Former Syracuse running back and NFL standout Floyd Little will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, according to a statement issued by SU Athletics.

Little, the sixth overall pick in the 1967 NFL Draft, played for nine seasons with the Denver Broncos from 1967-1975. During that time, he amassed 6,323 yards and 43 touchdowns on 1,641 carries. In total, he recorded more than 12,000 all-purpose yards in a career that led him to five Pro Bowls.

He is just the third Bronco ever voted into the hall after John Elway and Gary Zimmerman.

Little’s induction puts him in a class with six others from Syracuse – Jim Brown, Jim Ringo, Larry Csonka, John Mackey, Art Monk and Oakland Raiders’ owner Al Davis – in the Hall of Fame.

During his time as an Orangeman, Little was a three-time All-American. In three years, he rushed for 2,704 yards and 35 touchdowns. In total, Little set the all-time program record with 46 career touchdowns and six punts returned for touchdowns. During his junior year, he became the first Orangeman to break the 1,000-yard barrier in a single season.

Little became the 17th Syracuse player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.

The official induction ceremony will take place on Aug. 7 in Canton, Ohio, with an incoming class that includes the NFL’s all-time leading receiver, Jerry Rice, and its all-time rushing leader, Emmitt Smith.

Offensive lineman Russ Grimm, linebacker Rickey Jackson, cornerback Dick LeBeau, and defensive tackle John Randle round out the 2010 class.

ctorr@syr.edu

Published on February 7, 2010 at 12:00 pm