FAMU's Bob Hayes elected to NFL Hall of Fame

The long, slow wait to get into the NFL Hall of Fame ended Saturday for one of the fastest men to play in the NFL, Bob Hayes.

"Bullet Bob," the FAMU football and track great who went on to represent the USA in the 1964 Olympics winning gold in the 100-meters, and went on to star for a decade with the Dallas Cowboys, was elected, 28 years after first becoming eligible for induction.

Hayes who played for under the legendary FAMU coach Jake Gaither died in 2002, however he made sure his sister would be prepared if, somehow, he made it someday.

"He left a statement for me to read in case this day came," Lucille Hester said.

In the letter, Hayes thanked everyone who supported him, even those who may not have voted for him. He thanked teammates, everyone who played for the Cowboys — singling out Roger Staubach — and also thanked the San Francisco 49ers, with whom he finished his career.

Hayes paid tribute to his high school, Florida A&M and concluded by thanking his hometown of Jacksonville, Dallas and the state of Texas.

Earlier in the week Staubach said he was pulling for Hayes to get in and spoke about how his teammate revolutionized the passing game, changing the way defenses played. Staubach claimed Hayes would be the fastest player in the NFL if he were playing today.

One of Hayes' biggest supporters for induction was Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. In 2001, Jones made sure Hayes was inducted into the team's Ring of Fame.

"This is a deserving honor for one of the Cowboys' most truly gifted stars," Jones said. "We all know he changed the game on the field, but he also brought a unique star quality to the NFL that helped make professional football the most popular sport in the world. He was a world champion in two different sports, and he had a world-class heart."This is a great day for Bob Hayes' legacy, his family and the Dallas Cowboys."

Hayes twice led the NFL in touchdown receptions and in average yards per catch. He also was a terrific kick returner.

At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Hayes won the 100 meters, tying the world record of 10.05 seconds. He anchored the U.S. 400-meter relay team to victory in a world-record 39.06. Hayes' relay split was a sensational 8.6 seconds. That speed translated to the football field.

Hayes' formal induction will take place Aug. 8 in Canton, Ohio.

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