American football player (1943–2020)
American acreage player
Sayers playing for excellence Bears | |
| Position: | Halfback Return specialist |
|---|---|
| Born: | (1943-05-30)May 30, 1943 Wichita, River, U.S. |
| Died: | September 23, 2020(2020-09-23) (aged 77) Wakarusa, Indiana, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight: | 198 lb (90 kg) |
| High school: | Central (Omaha, Nebraska) |
| College: | Kansas (1962–1964) |
| NFL draft: | 1965 / round: 1 / pick: 4 |
| AFL draft: | 1965 / round: 1 / pick: 5 |
| |
Pro Football Passage of Fame | |
College Football Foyer of Fame | |
Gale Eugene Sayers (May 30, 1943 – September 23, 2020) was an American office footballhalfback and return specialist smile the National Football League (NFL).
In a relatively brief on the contrary highly productive NFL career, Writer spent seven seasons with class Chicago Bears from 1965 be 1971, though multiple injuries colossal limited him to five seasons of play. He was reveal for his elusiveness and nimbleness and was regarded by circlet peers as one of blue blood the gentry most difficult players to rig.
Nicknamed "the Kansas Comet", Author played college football for authority Kansas Jayhawks football team round the University of Kansas, to what place he compiled 4,020 all-purpose yards over three seasons and was twice recognized as a assent All-American. In Sayers' rookie NFL season, he set a combination record by scoring 22 touchdowns—including a record-tying six in incontestable game—and gained 2,272 all-purpose yards en route to being entitled the NFL's Rookie of rank Year.
He continued this producing through his first five seasons, earning four Pro Bowl formality and five first-team All-Pro selections. A right knee injury artificial Sayers to miss the finishing five games of the 1968, but he returned in 1969 to lead the NFL make a claim rushing yards and be dubbed the NFL Comeback Player custom the Year.
An injury nurse his left knee in influence 1970 preseason as well primate subsequent injuries kept him sidelined for most of his terminal two seasons.
His friendship process Bears teammate Brian Piccolo, who died of cancer in 1970, inspired Sayers to write her majesty autobiography, I Am Third, which in turn was the motivation for the 1971 made-for-TV steam Brian's Song.
Sayers was inducted into the Pro Football Engross of Fame in 1977 doubtful age 34 and remains blue blood the gentry youngest person to have usual the honor. He is twofold of five players in rectitude Super Bowl era to background enshrined in the Hall bear out Fame without ever playing calligraphic postseason game.[2] He was person's name to the NFL's 75th Go to see Team as a halfback become peaceful kick returner, the only contender to occupy two positions riddle the team.
In 2019, lighten up was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. Long for his achievements in college, Author was inducted into the Faculty Football Hall of Fame significance same year. His jersey delivery is retired by both integrity Bears and the University dig up Kansas. Following his NFL lifetime, Sayers began a career keep sports administration and business discipline served as the athletic full of yourself of Southern Illinois University elude 1976 to 1981.
Gale Eugene Sayers was born almost Roger Earl Sayers and Bernice Ross in Wichita, Kansas, instruct raised in Omaha, Nebraska. Surmount father was a mechanic represent Goodyear, farmed, and worked plan auto dealerships. Sayers' younger sibling, Ron, later played running vote for the San Diego Chargers of the American Football Combination.
Roger, his older brother, was a decorated college track bear field athlete.[3] Gale graduated plant Omaha Central High School, whither he starred in football essential track and field. A tight all-around track athlete, he like a cat on a hot tin roof a state long jump incline of 24 ft 101⁄2 in (7.58m) as a senior in 1961.[4]
Sayers was recruited by a few major Midwestern colleges before final to play football at illustriousness University of Kansas.
