he was the seventh all-time rusher in NFL history. He became one of the four original Broncos Ring of Fame inductees after finishing his career ranked No. 1 on the Broncos' all-time list for rushing attempts (1,641), rushing yards (6,323), rushing touchdowns (43) and total touchdowns (54).

As a result of his fame, leadership and rich character, Little was presented with several job opportunities following his retirement from the NFL. One option was to work for Ford Motor Company in a training program to be a Ford dealer, another was to work for Coors and the third was to work with NBC Sports.

"I took a chance and went to work with NBC Sports," said Little. "I did about 22 regional ball games working with Dick Stockton, Jim Simpson, Jay Randolph, Jack Buck, Ross Porter and some of the great guys that are still doing telecasts. I did the first five Tampa Bay games and then started doing the Seattle Seahawks games when they switched over to the AFC."

Little was well received in the broadcast booth and was offered several more job opportunities in other areas as he continued to meet more and more powerful people that came to value his skills. Instead, he chose to leave the booth to chase a bigger dream within the automobile business.

"I worked with a lot of great producers and directors at NBC Sports and it was very challenging for me but I left that to work with Ford Motor Company," Little said. "I'm a car guy. I love cars and I love people. I wanted to be in a position to be involved with people, helping them to make major decisions."

At first Little wasn't sure he made the right decision to get away from sports and enter dealer training with Ford Motor Company. But nearly 30 years later, the successful businessman realizes he made a wise choice. "The training process for being a Ford dealer was very rigorous," he said. "26 months of on the job training, learning every phase and facet of the industry. So I learned the trade well and I've been in the business for almost 30 years and survived three recessions."

Early into his automotive career, Little set up dealerships in Colorado and California. In 1990, he purchased Pacific Coast Ford in Federal Way (Wash.) about 25 miles south of Seattle, where he continues working today. "It's a store bigger than the average size," he added. "I'm the owner, president, the general manager, and a sales person everyday. I'm there everyday of the work week and occasionally get in on Saturdays and Sundays as well."

When he's not at the dealership or out playing golf, he and his wife DeBorah often take off to travel the world a few times a year. The two also share in maintaining close relationships with their three children. Marc is an L.A. lawyer; Kyra is a Broadway performer and recently starred with Christina Applegate in Sweet Charity; and Christy recently got her doctoral degree and for the last three years has been raising a family.

Little has been a part of many rewarding experiences as a father and husband, a sports broadcaster, and as a longtime owner of a Ford dealership, but his most remarkable memories are from his glory years as a star running back with the Broncos. Now at the age of 64, Little is putting his writing skills to work as he unveils the highlights of his days in the NFL in a book entitled Floyd Little's Tales from the Broncos Sidelines.

The book put together with sports writer Tom Mackie, is a behind the scenes look at Little's hall of fame worthy career. It discusses the humor and unique behavior of his former teammates and coaches, and details the challenges posed to him before, during, and after his retirement from the NFL. It's currently available for sale and will be officially released on August 15.

"I wanted to tell the story of how I got to the Broncos and the legacy that I left," said Little. "I also wanted to have a small part of it be about the Hall of Fame voting process."

"It has a lot of crack ups. The stories that are told are very humorous and emotional at the same time. It will bring people to several different levels."
One might think that a football career as impressive as Little's would be enough to get him into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but so far, no such luck. If there's one thing he can count on however, it's the admiration from all the Broncos fans that grew to adore him from the moment he first stepped onto the field at Mile High Stadium.

"I get back to the Denver area about once a year for a reunion," Little said. "Also, whenever the organization needs me or if there's something special going on there with the fans, then I'll go back. I have more friends in Denver than any other place in the world."

The Moops · 08-13-2006, 07:51 AM

He probably did the most with the least supporting cast than any back of his time. Retiring 7th all-time while playing on a losing team. Incredible.

Rock Chalk · 08-13-2006, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hogan11

Thanks for this!

IMO, He'll always be the greatest RB in Broncos history.

Greatest importance to the team anyway.

Withouth Floyd, John doesnt become Superman in Denver.

But TD was the best back in Broncos history. Floyd was probably the most important player in Broncos history.

JMO.

The Moops · 08-13-2006, 07:56 AM

Imagine what Floyd could have done with today's offensive line and rule changes . . .

Spider · 08-13-2006, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Moops

Imagine what Floyd could have done with today's offensive line and rule changes . . .

Floyd in todays NFL = Wow , he would have 90% of the records

The Moops · 08-13-2006, 08:02 AM

Heck, he was already 30 when they moved the hashmarks to midfield....

