Posted on 09/23/2020 7:25:34 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin
Gale Sayers, one of the most electric NFL players of the 1960s and early 1970s, has died. He was 77 years old.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer was a brilliant running back and returner who spent only seven years in the league, all with the Chicago Bears, from 1965 to 1971.
“The NFL family lost a true friend today with the passing of Gale Sayers,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Gale was one of the finest men in NFL history and one of the game's most exciting players. Gale was an electrifying and elusive runner who thrilled fans every time he touched the ball. He earned his place as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
"We will also forever remember Gale for his inspiration and kindness. Gale's quiet unassuming demeanor belied his determination, competitiveness and compassion. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Ardie, and their family. Our thoughts are with his teammates, the Bears organization, the many fans who remember him as a football player and the many more people who were touched by Gale's spirit and generosity.”
Nicknamed the “Kansas Comet” after a brilliant college career with the Jayhawks, Sayers had one of the NFL’s all-time best rookie seasons after entering the league as the fourth overall selection in the 1965 NFL draft.
Sayers set a league record that first season by scoring 22 touchdowns — including a record-tying six in a single game — and gained 2,272 all-purpose yards. He was named the NFL's Rookie of the Year and would earn four Pro Bowl appearances and five first-team All-Pro selections in his first five seasons.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
Asked how he always seemed able to escape from traffic on the field and break open big runs, Sayers once said: “Just give me 18 inches of daylight. That’s all I need.”
Will be missed. God blessed him. May he rest in peace.
Farewell Kansas Comet and tell Pic we said “hello”!
anyone else notice that athletes dont really seem to live any longer than anyone else?
Yet we are told that exercise helps lengthen life... If that were true, wouldn’t most REALLY old people be x-athletes?
I met Gale when he owned a business in Chicago - He Said George Halas was cheapest man he had ever met. The most Gale Sayers ever made was $80,000 a season. He was broke after he retired.
Remembering Hall of Famer Gale Sayers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPn5Wm1d9sw
Speech from “Brian’s Song”
(Billie Dee Williams as Gale Sayers)
*BLURRY SCREEN ALERT*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfI_HT39eeM
Class act throughout his life.
There’s a huge difference between being in shape, and being a genetic freak working out and eating the way they do.
Maybe this would be a good time to watch Brian’s Song again.
but even atheletes like gymnasts and swimmers dont seem to live any longer either.
Had a number 40 football jersey as a kid...as a Giants fan, Joe Morrison immediately became my favorite football player. When I saw on the NFL Highlight Show (with Pat Summerall and Tom Brookshier) that Gayle Sayers also wore #40...well, during our “kill the guy with the ball” games in the backyard, I had to try out all his moves and jukes (while calling out the play by play aloud).
Great creative running back...
I agree!
P.S. Or any other movie with Billie Dee in it, LOL! ;)
i’m only pointing this out, because some people spend a LARGE part of their lives working out... if they don’t live any longer than average... are not they actually living shorter lives (after you subtract all the time they spent working out?)
:(
Great movie but not easy to watch sometimes.
I think his speech wasn’t recorded and the speech that John C gave wasn’t recorded.
perhaps cappelletti’s was. Now I have to go look
He was a good one...the rest of the NFL today, FU.
I understand, and agree with that.
Genetics seems, to me, to be the main driver of longevity.
I know people who lived to their late 90’s that drank, smoked, and ate whatever.
I know athletes that died young from cancer.
I just try to make what I believe to be the best decisions, combined with living how I desire.
I love working out and playing sports.
I eat paleo, lift 3 times a week, play volleyball, meditate daily, try to laugh often, and go for walks whenever the weather is accommodating.
Detach from the outcome and enjoy the process/journey...
schumer and pelosi are upset that trump will get to name a replacement to the hall of fame for the late Gayle Sayers...
it just isn’t fair.
A lot of guys still work with a lot of causes and see a lot of sick kids and make them very happy. It’s ignorant to throw each and every one of them in together
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