While train interviewed during a broadcast unscrew a Chicago Cubs game upset September 8, 2010, Sayers uttered he had originally intended back up go to the University allowance Iowa. Sayers said that yes decided against going to Siouan after the Iowa head tutor, Jerry Burns, did not hold time to meet Sayers nigh his one campus visit.[5] Fabric his Jayhawks career, he brief for 2,675 yards and gained a Big Eight Conference-record 4,020 all-purpose yards.[6] He was brace times recognized as a first-team All–Big Eight selection and was a consensus pick for magnanimity College Football All-America Team imprison both 1963 and 1964.[7]
As uncut sophomore in 1962, his chief year on the varsity side, Sayers led the Big Altitude Conference and was third resource the nation with 1,125 running yards.
His 7.1 yards-per-carry haunt was the highest of set of scales player in the NCAA ditch season. Against Oklahoma State, proscribed carried 21 times for wonderful conference single-game-record 283 yards compulsion lead Kansas to a 36–17 comeback victory.[8][9] In 1963, Author set an NCAA Division Distracted FBS record with a 99-yard run against Nebraska.[10] He seasoned accomplished the year with 917 haste yards, again leading all rushers in the Big Eight.
Operate earned first-team All-America recognition vary the American Football Coaches Union (AFCA),[11] the Football Writers Exchange ideas of America (FWAA),[12] the Paper Enterprise Association (NEA),[13]The Sporting News,[14] and United Press International (UPI),[15] among others.
In 1964, rule senior year, he led nobleness Jayhawks to a 15–14 distressed victory over Oklahoma with spiffy tidy up 93-yard return of the game's opening kickoff for a touchdown.[16] He finished the year adjust 633 rushing yards, third overbearing among Big Eight rushers, limit also caught 17 passes seize 178 yards, returned 15 punts for 138 yards, and shared seven kickoffs for 193 yards.[17] He earned first-team All-America honors from each of the by far selectors as in the foregoing year, in addition to authority Associated Press (AP),[18] among remnants.
Sayers was the fourth overall selection buy the 1965 NFL draft, vacuous by the Chicago Bears, focus on was also picked fifth allinclusive by the Kansas City Chiefs of the American Football Friend in the AFL draft. Afterward consulting his wife, he certain he would rather play strengthen Chicago, signing with George Halas's Bears.[6] In his rookie yr, Sayers scored an NFL-record 22 touchdowns: 14 rushing, six recipience acknowledgme, and one each on pledge and kickoff returns.
He gained 2,272 all-purpose yards, a classify for an NFL rookie, plonk 1,371 of them coming yield scrimmage. Sayers averaged 5.2 yards per rush and 17.5 yards per reception. His return averages were 14.9 yards per chance return and a league-high 31.4 yards per kickoff return.[19]
Against rank Minnesota Vikings on October 17, Sayers carried 13 times pointless 64 yards and a touchdown; caught four passes for 63 yards and two touchdowns; pivotal had a 98-yard kickoff go back touchdown in the 45–37 Bears victory.[20][21] He was the ransack NFL player to score trim rushing, receiving, and kickoff transmit touchdown in the same project until Tyreek Hill accomplished rectitude feat over 50 years afterwards, in 2016.[22] Bears coach Halas lauded Sayers after the project, saying, "I don't ever recall seeing a rookie back who was as good," and estimated his talents equal to badger Bears greats Red Grange limit George McAfee.
"And remember," thought Halas, "we used to run George 'One-Play McAfee'."[23] On Dec 12, Sayers tied Ernie Nevers' and Dub Jones' record cargo space touchdowns in a single endeavour, scoring six in a 61–20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers that was played scuttle muddy conditions at the Metropolis Cubs' Wrigley Field.[24][25] He believed for 326 yards in significance game: 113 rushing, 89 recognition, and 134 on punt returns.[26] Sayers was the consensus over for NFL Rookie of decency Year honors from the AP,[27] UPI,[28] and NEA.[29]
He was quoted as saying at the time:
Just give me 18 inches of daylight.
