The Denver Broncos spent their first seven seasons as an AFL afterthought, operating on shoestring budgets and constantly facing relocation rumors. Everything changed in 1967 when Denver selected Syracuse star Floyd Little sixth overall. Little was the first first-round pick ever to sign with the franchise, single-handedly turning Mile High Stadium into a hot ticket and earning the immortal nickname "The Franchise" for effectively saving pro football in Denver.

Although early in his career he often served as a dangerous returner—leading the league in punt return average (16.9) in 1967 and ranking high in all-purpose yards for two consecutive years—his move to a full-time tailback marked one of the most impressive individual streaks of his time. Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing less than 200 pounds, Little may not have had imposing size, but he made up for it with exceptional vision, outstanding contact balance, and a quick, elusive running style that made it difficult for defenders to catch him.

During a six-season absolute peak from 1968 through 1973, no running back in professional football accumulated more total rushing yards or scrimmage yards than Floyd Little. He made four straight Pro Bowls starting in 1968, grabbed First-Team All-AFL honors in 1969 with a league-high 5.0 yards per carry, and led the AFC in rushing in 1970. His crown jewel season arrived in 1971, when he captured the NFL rushing title with 1,133 yards—becoming the first 1,000-yard rusher in franchise history and the first player ever to lead the league in rushing while playing for a last-place team (4–9–1). He capped off that elite run in 1973 by pacing the NFL with 12 rushing touchdowns while amassing over 1,400 yards from scrimmage.

By 1974, after years of heavy workloads, Little's physical health declined, with injuries limiting his touches as younger backs took over. Wanting to retire on his own terms, he announced 1975 would be his last season. In his home finale at Mile High Stadium, he made a final highlight—scoring a 66-yard touchdown on a screen pass and calmly handing the ball to the official. Having attended night classes at the University of Denver Law School during his career, Little earned his master's degree in 1975 and retired from football to pursue business ventures.

With the Broncos, Little accumulated 6,323 rushing yards, 43 rushing touchdowns, 215 receptions, 2,418 receiving yards, and 12,173 all-purpose yards alongside 54 total touchdowns. A five-time Pro Bowler/All-Star, 1971 NFL rushing leader, and inaugural 1984 Ring of Fame inductee, Little had his No. 44 retired by the team before earning long-overdue enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.