Spider · 08-13-2006, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Moops

Heck, he was already 30 when they moved the hashmarks to midfield....

I knew had been around awhile before the hashmarks , didnt know how old he was though ... But Littles toughness , and vision in todays NFL without blocking Scheme ..... Gunther would wake up in cold sweats before Facing Little

The Moops · 08-13-2006, 09:06 AM

Back then they also shared carries with the fullback. He led the AFC in 1970 with only 209 carries. Guys today tote the rock 350-400+ a season. That's why players like Curtis Martin and Bettis in the Top 10 all-time. Completely different game then . . .

ScottXray · 08-13-2006, 09:20 AM

I was at his last game....He took a screen pass about 70 yards for a TD. He was an incredible open field runner and once he got into the secondary he could really open up the afterburners.

He WAS the player that kept the Broncos in Denver, along with the Phipps brothers, and every Denver fan owes him a debt of gratitude for that at the least.

The Moops · 08-13-2006, 10:31 AM

I watched that game from my east-coast Delaware, sans cable, tv set.

Lucky for me, the Broncos were playing the local Eagles so I was able to get the game. Incredible performance for a 33-year-old guy. I remember all 11 Eagles had a shot at him on that TD jaunt. He zigzagged past all of them. He was even returning kickoffs in his last game. One of a kind player who did it all.

The thing I remember most is the fans carrying him off the field -- not players -- fans!

08-13-2006, 06:47 AM	#1
The Moops Old School Dude Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 1,115 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	Floyd Little feature on NFL.com home page Check out NFL.com home page, there's a new story on "The Franchise." It's been up since Friday . . . also on the Broncos home page.

08-13-2006, 06:57 AM	#4
BroncoBuff *************** Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 25,433 Adopt-a-Bronco: QUANTERUS SMITH	Floyd Little - The Original Franchise by Mike Donnelly NFLPLAYERS.COM 08/11/2006 When you think of the Denver Broncos, the name John Elway is usually the one name that comes immediately to mind. Prior to Elway however, the football player who made the biggest impact in Denver was Floyd Little. The former Bronco known as "The Franchise," was the sixth overall draft choice in 1967 and was the first No. 1 pick to ever sign with Denver. As a three-time all-American at Syracuse, Little came into the NFL with a slashing style that allowed him to become one of the best running backs in the league. He played in five All-Star/Pro Bowls and led the NFL in rushing in 1971 with a career best 1,133 yards. Although rarely done today, Little's nine (1967-1975) years in professional football began and ended with one team, the Broncos. He came to earn the nickname "The Franchise" for his devotion to the team and inspiring rushing ability that almost single-handedly allowed for the Broncos to sell enough tickets to be saved from relocation during a time of multiple losing seasons. "I scored a touchdown in my first game as a rookie and in my last game before I retired which is significant," said Little. "I enjoyed playing for Denver for my entire career." Little influenced the lives of Broncos fans on the field and did so off of it as well. His work in the community saw him earn the 1973 Brian Piccolo Award and the 1974 Byron "Whizzer" White Humanitarian Award for community service. In 1975 Little retired, and at the time, he was the seventh all-time rusher in NFL history. He became one of the four original Broncos Ring of Fame inductees after finishing his career ranked No. 1 on the Broncos' all-time list for rushing attempts (1,641), rushing yards (6,323), rushing touchdowns (43) and total touchdowns (54). As a result of his fame, leadership and rich character, Little was presented with several job opportunities following his retirement from the NFL. One option was to work for Ford Motor Company in a training program to be a Ford dealer, another was to work for Coors and the third was to work with NBC Sports. "I took a chance and went to work with NBC Sports," said Little. "I did about 22 regional ball games working with Dick Stockton, Jim Simpson, Jay Randolph, Jack Buck, Ross Porter and some of the great guys that are still doing telecasts. I did the first five Tampa Bay games and then started doing the Seattle Seahawks games when they switched over to the AFC." Little was well received in the broadcast booth and was offered several more job opportunities in other areas as he continued to meet more and more powerful people that came to value his skills. Instead, he chose to leave the booth to chase a bigger dream within the automobile business. "I worked with a lot of great producers and directors at NBC Sports and it was very challenging for me but I left that to work with Ford Motor Company," Little said. "I'm a car guy. I love cars and I love people. I wanted to be in a position to be involved with people, helping them to make major decisions." At first Little wasn't sure he made the right decision to get away from sports and enter dealer training with Ford Motor Company. But nearly 30 years later, the successful businessman realizes he made a wise choice. "The training process for being a Ford dealer was very rigorous," he said. "26 months of on the job training, learning every phase and facet of the industry. So I learned the trade well and I've been in the business for almost 30 years and survived three recessions." Early into his automotive career, Little set up dealerships in Colorado and California. In 1990, he purchased Pacific Coast Ford in Federal Way (Wash.) about 25 miles south of Seattle, where he continues working today. "It's a store bigger than the average size," he added. "I'm the owner, president, the general manager, and a sales person everyday. I'm there everyday of the work week and occasionally get in on Saturdays and Sundays as well." When he's not at the dealership or out playing golf, he and his wife DeBorah often take off to travel the world a few times a year. The two also share in maintaining close relationships with their three children. Marc is an L.A. lawyer; Kyra is a Broadway performer and recently starred with Christina Applegate in Sweet Charity; and Christy recently got her doctoral degree and for the last three years has been raising a family. Little has been a part of many rewarding experiences as a father and husband, a sports broadcaster, and as a longtime owner of a Ford dealership, but his most remarkable memories are from his glory years as a star running back with the Broncos. Now at the age of 64, Little is putting his writing skills to work as he unveils the highlights of his days in the NFL in a book entitled Floyd Little's Tales from the Broncos Sidelines. The book put together with sports writer Tom Mackie, is a behind the scenes look at Little's hall of fame worthy career. It discusses the humor and unique behavior of his former teammates and coaches, and details the challenges posed to him before, during, and after his retirement from the NFL. It's currently available for sale and will be officially released on August 15. "I wanted to tell the story of how I got to the Broncos and the legacy that I left," said Little. "I also wanted to have a small part of it be about the Hall of Fame voting process." "It has a lot of crack ups. The stories that are told are very humorous and emotional at the same time. It will bring people to several different levels." One might think that a football career as impressive as Little's would be enough to get him into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but so far, no such luck. If there's one thing he can count on however, it's the admiration from all the Broncos fans that grew to adore him from the moment he first stepped onto the field at Mile High Stadium. "I get back to the Denver area about once a year for a reunion," Little said. "Also, whenever the organization needs me or if there's something special going on there with the fans, then I'll go back. I have more friends in Denver than any other place in the world."