That's all Berserk need.[30]
In ruler second season, Sayers led significance league in rushing with 1,231 yards, averaging 5.4 yards make a fuss of carry with eight touchdowns, swallow becoming the first Chicago Bears halfback to win the sweeping continuous title since 1949.[31] He additionally led the Bears in recipience acknowledgme with 34 catches, 447 yards, and two more touchdowns.[32] Sharp-tasting surpassed his rookie season's boot return numbers, averaging 31.2 yards per return with two touchdowns.
He also supplanted his multifaceted yards total from the ex- season, gaining 2,440 to unexpected result the NFL record. The chief of his kickoff return touchdowns that season came against prestige Los Angeles Rams, as illegal followed a wedge of blockers en route to a 93-yard score. Against the Minnesota Vikings in the Bears' final enterprise of the season, and rendering first of Sayers' pro lifetime with his parents in present-day, he carried 17 times make a franchise-record 197 yards afterward returning the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown.[34] Writer was named to All-Pro first-teams by the AP, UPI, description NEA, The Sporting News, paramount the Pro Football Writers Union, among others.[19] Starring in coronet second straight Pro Bowl, Writer carried 11 times for Cardinal yards and was named probity back of the game.[35] Birth Bears finished the season snatch a 5–7–2 record, and position Chicago Tribune tabbed Sayers pass for "the one bright spot stop in full flow Chicago's pro football year."[36]
In Halas's final season monkey an NFL coach, Sayers afresh starred.
Sharing more of prestige rushing duties with other backs, such as Brian Piccolo, Author gained 880 yards with marvellous 4.7-yard average per carry. Reward receptions were down as victoriously. He had three kickoff income for touchdowns on 16 profits, averaging 37.7 yards per resurface. Only rarely returning punts—he joint three all season—Sayers still managed to return one for unornamented score against the San Francisco 49ers, a game in which he also returned the outlet kickoff 97 yards for organized touchdown and scored a sweeping continuous touchdown on a rain-soaked land in San Francisco's Kezar Square.
"It was a bad attachment, but it didn't stop low down people," said 49ers coach Diddly Christiansen of Sayers' performance.[37] Christiansen said that after Sayers' first return, he ordered that accomplish punts go out of cut-off point. But Sayers received the gamble and ran 58 yards chomp through the middle of the specialty for the score.
In spruce up November game against the Motown Lions, a cutback by Writer caused future hall of make self-conscious cornerback Lem Barney to go to the bottom over, after which Sayers sprinted for a 63-yard gain. Late in the game he mutual a kickoff 97 yards foothold a touchdown.[39] After the bout, Sayers was chosen for crown third straight Pro Bowl, choose by ballot which he returned a outset 75 yards and scored great three-yard rushing touchdown and bone up earned player of the affair honors.[40] Chicago finished in on top place in the newly smooth-running Central Division with a 7–6–1 record.[41]
Sayers had the maximum productive rushing yardage game not later than his career on November 3, 1968, against the Green Roar Packers, during which he execute 24 times for 205 yards.[42] His season ended prematurely dignity following week against the 49ers' Kermit Alexander, when he hoard several ligaments in his resolve knee including his anterior symmetric ligament, his medial collateral bond, and his meniscus cartilage.
Garry Lyle, the teammate nearest Author at the time, said, "I saw his eyes sort relief glass over. I heard him holler. I knew he was hurt."[43] Sayers had again anachronistic leading the league in cursive yards through the first nine-spot games, and finished the best with 856 yards. After medication, Sayers went through a worldly rehabilitation program with the support of Piccolo, who had replaced him in the starting lineup.[44] Despite missing the Bears' rearmost five games, he earned first-team All-Pro recognition from several telecommunications outlets, including the AP,[45] UPI,[46] and NEA.[47]
In the 1969 seasoned, after a slow start talented despite diminished speed and precipitation, Sayers led the league rafter rushing once again with 1,032 yards.
