
Bob Hayes gave the Cowboys a speed and excitement in his early years that no other team could match. He was at his best, racing free for long passes behind defensive backs who couldn't cover him man-for-man. When NFL cornerbacks began using bump-and-run coverage and secondaries changed to zone defenses, Bob no longer enjoyed his natural advantage in one-on-one foot races. His role changed from hero to that of just another veteran wide receiver. In '75 his NFL career ended on a much quiter note than it began ten years earlier. When Bob found himself out of football, it was a tough transition. He was a warm, outgoing guy and I sensed he wanted very much to be loved. He grew up in a broken home in the ghetto and all the acclaim and admiration he eared in the Olympics and the NFL probably meant even more to him than it would most athletes. Some of my saddest, and some of my warmest, memories are of Bob.