“Rest in Peace”: NFL World Grieves as 81-Year-Old Baltimore Football Icon Alvin Haymond Passes Away

The sky of the NFL lost one of its stars today. Alvin Haymond, the Colts star that one decorated the on-field action of the franchise, passed away on March 13 at the age of 81. Haymond died in his adopted hometown of San Jose and was buried there on Saturday as his family members reported. The cause of death was not mentioned. Since then, fans have stormed social media, grieving the loss of an icon. “Rest in peace,” commented a fan as condolences and prayers continue to flow in.

Haymond lavished in a 10-year career in the NFL, playing 104 games as a defensive back and kick returner for the Colts, Eagles, Rams, and the former Washington Redskins and Houston Oilers from 1964-73. However, the DB is fondly remembered for his records in the league. He led the NFL in punt return yardage three different times – in 1965-66 for the Colts and in 1969 for the Rams. He also led the league in kickoff return yardage while with the Rams in 1970, when he averaged 29.2 yards per return.

Also known as the ‘best return man in NFL history‘, Haymond was drafted by the then-Baltimore Colts in 1964. The Colts saw the talent in Haymond and drafted him as the 246th overall player in the 18th round of the draft. The Algiers native stood 6 foot tall and weighed about 195 pounds when he entered the draft as a Southern University alum.

As the fans soak in the loss of Haymond, their reactions are pouring in.