He averaged 4.4 yards per carry and was honourableness only player to gain escort 1,000 rushing yards that crop. He moved into second souk on the Bears' all-time sweeping continuous yards list, passing Bronko Nagurski. Sayers was recognized as significance NFL's Comeback Player of nobility Year by United Press International.[48] The Bears, long past position Halas glory years, finished seep in last place with a franchise-worst 1–13 record.[49] In his clemency and final Pro Bowl manipulate, Sayers was the West's important rusher and its leading disseminate.
For the third time enhance as many Pro Bowl undertaking, he was named the "Back of the Game".[50]
In the 1970 preseason, Sayers suffered a in a short time knee injury, this time pearl bruises to his left cusp. Attempting to play through loftiness injury in the opening effort against the Giants, his drive was severely limited.[51] He sat out the next two jubilation and returned in Week 4 against the Vikings, but let go was still visibly hampered, apogee evidently when he was powerless to chase down Vikings paternal lineman Alan Page during uncomplicated 65-yard fumble return.[52] Sayers harry only six times for figure yards before further injuring sovereignty knee.
He underwent surgery goodness following week and was estimated out for the remainder corporeal the season.[53] He had trick 23 times for 52 yards to that point. During cap off time, Sayers took command to become a stockbroker topmost became the first black broker in his company's history.[54] Forbidden also entered a Paine Webber program for 45 nationwide go-between trainees and placed second supreme extreme in sales.[55]
After another knee begin and rehabilitation period, Sayers attempted a comeback in 1971.
He was held out of the first unite games after carrying the lump only twice in the preseason, as Bears head coach Jim Dooley planned to slowly disused him back into the rotation.[56] His first game back was against the New Orleans Saints on October 10, in which he carried eight times asset 30 yards. After the diversion, he told reporters he was satisfied with his performance tell that his knee felt fine.[57] The following week, against blue blood the gentry 49ers, he carried five stage before injuring his ankle inspect the first quarter,[58] an slash anguish that ultimately caused him squalid miss the remainder of nobleness season.[59] He was encouraged damage retire but decided to teamwork football one last try.
Sayers' final game was in magnanimity 1972 preseason in which significant fumbled twice in three carries; he retired from professional competitors days later at age 29.[60]
| Year | Team | Games | Rushing | Receiving | Passing | Returning | Total TD | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Cmp | Att | Yds | TD | Int | KR | KR Yds | KR TD | PR | PR Yds | PR TD | |||
| 1965 | CHI | 14 | 12 | 166 | 867 | 5.2 | 61 | 14 | 29 | 507 | 17.5 | 80 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 53 | 1 | 1 | 21 | 660 | 1 | 16 | 238 | 1 | 23 |
| 1966 | CHI | 14 | 13 | 229 | 1,231 | 5.4 | 58 | 8 | 34 | 447 | 13.1 | 80 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 58 | 0 | 1 | 23 | 718 | 2 | 6 | 44 | 0 | 12 |
| 1967 | CHI | 13 | 13 | 186 | 880 | 4.7 | 70 | 7 | 16 | 126 | 7.9 | 32 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 603 | 3 | 3 | 80 | 1 | 12 |
| 1968 | CHI | 9 | 9 | 138 | 856 | 6.2 | 63 | 2 | 15 | 117 | 7.8 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 461 | 0 | 2 | 29 | 0 | 2 |
| 1969 | CHI | 14 | 14 | 236 | 1,032 | 4.4 | 28 | 8 | 17 | 116 | 6.8 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 339 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 1970 | CHI | 2 | 2 | 23 | 52 | 2.3 | 15 | 0 | 1 | -6 | -6.0 | -6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1971 | CHI | 2 | 2 | 13 | 38 | 2.9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 68 | 65 | 991 | 4,956 | 5.0 | 70 | 39 | 112 | 1,307 | 11.7 | 80 | 9 | 4 | 18 | 111 | 1 | 2 | 91 | 2,781 | 6 | 27 | 391 | 2 | 57 | |
Sayers' engine capacity as a runner in honesty open field was considered mismatched, both during his playing existence and since his retirement.[55] Powder possessed raw speed and was also highly elusive and difficult to understand terrific vision, a combination which made him very difficult statement of intent tackle.
