Abner Haynes has Died

Venson · July 18

Today we lost the great Abner Haynes.

Marty · July 18

Loss of a legend! RIP Abner.

GrandGreen · July 18

Loss of a NT legend, but more importantly a national legend.

Jerry Levius, who was recruited to SMU by Hayden Fry in 1966 was the much ballyhooed first black player to sign in the SWC.

Despite that Haynes and King played for NT, ten years earlier.

A historical athlete, who also had a great college and pro career. I have had the pleasure of talking to him several times at NT functions and he was a great supporter of the Green.

greenjoe · July 18

Abner Haynes played football here when the playing part was the easy part. The abuse he had to deal with, likely every day, must have made him wonder why he chose to come here in the first place. Abner Haynes and his teammate Leon King blocked so that others could run. They carried the ball so that the ball later generations carried was lighter. And thank you to the University of North Texas (NTSC, NTSU) for offering these opportunities some 10 years before those opportunities became fashionable.

My Dad took me to see my first football game. I’ll never forget him saying we were going to see “Little Abner.”

There should be a statue to Abner Haynes next to Joe Greene’s. I’m just sorry Abner wont see it.

GMoney · July 18

I met Abner at the Color Barrier Breaker Breakfast some 10 years ago. I saw him again at the dedication of the Unity Plaza. He truly was a man amongst men. Every black athlete at North Texas should know his story and those of the men who helped him get through it! As a former player, I will always owe him a debt of gratitude for what he did!

At let us not forget... Abner and Leon are the TRUE color barrier breakers in Texas (not what the school down south wants you to believe).

RIP! GMG Forever!

Side.Show.Joe · July 18

This is sad news. Abner was a legend, but he was also really nice person, despite all he endured. I'm grateful to have met him I hope the team wears a 28 patch and honor him this season.

NT80 · July 18

1960 FLEER RC ABNER HAYNES #73 DALLAS TEXANS NORTH TEXAS STATE VG-EX NO CREASES - Picture 2 of 2

1960 FLEER RC ABNER HAYNES #73 DALLAS TEXANS NORTH TEXAS STATE VG-EX NO CREASES - Picture 1 of 2

greenminer · July 18

2 hours ago, greenjoe said:

Abner Haynes played football here when the playing part was the easy part. The abuse he had to deal with, likely every day, must have made him wonder why he chose to come here in the first place. Abner Haynes and his teammate Leon King blocked so that others could run. They carried the ball so that the ball later generations carried was lighter. And thank you to the University of North Texas (NTSC, NTSU) for offering these opportunities some 10 years before those opportunities became fashionable.

My Dad took me to see my first football game. I’ll never forget him saying we were going to see “Little Abner.”

There should be a statue to Abner Haynes next to Joe Greene’s. I’m just sorry Abner wont see it.

IMO, this part of our history should be glorified as much as UTEP honors and glorifies their 1966 MBB National Title.

Maybe one day someone will document this team in film/cinema, profiling as many people as possible who were a part of the story.

Edited July 18 by greenminer

Dannymacfan · July 19

Sad day. We never game him the appreciation he deserved. Mean Joe got all the attention.

Udomann · July 19

1 hour ago, NT80 said:

Dallas texans... this so predates me but what cool collectible. I suppose he retired a Chief? RIP to a UNT legend

greenjoe · July 19

When someone knows the details of a funeral/memorial service please post them here.

NorthTexasWeLove · July 19

Rip

UNT86 · July 19

4 hours ago, Udomann said:

Dallas Texans... this so predates me but what cool collectible. I suppose he retired a Chief. RIP to a UNT legend

He played the best part of his career for the Chiefs/Texans. He is in the Chiefs Ring of Honor. He finished his career for the Dolphins and the Broncos. I believe his entire career was AFL.

Edited July 19 by UNT86