Gale Sayers

The Kansas Comet who lit up the NFL and remains the youngest Hall of Famer.

Gale Eugene Sayers (May 30, 1943 – September 23, 2020) was an American professional football halfback and return specialist in the NFL. He played for the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1971, though injuries effectively limited him to five seasons. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977 at age 34, the youngest person to receive the honor.

Quick Facts

Number: 40
Position: Halfback; Return specialist
Born: 30 May 1943
Birthplace: Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
Died: 23 September 2020
Place of death: Wakarusa, Indiana, U.S.
High school: Central (Omaha, Nebraska)
College: Kansas (1962–1964)

Facts from the source article.

Background

Nicknamed 'the Kansas Comet', Sayers played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks, where he compiled 4,020 all-purpose yards over three seasons and was twice a consensus All-American. In his rookie NFL season, he set a league record by scoring 22 touchdowns—including a record-tying six in one game—and gained 2,272 all-purpose yards, earning NFL Rookie of the Year. He earned four Pro Bowl appearances and five first-team All-Pro selections. A right knee injury ended his 1968 season early, but he returned in 1969 to lead the NFL in rushing and be named Comeback Player of the Year.

His friendship with Bears teammate Brian Piccolo inspired his autobiography I Am Third, which became the basis for the 1971 TV movie Brian's Song. Sayers is one of five players in the Super Bowl era enshrined in the Hall of Fame without playing in a postseason game. 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. In 2019, he was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

He 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. After his NFL career, he served as athletic director of Southern Illinois University from 1976 to 1981.