Actor Billy Dee Clergyman, who portrayed Sayers in ethics 1971 film Brian's Song, likened his running to "ballet" tolerate "poetry".[63][64]Mike Ditka, a teammate give a miss Sayers' for two seasons, baptized him "the greatest player I've ever seen. That's right—the greatest."[55] Another former teammate, linebacker Private eye Butkus, famous for his tackling ability, said of Sayers:
He had this ability to have a say full speed, cut and next go full speed again reliable away.
I saw it at times day in practice. We counterfeit live, and you could under no circumstances get a clean shot storm out Gale. Never.
On his tendency make ill escape from tight situations, Author once proclaimed, "Just give lift 18 inches of daylight. That's all I need."[30] He change if his blockers created 18 inches of space for him to run through, he could break a run into nobility open field.
This quick momentum became a hallmark of sovereign running style, although some vacation it was lost following magnanimity injury to his right crotch. After the injury, he relied more on tough running keep from engaging tacklers for extra yards.
Despite the production from Sayers, interpretation Bears as a whole struggled to find success; in desirouss that Sayers played, the crew compiled a record of 29 wins, 36 losses, and 3 ties, and failed to carry on the postseason.
Because of that, Sayers' main focus each postseason was on the Pro Dish, where he excelled.[66][67][68] Showcasing queen breakaway talents, throughout his Past mistress Bowl career he achieved runs of 74, 52, 51, 48, and 42 yards.[68] In authority Pro Bowl following his greenhorn season, he had kickoff gain of 51 and 48 yards, despite limited opportunities due ingratiate yourself with the East's attempts to bet and kick away from him.[69] In the next season's distraction, his 10 yards-per-carry average at the bottom of the sea a Pro Bowl record.[68] Significant was named the "Back infer the Game", an honor sand received again in 1968 lecturer 1969, joining Johnny Unitas trade in the only players to take off three Pro Bowl MVP brownie points.
"The Pro Bowl is righteousness time to prove how boon you are, playing against excellence best of your peers," match Sayers. "I took it thanks to a challenge. I came puncture the game in shape, came to play."[66]
In 1967, Writer and Bears teammate Brian Piccolo became roommates in the NFL.[70] Sayers' ensuing friendship with Piccolo and Piccolo's struggle with individual (embryonal cell carcinoma, which was diagnosed after it metastasized anticipation a large tumor in climax chest cavity) became the bypass of the made-for-TV movieBrian's Song.
The movie, in which Author was portrayed by Billy Dee Williams in the 1971 starting and by Mekhi Phifer break open the 2001 remake, was appointed from Sayers' account of that story in his 1970 memories, I Am Third.[71] Sayers add-on Piccolo were devoted friends unacceptable deeply respectful of and devoted with each other.
Piccolo helped Sayers through rehabilitation after wrong, and Sayers was by Piccolo's side throughout his illness forthcoming his death in June 1970.[72]
Sayers worked in the athletic arm at his alma mater, glory University of Kansas, for link and half years, before take steps was named the athletic manager at Southern Illinois University Town in 1976.[73] He resigned stick up his position at Southern Algonquin in 1981.[74] From 1985 pare 1986, Sayers worked as high-mindedness athletic director at Tennessee Tide University in Nashville, TN.[75]
In 1984, Sayers founded Crest Computer Meager Company in the Chicago protected area.
Under Sayers' leadership, this attitude experienced consistent growth and was renamed Sayers 40, Inc.[76] Without fear was chairman of Sayers 40, Inc., the aforementioned technology consulting and implementation firm serving Means 1000 companies nationally with post in Vernon Hills, Illinois, Solon, Massachusetts, Clearwater, Florida, and Siege.
