Gale Sayers
Gale Sayers
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Gale Eugene Sayers was an American football player, coach, and motivational speaker. He is commonly known as "The Kansas Comet" due to his swift and agile running style.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: May 20, 1943
Died: September 29, 2020
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Professions: Football player, coach, motivational speaker
Early Life and Background
Gale Sayers was born in Wichita, Kansas, to a family of modest means. His father, Eddie Sayers, was a sharecropper, and his mother, Evelyn Sayers, was a homemaker. Gale's early life was marked by hardship and struggle, but he found solace in sports, particularly football. He attended Omaha Central High School, where he became an all-state running back.
Major Accomplishments
Sayers' impressive college career at the University of Kansas earned him numerous accolades, including All-American honors and a place on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot. In 1965, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round (fourth overall) of the NFL Draft.
During his six-year tenure with the Bears, Sayers set an NFL record for most touchdowns scored in a single season (22), which stood for over two decades. He also earned four Pro Bowl selections and was named First-Team All-Pro twice. In 1977, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Notable Works or Actions
After retiring from football, Sayers returned to Omaha to work with at-risk youth. He became a motivational speaker, sharing his story with thousands across the country. His autobiography, "I Am Third," co-authored with Brian Curtis, was published in 1970 and offers a candid look into his life.
Sayers' most notable act of kindness occurred when he befriended NFL players and coaches who were struggling to cope with their own personal demons. He formed close bonds with men like Brian Piccolo, who would later succumb to cancer.
Impact and Legacy
Gale Sayers left an indelible mark on the world of football and beyond. His achievements on the field earned him recognition as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. Off the field, his selflessness and compassion inspired countless individuals to follow in his footsteps.
The "Gale Sayers Man of the Year" award, established by the Chicago Bears, honors an individual who demonstrates outstanding community service and philanthropic efforts. His legacy extends far beyond football, as a shining example of perseverance, kindness, and generosity.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Sayers' remarkable life story has been immortalized through various media outlets, including books, films, and documentaries. The 2001 TV movie "Brian's Song," which tells the story of his friendship with Brian Piccolo, won several Emmy Awards and further cemented Sayers' place in popular culture.
As a motivational speaker and advocate for at-risk youth, Gale Sayers continues to inspire new generations. His unwavering dedication to helping others has made him an enduring figure in American sports history.
Quotes by Gale Sayers
This is not a football film. It's about two individuals - two good friends telling their story.
My knee was torn up. I tore every ligament in my knee. It was a very, very bad injury. I had to do what the doctors told me to do, and I did that. The next year, I came back and led the league in rushing.
I learned more of how to appreciate what I had then - my family, my kids, the talent that God gives you - because He can take it away at any time. He took it away from Brian through death. He took it away from me through my knees.
We had no preconceived ideas. We were on this football team to go out and win ballgames and try to win a championship, that's all. To Brian and me, it was no big deal.
You have to prepare to quit, and this is what I did. I prepared to quit, so on the day that came when I had to walk away from the game, I walked away and didn't look back.
