Posted on 09/23/2020 6:05:53 AM PDT by ConservativeStatement
It would look similar to Rugby or Australian football.
One of the greatest to ever play RB. My prayers and condolences to his family, friends and teammates.
I was Sayers’ classmate at KU and knew him briefly as a young boy from Speed (how appropriate), Kansas. Never saw a more exciting runner before or since.
It happened, it was much rougher, and it wasn’t pretty.
It’s too bad that Sayers got injured in a time when a serious knee injury was the end of your football career.
The latter words I used almost exactly when Tom Seaver passed.
Few years behind you at KU it was great to know athletes in my dorm (JRP) that were well liked by all. Jo Jo White, John Zook (bridge partner sometimes), the Riggins brothers, Vernon Vanoy, Emery Hicks and many more
It has been cited in the past that he had Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),
also known as motor neurone disease (MND) or Lou Gehrig’s disease.
This progresses over time to stop other body functions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amyotrophic_lateral_sclerosis
Here is an article:
https://nypost.com/2020/09/23/gale-sayers-legendary-bears-running-back-dead-at-77/
Gale Sayers, the Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back known as the “Kansas Comet,” has died at the age of 77, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, after battling dementia.
“All those who love the game of football mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever play this Game with the passing of Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers,” Hall of Fame president and CEO David Baker said in a statement. “He was the very essence of a team player — quiet, unassuming and always ready to compliment a teammate for a key block. Gale was an extraordinary man who overcame a great deal of adversity during his NFL career and life.”
Yes, I know the history and how Teddy Roosevelt considered banning it for that reason. Yet now we see the near same results just spread out as lifetime damage rather than happening on the playing field. I have to wonder if the game needs further tweeks and perhaps (smile) an airbag helmet?
For those of you who love "Brian's Song," check out Sayers' autobiography, "I Am Third," on which the movie was based. The title comes from Sayers personal motto: "The Lord is my first; my family is second; and I am third."
Truly a role model and a class act! Rest in Peace, O Kansas Comet!
Nominal author of “I Am Third,” the autobiography that became “Brian’s Song,” the story of Brian Piccolo.
He was also known as "Black Magic." Today that would have to be "Person of Color Magic," which doesn't have quite the same cachet.
Add the forward pass and it’s still pretty much the way backyard tackle football is played. A better game, IMHO.
RIP.
Yes, I read his autobiography years ago when it first was published. It was one of the best football books I have ever read. Highly recommend.
He was without a doubt the greatest open field runner ever.
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