Gale Sayers obit

Chicago Bears legend and Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers dies at 77

 

 He was not on the list.

Chicago Bears legendary running back Gale Sayers has died at 77 , the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Wednesday morning. Sayers' family announced in 2017 that he had been battling dementia since 2013.

Nicknamed the "Kansas Comet," Sayers was the Hall's youngest inductee at 34. Sayers' legacy was cemented in seven seasons (1965-71) as his career was cut short after 68 games due to knee injuries. In that short span, he became one of the sport's most explosive running backs.

Sayers played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks football team of the University of Kansas, where he compiled 4,020 all-purpose yards over three seasons and was twice recognized as a consensus All-American.

Sayers earned the NFL's rookie of the year in 1965, had four Pro Bowl seasons and was a first-team All-Pro selection in his first five seasons.

“If you wish to see perfection as a running back, you had best get a hold of a film of Gale Sayers,” Bears founder George Halas said in 1977. “He was poetry in motion. His like will never be seen again.”

Pro Football Hall of Fame president David Baker released a statement Wednesday.

"All those who love the game of football mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever play this game with the passing of Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers," Baker said. "He was the very essence of a team player – quiet, unassuming and always ready to compliment a teammate for a key block. Gale was an extraordinary man who overcame a great deal of adversity during his NFL career and life.

"The 'Kansas Comet' burst onto the scene in the National Football League and captured the attention of all of America. Despite playing only 68 NFL games because of an injury-shortened career, Gale was a clear-cut – and first-ballot – Hall of Famer for his accomplishments on the field and for the man of character he was in life.

"The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Gale. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Ardie, and their entire family. We will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration for future generations. The Hall of Fame flag will fly at half-staff until he is laid to rest."

Sayers set the Bears' single-season touchdowns record with 22 as a rookie (14 rushing, six receiving and one each on kickoff and punt returns). Sayers amassed 4,956 yards rushing and 1,307 yards receiving in his career. He had 39 rushing touchdowns and nine receiving. 

His friendship with Bears teammate Brian Piccolo, who died of cancer in 1970, inspired Sayers to write his autobiography, I Am Third, which in turn was the basis for the 1971 made-for-TV movie Brian's Song.

He was named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team as a halfback and kick returner, the only player to occupy two positions on the team. For his achievements in college, Sayers was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame the same year. His jersey number is retired by both the Bears and the University of Kansas. Following his NFL career, Sayers began a career in sports administration and business, and served as the athletic director of Southern Illinois University from 1976 to 1981. 

“I played football a long time and I never saw a better football player than Gale Sayers,” said Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka, Sayers’ teammate from 1965-66. “I mean that. He was poetry in motion. Besides that, he was a great guy. It’s just a shame that he’s gone. He was special.”

Ditka, later coached Walter Payton, giving him an up-close look at two of the best running backs. But the greatest performance he saw might have been Sayers’ six-touchdown game. Playing San Francisco at a muddy Wrigley Field, just about everyone else was slipping and sliding. 

Hall of Famer Dick Butkus: “Will miss a great friend who helped me become the player I became because after practicing and scrimmaging against Gale I knew I could play against anybody. We lost one of the best Bears ever and more importantly we lost a great person."

Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey: “Coach Halas said it best, when presenting Gale for induction at the Hall of Fame: ‘His like will never be seen again.’

"Trying to tackle Gale Sayers was like trying to catch a candy wrapper in a wind storm.” -Steve Sabol

Rest in heaven to Mr. Sayers #40
When I was drafted in 2008 he was our guide in Canton when we got to visit the HOF. Amazing inspiration before starting a career. Thanks for setting the standard for @ChicagoBears RB’s. You’ll be missed but always remembered. — Matt Forte

Tough to hear the news about Gale Sayers. Not only was he 1 of the most electrifying players of any generation, he was an ever better person. #RIPGaleSayers — Jim McMahon

Sad to hear the passing of the great #galesayers one of the greatest @bears ever ...RIP Gale Sayers! — Kevin Butler

Gale Sayers was someone who I admired long before I arrived in Chicago. I loved his approach to the game and of course, how he played it. He inspired me to be great in a city that loves sports like no other. RIP to one of the NFL’s best ever. #KansasComet — Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen)

I asked Gale Sayers for the best advise he ever received. From his HS football coach: “when it’s you vs 1 person you should win 100% of the time, when it’s you vs 2 people you win 75% of the time. Set your expectations higher than others imagine, then exceed them.” RIP #BearDown — ashton kutcher (@aplusk) 

“The Lord is First,My Friends are Second and I AM the Third” R.I.P. To The Great Gale Sayers 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 — MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) September 23, 2020

To one of the greatest ever an inspiration to so many. So proud to have known him. My love and condolences to the family. #RIPGaleSayers - James Caan

I grew up watching Gale Sayers and used to feel sorry for myself as a little kid because Gale got hurt so soon. He occupies a place alongside Ernie Banks and Mike Ditka and a handful of great athletes in Chicago.  — Michael Wilbon

Very sad to hear about @ProFootballHOF @NFL @ChicagoBears legend Gale Sayers. The Kansas Comet is one of the most underrated RBs of all time and personally one of my favorites. Prayers for Gale and his family ✝️🙏😇  — Eric Dickerson

My heart is broken over the loss of my dear friend, Gale Sayers. Portraying Gale in Brian’s Song was a true honor and one of the nightlights of my career. He was an extraordinary human being with the the kindest heart. My sincerest condolences to his family #RIPGaleSayers - Billy Dee Williams

 

 

 

 

 

 

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