Floyd Little Is In Hospice Care

If you haven't heard the news, Syracuse legend Floyd Little has entered hospice care. His former teammate Patrick Killorin let us know and is asking for love and prayers for peace.

I remember when I had the chance to meet him in 2016. Dino Babers had just been signed as the new football coach for the Syracuse Orange and he went on the "No Huddle" tour with men's basketball coach Jim Boeheim.

The tour made it's way to NYSEG Stadium before a Binghamton Mets game in May. My son Devon and I were treated to a pleasant surprise when we got there because Floyd Little was at the ballpark with them too.

Devon was 18 at the time and had no idea who he was. In fact, Devon thought we were friends because of the conversation that Floyd and I had. This gave me a great opportunity to tell Devon about this football legend.

He was the running back for the Cuse from 64-66 and was a three-time All-American. He was one of the greats that wore #44 along with Jim Brown and Ernie Davis. In 1967, he was the 6th selection in the first common AFL/NFL draft.

He was drafted by Denver and became known as "The Franchise." That's because his signing kept the Broncos from relocating and persuaded voters to approve funds to build the Mile High Stadium.

In 2016, Little was the special assistant to the athletic director at Syracuse University and he would be at every football game. LIttle said that I looked familiar and I told him that I wave to him every time I see him at the Carrier Dome.

He responded that he would be looking for me when the football season started back up. I know he was being cordial but it was still an AWESOME conversation. He's been a great ambassador for Syracuse sports and stands for all that is good in sports and the world.

I've included the Little family in my prayers and I hope you'll add them to your prayers (or thoughts) today too.