Syracuse Football: Top 5 Running Backs in School History

3. Floyd Little

Tied for the most touchdowns in Syracuse history, Floyd Little was a monster for the Orange. Little rushed for over 2,700 yards, and sits as the 6th highest rusher in school history, according to Sports-Reference.com. Little was awarded for his memorable 1966 campaign through winning ECAC Player of the Year honors.

He was a staple of success for the Orange, and was one of three players on this list that wore No. 44. Little lived up to his potential at the NFL level, tallying five Pro Bowl appearances with the Denver Broncos, according to Pro-Football-Reference.com. Little was also named to Syracuse’s All-Century team in 1999, was inducted into the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983 and 2010.

At 5’10 and 195 pounds, Little’s impact in the NFL may outweigh his memorable college career. In 1971, Floyd Little became the smallest player since the end of World War Two to lead the entire NFL in rushing. Little left such a large impact on the Broncos that his No. 44 was retired. As a matter of fact, his number was the first in the team’s history to be retired.

Floyd Little even impacted Denver and their fans well after retirement. In 2006, he released a book called “Floyd Little’s Tales from the Broncos Sidelines”. The legacy of No. 44 led the three successful Orange running backs to be remembered even today, regardless of their success at the NFL level. What many to this day don’t even realize is that Little played in both the AFL and NFL, and dominated.