Syracuse, N.Y. -- Syracuse football legend Floyd Little will be entering hospice care, his former teammate Patrick Killorin announced on Saturday night.
Killorin shared the information on Facebook, where he has provided periodic updates on Little’s health to teammates and fans.
Little’s bout with cancer became public in May, when Killorin helped organize a Go Fund Me to help Little and his wife, DeBorah, with medical expenses. Syracuse fans and teammates rallied to his cause, raising more than $100,000.
“Today we are going to talk about a new stage in Floyd’s journey. ... Hospice,” Killorin wrote in the update. “Floyd’s courageous battle with a difficult disease (cancer) is at a critical stage. This is a time when a husband and wife must make important decisions regarding potential end of life decisions.”
Killorin’s update included thoughts about Little’s unique spirt, his kind presence and a prayer and ended with “I love you my friend.”
He is not alone.
Little, 78, is one of the most exceptional athletes in Syracuse history, helping bring the No. 44 to prominence, along with Jim Brown and Ernie Davis, whose statues all sit outside the team’s practice facility.
He is a three-time All-American who went on to a Hall of Fame career as a professional with the Denver Broncos and, in his later years, before the cancer fight, left a unique mark by returning his warm presence back to Syracuse, serving as a beloved ambassador for the football team and athletic department.
During his return to Syracuse he mentored athletes. He charmed fans. He supported everything Orange.
Despite playing just three seasons (freshmen were not eligible to play immediately at the time) Little ranks sixth on Syracuse’s all-time career rushing yards list with 2,704 yards. He totaled 46 touchdowns between 1964 and 1966.
He was just as good in the pros, ranking seventh on the NFL’s all-time rushing list when he retired in 1975. He is a member of both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fames, and has had his number retired by both Syracuse and the Denver Broncos.
“Through your thoughts and contemplation, send your love and prayers for peace to Floyd, DeBorah and family,” wrote Killorin, a former offensive lineman. “Let them know they are not alone and that their courage and love in their battle evoke our own, and in that in our prayers, we are one with them in their thoughts, their hearts and their tears.”
The Link LonkNovember 22, 2020 at 11:34AM
https://www.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2020/11/floyd-little-will-enter-hospice-care-according-to-former-syracuse-teammate.html
Floyd Little will enter hospice care, according to former Syracuse teammate - syracuse.com
https://news.google.com/search?q=little&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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