By Darin Before he became a Hall of Fame wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, Bob Hayes was crowned the “World’s Fastest Human” after winning two Gold Medals at the 1964 Olympics. Dive into the career of “Bullet Bob,” the electrifying speedster who utilized a futures pick to transition from track legend to NFL icon, fundamentally changing how football defenses operated. Hayes’s explosive speed did not just break records—it broke defensive schemes.
Football Bio
December 20, 1942 – Bob Hayes, the talented speedster wide out from Florida A&M, came into this world. The Dallas Cowboys used a futures pick in the 1964 NFL Draft to select Hayes, but the Denver Broncos in the AFL did the same, per the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website bio. Bob was given the title of the “World’s Fastest Human” when, at the 1964 Olympics, he took home two Gold Medals in track. Bob chose to play for the Cowboys, and he was voted to the All-NFL first or second team four times in his 11 seasons in the League. For his career, Hayes had 71 touchdowns scored with 7414 yards receiving. In 2009, Bullet Bob Hayes was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Conclusion
“Bullet Bob” Hayes remains one of the most unique and impactful figures in professional football history. His sheer, undeniable speed not only launched him to Olympic glory but also forced the NFL to adopt new defensive strategies, most notably the “bump and run” coverage, solely created to neutralize his threat. From the track to the gridiron, Hayes’s ability to dominate two demanding athletic fields solidifies his legacy as a true pioneer and a celebrated member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Verified Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Birth Date: December 20, 1942.
- College: Florida A&M.
- Olympic Champion: Won two Gold Medals in track at the 1964 Olympics.
- Nickname: “World’s Fastest Human” (earned at the 1964 Olympics).
- NFL Draft: Selected by the Dallas Cowboys (futures pick) in the 1964 NFL Draft.
- All-NFL Honors: Voted to the All-NFL first or second team four times during his 11 seasons.
- Career Stats: Finished his career with 7,414 receiving yards and 71 touchdowns.
- Hall of Fame: Enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
Our thanks to Pro-Football-Reference.com and Newspapers.com
