12 Facts About Wendell Hayes

Wendell Hayes was a former American football running back.

Wendell Hayes played in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos and the AFL's Kansas City Chiefs, which included the team that defeated the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth and final AFL-NFL World Championship Game.

Wendell Hayes received All-Oakland Athletic League honors in football, basketball and track.

Wendell Hayes was mentored by Earl Meneweather who became California's first High School African American Head Football Coach in 1957.

Wendell Hayes played on two undefeated basketball teams, that included Paul Silas and Aaron Pointer.

Wendell Hayes moved on to Merritt College before transferring to Humboldt State University, where he played football, basketball and track.

Wendell Hayes signed as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 1963.

Wendell Hayes signed with the Denver Broncos in 1964 but was released before the start of the season.

Wendell Hayes was placed on the injured reserve list on October 31,1968.

Wendell Hayes became a starter at fullback in 1970 and kept that role four years, until being relegated back to a reserve role.

Wendell Hayes died on December 28,2019, at the age of 79, in Oakland, California.

Wendell Hayes was survived by his wife of 54 years, Donna Hayes; daughter, Jacquetta Hayes; brother, the Reverend Joseph B Hayes; and sister, Winnie Hayes.