As remarkable as his career was as a receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, Hayes struggled with the personal demons of drugs and alcohol that delayed his entry into the NFL Hall of Fame. Today, almost 34 years after his final game and seven years following his death, Hayes will finally be enshrined.

He’d been denied entry in the Hall of Fame in 2004, falling short of the necessary votes that he might have had if it weren’t for jail time on a drug conviction. But support didn’t wane for him to get his rightful place among football greats.

His induction will make Hayes only the second Olympic gold medalist to be enshrined, joining Jim Thorpe.

His life was about success on the football field, although he earned the nickname “Bullet Bob” for his Olympic performance (1960 in Rome). He ended his FAMU career with two touchdowns, one each on a run and a catch to lead the Rattlers over Grambling 42-15.

Hayes’ 71 touchdowns is still a Dallas team record. His career ended with 371 receptions for 7,414 yards; he was selected three times for the Pro Bowl and he played in the Super Bowl twice.

To put Hayes' career in modern terms, consider this: Over 11 years, he averaged more yards per punt return than Deion Sanders, more yards per catch than Randy Moss, scored more touchdowns than Michael Irvin and averaged a touchdown every 5.2 catches, compared to every 6.8 catches for Terrell Owens and every 7.9 for Jerry Rice.