UNT Star responsible for integrating college football in Texas dies at the age of 86

University of North Texas and Dallas Texans star running back Abner Haynes died at the age of 86 on Thursday, July 18.

Haynes rose to fame when he and teammate Leon King competed in college football for North Texas State College, now known as the University of North Texas, becoming the first black players to integrate Texas college football in 1956.

After leaving UNT Haynes joined the American Football League and became an inaugural member of the Dallas Texans. He played three seasons for the Texans until the franchise relocated to Kansas City in 1963 to become the Chiefs.

Haynes retired with 8,165 total yards with 66 total touchdowns over an eight-year career which lasted from 1960-1967 and was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1988 .

Over his career, Haynes was AFL MVP in 1960, Comeback Player of the Year in 1964 and a four-time all-star.

Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt lamented Hayne’s passing in a statement.

“My family and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Chiefs Hall of Famer Abner Haynes,” Said Hunt, “Abner was one of the first great stars of the Dallas Texans and the American Football League. In the league’s first season in 1960, Abner earned Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year honors, and more importantly, he earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and fans alike. In addition to his on-the-field prowess, Abner was a man of courage and leadership from a very young age. He remained involved in the community well after his playing days were over, and his legacy extends far beyond the gridiron. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Guadalupe and his entire family during this difficult time.”

Haynes was a captain of the Chiefs’ 1962 AFL Championship-winning team but was unceremoniously traded from the team after speaking up after Black players were struggling with accommodations during the 1965 season.

Haynes was praised by Black players like Hall of Famer Buck Buchanan for being willing to stand up for players’ rights and making a difference in the league.

The viewing for Haynes’ funeral is from 2-8 p.m. on Friday, July 26, at Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home located at 6449 University Hills Boulevard in Dallas. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, at Grace Cathedral COGIC located at 7615 S. Polk St., in Dallas.