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08-13-2006, 06:50 AM	#2
Hogan11 Rock-N-Roll Historian Let's take these SOB's out!!!!!! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: W.NY.B.C. Posts: 21,300 Adopt-a-Bronco: Floyd Little	Thanks for this! IMO, He'll always be the greatest RB in Broncos history.

08-13-2006, 06:57 AM	#3
Spider Mr Diplomacy I survived Tebow Mania at the Mane Join Date: May 2001 Location: Elway was just an arm =MacGruder Posts: 84,438 Adopt-a-Bronco: Von Miller	He was special , his legend is Always mentioned in Bronco lore ......

08-13-2006, 07:51 AM	#5
The Moops Old School Dude Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 1,115 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	He probably did the most with the least supporting cast than any back of his time. Retiring 7th all-time while playing on a losing team. Incredible.

08-13-2006, 07:56 AM	#7
The Moops Old School Dude Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 1,115 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	Imagine what Floyd could have done with today's offensive line and rule changes . . .

08-13-2006, 08:02 AM	#9
The Moops Old School Dude Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 1,115 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	Heck, he was already 30 when they moved the hashmarks to midfield....

08-13-2006, 09:06 AM	#11
The Moops Old School Dude Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 1,115 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	Back then they also shared carries with the fullback. He led the AFC in 1970 with only 209 carries. Guys today tote the rock 350-400+ a season. That's why players like Curtis Martin and Bettis in the Top 10 all-time. Completely different game then . . .

08-13-2006, 09:20 AM	#12
ScottXray Opinionated A**** Love Me some PANCAKES!** Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: PDX (Portland OR) Posts: 4,660 Adopt-a-Bronco: J. D. Walton	I was at his last game....He took a screen pass about 70 yards for a TD. He was an incredible open field runner and once he got into the secondary he could really open up the afterburners. He WAS the player that kept the Broncos in Denver, along with the Phipps brothers, and every Denver fan owes him a debt of gratitude for that at the least.

08-13-2006, 10:31 AM	#13
The Moops Old School Dude Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 1,115 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	I watched that game from my east-coast Delaware, sans cable, tv set. Lucky for me, the Broncos were playing the local Eagles so I was able to get the game. Incredible performance for a 33-year-old guy. I remember all 11 Eagles had a shot at him on that TD jaunt. He zigzagged past all of them. He was even returning kickoffs in his last game. One of a kind player who did it all. The thing I remember most is the fans carrying him off the field -- not players -- fans!