I'm an avid sports fan and wonder what happened to Bob Hayes, the famous track star and former Dallas Cowboys receiver.
—Ron J., Iowa
The man once known as "Bullet Bob" still has a need for speed. The 59-year-old Hayes doesn't do much sprinting himself, but for the last 37 years he's hosted the Bob Hayes Invitational Track & Field Meet in his hometown of Jacksonville, Fla. Hayes was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor last year, and he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Florida Sports Awards this year. He's the only man to have earned two Olympic gold medals and a Super Bowl ring. Hayes loved football and played in high school and at Florida A&M University (FAMU). The line coach for the football team at FAMU, who was also the track coach, noticed Hayes' speed and recruited him for track and field. Participating in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, he won the gold in the 100-meter dash and 400-meter relay. Hayes joined the Dallas Cowboys the next year. His speed as a receiver forced other teams to rework their strategy, resulting in the zone defense. Hayes has been battling health problems, including a bout with prostate cancer. He has made several public appearances since his release from the hospital and periodically appears at sports memorabilia shows.
