Former "Fastest Man In the World" Hayes Dies
Published September 19, 2002
When Dallas won the 1972 Super Bowl, Hayes became the only athlete to win an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring. More than 30 years later, he's still the only player with both. Yet because of his drug and alcohol problems - he served 10 months in prison in '79 for delivering drugs to an undercover agent - he is not yet in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This is a crime and the height of hypocrisy, or is Lawrence Taylor not in the Hall? I believe he is despite this record:
- Taylor admitted to cheating on random drug tests in 1985 by slipping an aspirin bottle containing teammate's urine into his jock strap.
On Aug. 15, 1987, Taylor failed an NFL drug test. Because it was his first offense, he wasn't penalized but only received a warning. The following August he was suspended for 30 days for failing a second drug test.
Needing money, Taylor wrestled Bam Bam Bigelow in Wrestlemania XI for $500,000 in April 1995.
Also in 1995, his business, All-Pro Products, collapsed. Because of stock fraud by two former traders, the company was worth practically nothing. It had been valued at $10.8 million after going public in 1993. L.T. lost several hundred thousand dollars.
In 1996, he was arrested in Myrtle Beach, S.C., for allegedly trying to buy $100 worth of crack cocaine from an undercover cop.
In 1997, he pled guilty to filing a false federal tax return.
He was arrested three times in 1998: once for failing to pay child support and twice on drug-related charges. In October, he checked into a rehab center after being arrested for allegedly trying to buy crack from an undercover office in St. Petersburg, Fla. In December, he surrendered to Teaneck (N.J.) police to face charges of possession of narcotics and paraphernalia.
In 1998 he also filed for bankruptcy to keep creditors from seizing his $605,000 house in Upper Saddle River, N.J.
- Former "Fastest Man In the World" Hayes Dies
- Published: September 19, 2002
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- Writer: Eric Olsen
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no you didnt run a 3.8 forty
You know, when I first read this post, I was not so sure I agreed with your opinion that Bob Hayes should to be in the NFL's Hall of Fame - not necessarily because of his personal problems after retirement, but instead based mostly on the fact that he is not listed in the NFL's career top 50 in receiving yards or receptions.
Then I checked out some more of his stats.
Hayes is No. 26 in career touchdowns with 71, and I believe he's one of only four or five in NFL history with a career 20-plus yards-per-catch average.
Perhaps his best year came in 1966, when he caught 64 passes for 1,234 yards and 13 touchdowns in 14 games.
"Bullet" Bob led the league in TD catches twice (1965, 1966) and was third twice (1967, 1968), and was second in receiving yards in 1966 and third in 1971. Twice he averaged over 25 yards-per-catch...in 1971 (26.9 yard average) and 1970 (26.1 yd avg). Plus, Hayes still holds or shares 22 Dallas Cowboys receiving and punt return records.
Not to mention, "Bullet" Bob Hayes is one of those rare players who has such an impact on the game that they actually redefine what it means to play their position. According to Don Shula, "Bob Hayes changed the game, because of his speed." "He redefined the position of wide receiver. We need to get him in the Hall of Fame," Mike Ditka said.
So, in conclusion, I agree with Don Shula, Tex Shramm, Mike Ditka, Eric Olsen, et al, that yes, Bob Hayes definitely deserves to be in the NFL Hall of Fame!
excellent points MCH, especially in football where longevity is iffy, "changing the game" should be at least nearly as important as cumulative career stats
A question what former cowboy player did tom landry consider another bob hays. would appreciate a response.
If that kid ran a 3.8 fourty, why havent i heard of him. Justin Gatlin only runs a 4.1, 4 flat at best. I really wish it was true and if it is con grates to you, but i highly doubt it. That would also mean you could break 10 secs in the 100 meter as a high school student. Which is another reason why i would think i have heard about this kid.
