Floyd Little (born July 4, 1942 in New Haven, Connecticut) was a three-time American football All-American running back at Syracuse University. In 1967 Floyd Little was the 13th selection of the draft by professional teams. He was the first No. 1 draft pick to sign with the American Football League's Denver Broncos where he was known simply as "The Franchise". Legend has it that he was "fired" by coach Lou Saban after a fumble that led to a late-game lead for the Buffalo Bills in 1968. Little, after refusing to leave the huddle, asked QB Marlon Brisco to "throw the ball as far as you can and I'll catch it." Brisco threw it, Little caught it, and the Broncos kicked a winning field goal.
Little became a charter member of the Broncos' Ring of Fame in his fifth season; he was the first Bronco to hold the rushing title, with 901 yards, and the next year was the first Bronco to eclipse 1,000 yards, gaining 1,133, the most in pro football. He was an American Football League All-Star in 1968 and 1969 and made the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl in 1970, 1971 and 1973. He retired with 6,323 yards rushing and 43 touchdowns.
