Cowboy legend

Jet, Oct 7, 2002

COWBOY LEGEND: Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver "Bullet" Bob Hayes waves to fans as he is driven into Texas Stadium in Irving, TX, for induction to the Cowboys Ring of Honor last September. At the age of 59, Hayes recently died of kidney failure at Shands Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. He was hospitalized early last month and had also battled liver ailments and prostate cancer.

Hayes was once considered the world's fastest man after he won the 100-meter gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics by tying the then-world record of 10.05 seconds. That same year, the Cowboys drafted him in the seventh round of the NFL draft. In Hayes' rookie season, he recorded 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns. Retiring in 1976, he finished an 11-year NFL career with 71 touchdown catches, a 20-yard average per catch, and as a three-time Pro Bowler. 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. Hayes is survived by his mother, a brother, a sister, and five children.