Broncos sending game ball from win over Dolphins to team great entering hospice

Pro Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little, who has entered hospice care per a former college teammate, will be receiving a game ball this week from his former team. 

The Denver Broncos, who Little played his entire career for (1967-1975), halted the red-hot Miami Dolphins' winning streak Sunday with a 20-13 victory. Afterwards, Broncos coach Vic Fangio said the team would honor one of the franchise's original stars by sending Little and his family a game ball. 

"We talked about [Little],'' Fangio said postgame of the decision to send Little a ball, per ESPN. "One of the all-time greats in Broncos history, old No. 44, I remember as a kid growing up – I was an Eagles fan growing up – but from afar I was a Floyd Little fan, too. ... We're going to get it sent to him.''

Nicknamed "The Franchise," Little spent nine seasons with the Broncos after he was drafted sixth overall in 1967 following an All-American career at Syracuse. A five-time Pro Bowler, he led the NFL in rushing in 1971 and touchdown runs in 1973. His 6,323 yards rushing is second in franchise history to fellow Hall of Famer Terrell Davis, and his No. 44 is one of only three numbers officially retired by the Broncos. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. (He's also in the College Football Hall of Fame for his career at Syracuse.)

His former Syracuse teammate, Patrick Killorin, announced on Facebook on Saturday that Little would be entering hospice. Little, 78, was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.

All things Broncos: Latest Denver Broncos news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

“Through your thoughts and contemplation, send your love and prayers for peace to Floyd, DeBorah and family," Killorin wrote. "Let them know they are not alone and that their courage and love in their battle evoke our own, and in that in our prayers, we are one with them in their thoughts, their hearts and their tears.”

Contributing: Associated Press