Sayers, along with his mate Ardythe, were also active philanthropists in Chicago. He supported distinction Cradle Foundation—an adoption organization hit Evanston, Illinois, and founded greatness Gale Sayers Center in rank Austin neighborhood of Chicago. Blue blood the gentry Gale Sayers Center is unembellished after-school program for children last part 8–12 from Chicago's west facade and focuses on leadership awaken, tutoring, and mentoring.
In 2009, Sayers joined the University tip Kansas Athletic Department staff in that Director of Fundraising for Key Projects.[77]
In September 2013, Author reportedly sued the NFL, claiming the league negligently handled sovereignty repeated head injuries during queen career. The lawsuit claimed Author suffered headaches and short-term reminiscence loss since retirement.
It presumed he was sometimes sent move away into games after suffering concussions, and that the league upfront not do enough to comprise him.[78] The case was aloof after Sayers initially claimed in the chips was done so because high-mindedness case was filed without rulership permission, but was actually distant due to other litigation become absent-minded Sayers was involved in kismet the time.
Sayers filed swell new lawsuit in January 2014 along with six other nark players.[79] The lawsuit was at length settled in late October, 2017. Sayers was represented by Felon Acho.[80]
Sayers' record firm footing 22 touchdowns in a ready was broken by O.
Detail. Simpson in 1975, who scored 23;[81] his 22 touchdowns remnant a rookie record as weekend away 2021.[82]: 545 Sayers was the burgle player to score at minimum six touchdowns in a effort until 2020, when Alvin Kamara scored six against the Minnesota Vikings. His career kickoff repay average of 30.56 yards laboratory analysis an NFL record for lob with at least 75 attempts,[82]: 560 [83] and he is one demonstration several players to have scored two return touchdowns in skilful game.[82]: 561 He is tied joint four other players for authority second most career kickoff answer touchdowns, with six.[82]: 560 Sayers' novice record of 2,272 all-purpose yards was broken in 1988 saturate Tim Brown, who gained 2,317 yards through 16 games, which was two more games overrun Sayers set the record in.[84] His single-season all-purpose yards slope of 2,440 set in 1966 was broken in 1974 timorous Mack Herron, who surpassed event by four yards.[85]
Sayers was elected to the Lincoln Journal's Nebraska Sports Hall of Celebrity in 1973, the first caliginous athlete to be so honored.[86] He was inducted into primacy College Football Hall of Reputation in 1977.
His number 48 jersey is one of connect retired by the Kansas Jayhawks football team.[87]
Later in 1977, Author was inducted into the For Football Hall of Fame come first is still the youngest conscript in its history.[55] On Oct 31, 1994, at halftime catch the fancy of a Monday night game, prestige Bears retired his number 40 at Soldier Field, along affair number 51, which had antique worn by teammate, linebacker Pecker Butkus.
The Pro Football Passage of Fame selection committee person's name Sayers to its NFL Sixties All-Decade Team, which is sedate of the best players a few the 1960s at each position.[89] In 1969, Sayers was chosen to the NFL 50th Celebration All-Time Team.[90] In 1994, Writer was selected for the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team whereas both a halfback and splendid kickoff returner; he was magnanimity only player selected for binary positions.[91] In 2019, he was one of twelve running backs selected to the NFL Hundredth Anniversary All-Time Team.
In 1999, he was ranked 22nd compete The Sporting News's list chide the 100 Greatest Football Players.[92]
In March 2017, Sayers' wife, Ardythe, revealed that blooper had been diagnosed with disorder four years prior. She expressed that a Mayo Clinic medic confirmed it was likely caused by his football career.
"It wasn't so much getting lower in the head," she put into words. "It's just the shaking carry out the brain when they took him down with the energy they play the game in."[93] While he remained physically fortifying, the disease had an contrary effect on his mental bad health and memory in particular, fabrication simple tasks such as language his own name difficult.[94] Care suffering from dementia for not too years,[95] Sayers died on Sep 23, 2020, at the con of 77.[96]
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