Player of American football, born in Wichita, Kansas, USA. Running back with the Chicago Bears (196572), he held numerous records, and was elected to the sport's Hall of Fame in 1977. He once scored six touchdowns in a single game (1965). After retiring from the sport, he became a coach, and also went into business as a computer company executive.
| Gale Sayers | |
|---|---|
| [[Image:|200px]] | |
| Date of birth | May 30, 1943 |
| Place of birth | Wichita, Kansas |
| Position(s) | Halfback |
| College | Kansas |
| NFL Draft | 1965 / Round 1 |
| Pro Bowls | 4 |
| Honors | NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team |
| Retired #s | Chicago Bears #40 |
| Statistics | Pro Football Reference DatabaseFootball |
| Team(s) | |
| 1965-1971 | Chicago Bears |
| College Hall-of-Fame | |
| Pro Football Hall of Fame, 1977 | |
Gale Eugene Sayers (born May 30, 1943 in Wichita, Kansas), also known as "The Kansas Comet", was a professional football player in the National Football League who spent his entire career with the Chicago Bears.
College career and rookie NFL season
Sayers, raised in Omaha, Nebraska, graduated from Omaha Central High School and was a two-time All-American player at the University of Kansas.
First and second injuries
In his second season, despite being the focus of opposing defenses, Sayers led the league in rushing with 1,231 yards.
In 1968 his season was ended prematurely in a game against the San Francisco 49ers when Sayers was chopped down by Kermit Alexander after receiving a pitch, and tore many ligaments in his right knee.
Sayers retired from football during the 1971 campaign, and began a career as CEO of a computer company.
Devoted friendship, Sayers/Piccolo
His friendship with teammate Brian Piccolo, and Piccolo's struggle with the cancer that would eventually result in his death, became the subject of the legendary made-for-TV movie Brian's Song, and is what Sayers is best known for. Piccolo helped Sayers through rehabilitation after injury, and Sayers was by Piccolo's side throughout his illness.
Today, Sayers is a successful public speaker, businessman, and philanthropist, and is also active as a National Football League alumnus.
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