I came here to do research for my book. When I was a fugitive for 10 years running from a 25 to 40 year sentence, I used the name Robert Hayes. I found some humor in it. He was called the fastest man in the world and so was I. The police could't catch me. From reading this site I find we have more in common. Drug and alcohol problems along with a drug bust etc. Too bad I never got to meet bob and thank him for the use of his name. I have posted some of the book I'm writing if anyone is interested. Thank you Robert Hayes from Ken Burton
www.hotpursuit.computed.net
I really do have more respect for the game now that I've read this.I have a teammate that runs a 3.6 forty and I run a 4 flat and I'm about 225/6'11/4.
Im only 16 year old i wiegh 143 and bench a mesly 180 and squat a 295. My name is Erik Plunt and I run a 3.8. I came second in the nation for the juniors division in running the forty. If you dont believe me look me up on the internet.
Lord D fastest in the world, I run a 3.6 forty yard dash.
At the age of 14, I ran mine in a 4.2. Once I had turn 18 I ran mine in a 4 flat. I'm 6'3 and 200 pounds. Also with a 37 inch vertical.
I remember a game vs the KC Chiefs when Hayes took the ball on an end-around play. He went so fast down the sidelines. Even def.backs had the
angles on him but they couldn't touch him. He is the reason for the prevent defense. One of the most exciting players ever.
I remember Cowboys playing the N.Y. Giants in 65 and Bob ays catches a pass over the middle on about he 15 yard line and Henry Carr a defensive back on the Giants tries chasing him down .{interesting seeing the Olympic 100 meter champion .being chased by the 200 meter olympic champion .....Bob Hays was great .deserves Hall ..but he chickened outof racing Homer Jones at halftime of Pro Bowl .[Homer Jones only one to beat Hays in college}.Homer jones bigger stronger would of beaten Hays in full football gear.
yall r gay
yo when i was 9 i ran a 40 in 3.4 seconds, now that i'm 19 i run it in .9 secs! i'm white and also 7'2"! i'm the top prospect in this years NBA draft! my vertical is 51" and they're thinking about changing the rules so the NFL can draft me this year! once i raced a ferrari and won!
i saw da bomb do it. He could dunk from half court and can throw a football 300 yards on a bad day
Anything anyone says on here about running a sub 4 sec. 40 is total bull...The world's fastest man cannot even run an electronically timed sub 4sec.
Some points to consider. Bob only ever lost 2 sprint races in his career, a feat unmatched by any other sprinter. The first he was ill and the second was a judges error. He recorded a flying 8.6 for 100 metres on the final leg of the 1964 Olympic relay which is the fastest on record. Furthermore, he retired at 21 before he reached his peak. He also won the Olympics by the greatest margin on record.
Whatever is true or not true about Bob Hayes he was one of the absolute best sprinters having a top speed of approx 27mph. Olympic gold speaks volumes in 1964.
10.05 may still be a world record on a cinder track.
erik plunt your an idiot. YOU are no where on the internet except here. theres no way u ran a sub4 40. no one can!!
funny how widespread this 40 is. I ran track for years. Don't remember a 40 except for football. Prolly hand timed times anyway. Doubtfull is electronic timer or coordinated with starting gun like when I ran track 20+ years ago. Of course I ran a 40 ten years after high school and was out of shape and apparantly just under 5.
I would like to see a dressed 40 yard dash. Would seperate the mice from football players.
#5 -- July 24, 2005 @ 21:57PM -- carmen
A question what former cowboy player did tom landry consider another bob hays. would appreciate a response.
probably Herschel Walker, he was also a college sprinter, and had one reported 40 time of 4.25, but as always the validity is questionable. Still, he had to be the fastest Cowboy since Hayes.
What would it take to get Bob Hayes into the Hall of Fame. I remember seeing him play. This is an injustice and needs to be corrected because of what he's contributed to this sports. Don't let petty people prevent this type of crime and prevent one of this sports great athlete from getting the respect he has earned
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I am the fast teenager in the world the whole univers. I play football at my high school. I am 101 pounds and can scwat 295 pounds and I broke the high school record or I might just have broke the world record in the forty yard dash. I raned a 3.8 in the forty. And now im still running a 3.9 flat.