RIP Floyd Little, the 1968 play that defined who he was

 

I have many fond memories of Floyd's playing days as a young bronco fan in the late 60's/early 70's. One play stands out: 

The first year I had season tickets in the South Stands at age 12 I attended the Buffalo Bills/Bronco game in November 1968. This was the game where Lou Saban "fired" Floyd after Floyd fumbled as the Broncos were trying to run out the clock. The Bills recovered and kicked what appeared to be the winning field goal. Floyd is walking dejectedly to the locker room under the South Stands when all of a sudden he runs back on the field, tells Fran Lynch he's replacing him, and Floyd tells Bronco qb Marlin Briscoe to throw a deep pass to him. And that's what happened. Floyd makes a great diving catch (still one of the best I have seen in my many years of being a bronco fan) that sets up the winning field goal for the Broncos. It was cold that day too - I was freezing in the South Stands when Floyd made that catch! I only found out later of what drama transpired between Floyd and Lou Saban. 

That game, and that play, symbolized what Floyd Little was all about. He was an inspiration to me and many Denver area youth in the late 60's and early 70's. The message Floyd gave us: never give up, always give your best, and good things will happen. Rest In Peace Floyd.