Mile High Morning: 'The Franchise' Floyd Little diagnosed with cancer, per former Syracuse teammate

[Miles]

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Hall of Fame and Broncos Ring of Fame running back Floyd Little is battling cancer, one of his former college teammates told Syracuse.com.


That former teammate, Pat Killorin, also set up a GoFundMe page for Little with the Little family's blessing.


"We believe the last thing we want our friend Floyd to do is worry about this expense or to give up in order to avoid it," Killorin wrote. "We don't believe Floyd should have to make these kinds of choices when his focus must be on becoming the next cancer survivor we all celebrate."


Little also had a prolific college career at Syracuse that landed him in the College Football Hall of Fame. During his three years with the Orange, Little recorded All-America team selections from several media outlets each year from 1964-66.


Also known as "The Franchise" among Broncos fans, Little became the Broncos' first first-round pick to sign with the team. In nine years in Denver, Little earned five Pro Bowl selections and one first-team All-Pro nod. He was the leading rusher in the NFL in 1971 and scored the most rushing touchdowns in 1973.


Little was one of the four original inductees into the Ring of Fame in 1984 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. His No. 44 jersey number is one of three retired by the team.


Even though almost 50 years have passed since Little's last game as a Bronco, he still remains one of Broncos Country's favorite players, and he can be certain that everyone is supporting him in his fight.