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The legendary Gale Sayers, who was a pivotal running back for the Chicago Bears, has died at the age of 77.

Introduction

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On September 23, 2020, the iconic running back for the Chicago Bears and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Gale Sayers , died at the age of 77 after suffering from complications related to dementia, a condition he had been diagnosed with in March 2017.

Sayers has been celebrated for being one of the finest running backs ever in NFL history, despite his career being interrupted by several serious knee injuries. Remarkably, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame at just 34 years of age in 1977, making him the youngest player to receive this honor.

Football Background

Sayers was born in Wichita, Kansas, but spent much of his childhood in Omaha, Nebraska. While attending Omaha Central High School, he distinguished himself in both football and track events. Many prestigious college football programs sought him out, ultimately leading him to choose the University of Kansas to compete as a member of the Jayhawks.

During his tenure at Kansas, Sayers recorded impressive rushing stats and set multiple records, earning himself a spot on the All Big Eight First Team three times (1962, 1963, 1964). He also achieved consensus All-American status twice (1963, 1964), gaining the nickname Kansas Comet in recognition of his explosive playing style. Kansas Jayhawks retired his number 48.

The Chicago Bears secured Sayers as the fourth overall pick in the first round of the 1965 NFL Draft while he was also drafted fifth overall in the AFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. Ultimately, he chose to join the Bears under the leadership of head coach and team owner, George Halas . sign with the Chicago Bears A Stellar Career with the Chicago Bears

Sayers enjoyed a successful seven-year career with the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1971. During this time, he played alongside notable teammates such as the formidable tight end “Iron” Mike Ditka and the fierce linebacker Dick Butkus . Renowned for his exceptional speed and agility, Sayers possessed extraordinary field vision that made him a difficult opponent for defenders to tackle. His dynamic and swift running style established him as one of the all-time greats in the NFL and a dangerous return specialist for kicks and punts.

Although Sayers’ time in the NFL was shortened to just seven seasons, his impact was primarily felt during five phenomenal seasons, as he faced limited play in his final two years. Over his illustrious career, he amassed a total of 4,956 rushing yards, scored 39 rushing touchdowns, and maintained an average of five yards per carry. Additionally, he recorded 3,172 return yards along with eight touchdowns from kick and punt returns, boasting average returns of over 30 yards for kickoffs and 14.5 yards for punts. In a remarkable game performance, Sayers once scored six touchdowns. Chicago Bears’ linebacker The remarkable “Kansas Comet” was selected for the Pro Bowl four times (1965, 1966, 1967, 1969) and was named to the NFL's First Team All Pro five times (1965-1969). He won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award in 1969 and was honored as the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1965. Sayers also topped the league in rushing yards twice (1966, 1969).

Gale Sayers earned a spot on the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1960s, the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team . Additionally, the Chicago Bears retired his number 40. He was also inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Sayers will always be cherished not only for his exceptional talent on the field but also for being a remarkable individual, leaving an imprint on the lives of many.

"The passing of Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers is mourned by all who cherish the game of football,\" stated David Baker, president, and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "He embodied what it means to be a true team player—humble, unpretentious, and always quick to acknowledge a teammate's contributions.” Gale Sayers NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated, "Today, the NFL family mourns the loss of a true friend in Gale Sayers. He was not only one of the most remarkable individuals in NFL history but also one of the sport's most exhilarating players.”

Media Statements

"Gale was an electrifying and elusive runner whose every touch of the ball delighted fans. He secured his legacy as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. We will forever remember Gale not just for his abilities but also for his inspirational spirit and kindness. Despite his gentle demeanor, he displayed immense determination and competitive spirit along with deep compassion.\"

"Football enthusiasts remember Gale’s numerous achievements: a remarkable mixture of speed and power, the dynamic kick returner he was, his remarkable recovery from a devastating knee injury to lead the league in rushing, and his distinction as the youngest inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Even those outside of the football realm recognized Gale through the television movie 'Brian’s Song', showcasing his friendship with fellow player Brian Piccolo. Its message of brotherhood overcoming racial boundaries resonates even after fifty years,\" says George McCaskey.

