Originally Posted by JohnnyHammersticks:
I could have sworn he died long ago. Who was the guy (RB?) who died on the operating table in the early days of the franchise?
I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't know that Abner was still alive. I wonder why he's never been involved in alumni events. He was before my time, so did he leave with negative feelings or something? He was our team's first big star, and he's gotten lost in team lore. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Rain Man:
I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't know that Abner was still alive. I wonder why he's never been involved in alumni events. He was before my time, so did he leave with negative feelings or something? He was our team's first big star, and he's gotten lost in team lore.
From what I have heard he was one of many black players who boycotted the AFL All Star game in New Orleans due to the treatment of black players there. I guess it didn’t sit well with KC brass and he stated he received a letter from them saying as much. He ended up getting traded months later and he believed it was in retaliation for the boycott.
I also remember seeing a Showtime special on the history of the AFL and it was mentioned there also. I think you can still see it on YouTube. [Reply]
I was 6 or y when he played those 2 years in KC after the Texans moved to KC. Sadly I remember Chris Burford more than Abner. At that age, I was all focused receivers for some reason.
I believe he made a few Alumni day during Marty's coaching days he was also inducted in the Chiefs HOF and on the ring of honor. [Reply]
I have stories U would not even believe, Mom worked for the Chiefs and got me hooked. Back then they were real folks. Today well.... Crazy cause my family never liked football. I taught them better tho. LOL [Reply]