SPOTLIGHT ON FLOYD LITTLE:

One of six children whose father died of cancer when he was eight years of age, Floyd Little overcame a family situation that saw him raised on welfare and required him to work until 10 PM every evening while he was in high school. Little utilized his natural intelligence and burning desire to succeed to become one of the greats in the annals of Syracuse football history but his path was difficult. He did not play his first football game until he stepped onto the sandlots of New Haven, CT at the age of fifteen, ran out of high school eligibility while not being close to achieving minimal graduation credits, and skirted the outside of the law while spending one summer running numbers to support his family. Managing a scholarship to Bordentown, N.J. Military Institute, the two years there allowed him to develop as a student and public speaker, and hone his athletic skills as he spent his time studying and lifting weights. He developed into a dependable and talented running back and spurned an offer from Notre Dame, instead deciding to emulate the late Ernie Davis and attend Syracuse. Little was the heart and soul of the team from 1964 through 1966 as a three-time All American who was a savage blocker, tension-provoking kick and punt return man, and slashing change-of-pace rusher who had surpassed the records of both Jim Brown and Ernie Davis by the conclusion of his junior season. His varsity debut against Kansas where he completed the day with 159 yards rushing and 254 total yards became in many ways, typical. His three-year varsity career resulted in 4947 total yards, 2704 rushing yards, forty-six touchdowns, and the devoted loyalty of his teammates because he was both the best and hardest working player on the team. He would rouse others from their rooms to lift weights, run, and encourage them to join him on the winter and spring track teams to maintain higher levels of conditioning. He found tutors for those not doing well academically and despite his poor school background prior to attending Bordentown, was a fine student who majored in history and religion and often quoted the great poets when making public speeches. Floyd Little lived up to the famed number 44 at Syracuse and more, eventually being inducted to the College Football Hall Of Fame. He followed his Syracuse exploits with a nine-year career in the pros with the Denver Broncos, a poor team that he led with 12,103 all purpose yards, 6300 rushing yards, and All AFC and Pro Bowl honors. While both considering entry to Syracuse and during his time there, Little refused to accept any offers of money from boosters and in the pros he maintained his moral compass and devoted himself to community affairs work in numerous organizations in the Denver area. He continued to pursue his education and earned a Masters degree in Judicial Administration before becoming heavily involved in the ownership of automobile dealerships. Little remains a legend at Syracuse, a humble, driven man who served as an example to all that hard work and dedication can overcome the most difficult of obstacles.