Abner Haynes

Abner Haynes (September 19, 1937 – July 18, 2024) was an American professional football player who served as a halfback and return specialist in the American Football League. Born in Denton, Texas, he graduated from Lincoln High School in Dallas in 1956 before playing college football at North Texas State College in Denton, now the University of North Texas. There, in 1957, Haynes and teammate Leon King integrated college football in the state of Texas.

Haynes was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the 1960 AFL draft and was also chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round, 55th overall, of the 1960 NFL draft. He chose to play in the AFL, signing his contract with the Dallas Texans under the goal posts of Kidd Field. Over eight AFL seasons he scored 46 rushing touchdowns, the most by any player in league history. He won AFL Most Valuable Player honors in 1960, the league's inaugural season.