Bob Hayes, Class of 2009

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When Bob Hayes arrived on the pro football scene in 1965, he had already earned athletic stardom having won a pair of gold medals in the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. His medal-winning performance in the 100 meters competition earned him the title “World’s Fastest Human.”

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As a rookie Hayes recorded 46 receptions for 1,003 yards led all Cowboys receivers.

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Hayes demonstrated time and again that he possessed tremendous football skills and instincts that helped him to develop into a terrific NFL wide receiver. Still, his world class speed was a major factor in his and the Cowboys offensive successes.

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“Bullet Bob” terrorized defensive backs and demanded the kind of deep double coverage rarely seen in the NFL at that time. It is often said that the bump and run defense was developed in an attempt to slow down the former Florida A&M running back.

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Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach knew firsthand the value of the speedy receiver. “He can explode and make things happen,” he offered. “As long as Bobby is in the lineup the other team has to make adjustments it doesn’t normally make.”

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For his 11-year career, Hayes accumulated 7,414 yards and 71 touchdowns. His 71 career touchdown receptions remain a Cowboys’ club record.

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Hayes spent his final season in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers.

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Three times he led the Cowboys in receptions, including back-to-back titles in 1965-66 when he caught a total of 110 passes for more than 2,200 yards and 25 touchdowns.