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Jerry Rice, Walter Payton and the 30 best HBCU football players of all time

By Dante Pryor

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 28: Jerry Rice #80 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXIV on January 28, 1990 at the Super Dome in New Orleans, LA. The 49ers won the Super Bowl 55-10. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 28: Jerry Rice #80 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXIV on January 28, 1990 at the Super Dome in New Orleans, LA. The 49ers won the Super Bowl 55-10. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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1974 Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images
1974 Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images /

17. Bob Hayes, wide receiver, kick returner, Florida A&M

Robert Lee “Bullet Bob” Hayes has two unique career distinctions. First, Hayes is one of only two gold medalists to play in the NFL joining Jim Thorpe. Second, Hayes, however, is the only gold medalist to win a Super Bowl.

The question about Hayes has always been, “Just how fast is he?” According to legendary sportswriter Ralph Wiley, Hayes ran a 60-yard dash in 5.29 seconds. When Hayes won a gold medal in the 100-meters, he won by four total meters.

Hayes translated that superhuman speed to the NFL and was drafted in the seventh round by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1965 NFL draft.

Hayes had 25 touchdown catches in his first two seasons. Hayes was so fast that he is credited with teams developing both zone coverage and bump and run coverage to contain him.

Before the Olympics and the Cowboys, Hayes had a stellar career with Florida A&M.  Coached by legendary coach Jake Gaither; Hayes was an All-conference receiver and track athlete.

Hayes was a player well before his time. But, with speed like his, there is no telling what kind of numbers Hayes could put up in today’s game.

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