Bob Hayes was once considered the world's fastest human by virtue of his multiple world records in the 60-yard, 100-yard, 220-yard, and Olympic 100-meter dashes. The Dallas Cowboys selected Hayes in the seventh round (88th overall) of the 1964 NFL Draft with a future draft pick, which allowed the team to draft him before his college eligibility was over, taking a chance that the Olympic sprinter with unrefined football skills could excel as a wide receiver. 

 

Hayes has been credited by many with forcing the NFL to develop a zone defense and the bump and run to attempt to contain him. He is the only athlete to win both an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring. “The World’s Fastest Human” helped revolutionize the receiver position with his speed and the age of zone defenses as teams tried to devise ways to stop him. He was a threat to score any time he had the ball.

 

He finished his career with 71 touchdowns and a staggering average of 20 yards per reception. Named to three Pro Bowls, Hayes holds all or part of 11 Cowboys records. Show your appreciation for Bob Hayes with collectibles, photographs and more here at the Drew Pearson's Cowboys Legends Pro Shop.