Legendary Coach and Owner of the Chicago Bears, George Halas, introduced Sayers during his Hall of Fame induction with the words, "For those seeking to understand what perfection in a running back looks like, they should watch Gale Sayers play. He exemplified artistry in motion. Such talent may never again grace the field.\"

Gale’s brother, Roger Sayers, shared his sadness, stating, "It’s heartbreaking to compile memories throughout a lifetime, only to end up forgetting them entirely.\"

“The Chicago Bears express deep sorrow over the passing of Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers. He truly embodied the essence of being a Chicago Bear, both on the field and off. He was admired as a teammate, leader, husband, and father. He was 77 years old.”

"All I need is 18 inches of daylight to make my move.\"

Chicago Bears tweeted:

@ChicagoBears

“One of the all-time greats in the sport. Rest in peace, Gale Sayers. (via @nflthrowback)”

NFL tweeted:

@NFL

“Hall of Famer and legend of the @ChicagoBears, Gale Sayers, has died at the age of 77.”

“Gale Sayers has been an inspiration to me long before I found myself in Chicago. I admired his dedication to the sport and how he played it, motivating me to excel in a city that thrives on sports. Rest in peace to one of the greatest in the @NFL. #KansasComet @ChicagoBears”

Pro Football Hall of Fame tweeted:

@ProFootballHOF

“Gale Sayers has passed on at the age of 77. Rest in peace, Kansas Comet. #Bears”

#HOFForever”

Scottie Pippen tweeted:

@ScottiePippen

“When I was drafted in 2008, Gale was there to guide us during our visit to the Hall of Fame. He set the standard for what it means to be a @ChicagoBears running back. Your impact will be missed but forever remembered.”

Jarrett Payton tweeted:

@paytonsun

“R.I.P. to Gale Sayers, one of my all-time favorite running backs to watch. It always seemed like he glided across the field when making long runs.”

Matt Forte tweeted:

@MattForte22

“Rest in heaven to Mr. Sayers #40

“Though we mourn the loss of Gale Sayers (The Kansas Comet), he will always remain in our hearts! To lose two Hall of Famers within just two weeks is hard. He and Larry, along with so many like them, laid the foundation for this league we proudly stand on their shoulders! Rest in peace! Thank you!”

Cordarrelle Patterson tweeted:

@ceeflashpee84

“RIP Gale Sayers”

Cj Spiller tweeted:

@CJSPILLER

“It is truly devastating for me to lose my dear friend, Gale Sayers.”

Aeneas Williams tweeted:

@aeneas35

“Acting as Gale in 'Brian’s Song' was an immense honor and a highlight of my career. His character was remarkable, and his kindness remarkable.”

Rocky Bleier tweeted:

@RockyBleier

“A great #legend Gale Sayers.”

uSTADIUM tweeted:

@uSTADIUM

“RIP to #Bears legend Gale Sayers.

Pro Football HOF

CFB HOF

4× Pro Bowl

5× All-Pro

Comeback Player

Rookie of the Year

2× rushing leader

1960s All-Decade Team

50th Anniversary All-Time Team

75th Anniversary All-Time Team

100th Anniversary All-Time Team

Billy Dee Williams tweeted:

@realbdw

“I once asked Gale Sayers about the best advice he received. He shared that from his high school coach: 'When you're one-on-one, you should always win, and when facing two, you should win 75% of the time. Set goals higher than what others foresee, then surpass them.' Rest in peace #BearDown .”

“The Hall of Fame running back for the Chicago Bears, Gale Sayers, has passed away at the age of 77.”

“The NFL remembers the passing of Hall of Famer Gale Sayers, a Chicago Bears icon, through social media.”

Ashton Kutcher tweeted:

@aplusk

pro-football-reference.com, September 23, 2020.

Sources:

“Encyclopedia of the Chicago Bears Franchise” , espn.com, September 23, 2020.

Providing accurate strategies and information for casino games like blackjack, craps, roulette, and hundreds more available for play. , espn.com, September 23, 2020.

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Gale Sayers, the iconic running back in football history, has passed away at the age of 77. , September 23, 2020.