Floyd Little continued...
Initially a man of small means and resources, Little began his climb through education at Bordentown Military Academy in New Jersey. Being an outstanding athlete, he was recruited by several universities, but in 1963 he marched on to Syracuse University where he began his commitment to excellence. He excelled on every turn, which garnered him “All American Honors” every year in varsity. As a hard working student, realizing that education was the real key to success, he always had time to coach the student who needed an extra hand. As an athlete, he always had time for the child who wanted an autograph—he became known as "the man with the wherever pen."
The victory came for Little when drafted in 1967 to the Denver Broncos where he toiled for nine rugged years as the leading rusher. He led as the team’s career rusher with 6,323 yards on 1,641 attempts, and scored 43 touchdowns. Little was recognized as a three-time All American player and twice won the American Football rushing title. Little was so honored to have his number, the legendary 44, retired both at Syracuse and at the Denver Broncos.
He was recognized by the NFL league-wide and was inducted into six "Halls of Fame," including the National League College Hall of Fame, the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, Professional Athlete of the year, the Denver Bronco Ring of Fame in 1984, the Gator Bowl Hall of Fame in 1989, the Syracuse letterman of Distinction in 1989 and the NCC Silver Anniversary Award in 1992. With a foundation built on integrity and leadership, Little was the recipient of over eighteen professional athlete achievement awards during his career. The Denver community proclaimed October 24, 1972, as “Floyd Little Day,” and for three consecutive years he was awarded the "Third Down Award" by the vote of his fellow teammates for outstanding contributions to the team.
In his latter years of professional football, his pursuit of excellence continued. He graduated from the University of Denver, College of Law in 1975. Little’s success on the football field was surpassed only by his commitment and contributions to mankind. His sincerity and honesty were apparent to all who met him. From 1968 to 1982 Little received more than thirty of the most distinguished community service awards in America. In 1974 alone, he received three of the most prestigious community service awards: the YMCA Brian Piccolo Award; the Distinguished American Award for Community Service, presented by the Connecticut Hall of Fame; and the American Jewish Community Appeal for Human Relations Citation in recognition of the outstanding contributions Little made towards the betterment of man and his community.
Upon retirement from the Denver Broncos in 1976, Floyd Little could be seen on NBC Sports as a television commentator. In spite of his schedule, he still managed to assist the Honorable John A. Love, Governor of the State of Colorado in urban and state affairs.
Floyd Little made the difficult transition from star athlete to successful businessman. From 1977 to 1979, he received formal training while attending the Ford Motor Executive Management Training Program where he was subjected to extensive seminars and in-field training in the areas of Sales, Marketing, Accounting, Finance and Purchasing.
Currently residing in the State of Washington, he is the president of Pacific Coast Ford, which became a private capital dealership in December 1998. He is known as one of the most successful and well-respected Ford Dealers in the industry. Ford Motor Corporation solicits his assistance as a consultant and instructor for its Minority Dealers Program. He has assisted numerous dealers nation-wide including the training and installation of the first African American female dealer in Taft, California in 1986. Currently Floyd is the longest tenure active Minority Dealer in the Ford Portfolio.
He recently wrote “Floyd Little’s Tales from the Broncos Sideline” with a forward by John Elway. This book may be purchased from Pacific Coast Ford Parts Department. In addition to all his attributes, Floyd is a family man. Married in April 2003 to Syracuse native DeBorah Green, he has two daughters Christy and Kyra, a son Marc, and became a grandfather to Skye, Blaze, and Hays.
Floyd Little strives to make a difference in all that the does. He cares not only for self-betterment, but also for the betterment of others. His record shows it.
