Chicago Bears' Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers dies at age 77

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: ESPN

Former Chicago Bears star Gale Sayers, considered one of the greatest running backs in the history of the NFL despite a career cut short by knee injuries, has died at age 77 after living with dementia.

Known as the "Kansas Comet," Sayers was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977 despite playing just seven seasons, all with the Bears. At 34, he was the youngest player ever inducted. "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."

Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement, "The NFL family lost a true friend today with the passing of Gale Sayers. 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."

Sayers was a five-time All-Pro who averaged 5 yards per carry for his career and twice led the league in rushing, including in 1969 (1,032 yards) after having torn the ACL and MCL in his right knee late in the previous season. A major injury to his left knee in 1970 was too much for him to overcome, and he retired in 1971.

Read more: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29951448/chicago-bears-hall-fame-running-back-gale-sayers-dies-age-77

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Wow. Much of my life I recall his name being out there as one of the legendary 'backs of all time and I hadn't heard much about him recently. Didn't realize that he had dementia.

A loss to the sports world. R.I.P.

[angstlessk]

1. I am not sports fan, but I remember from many

many years ago, the movie Brian's Song..funny I don't remember the player who died..but I do remember Gale Sayers.

[turbinetree]

3. Brian Piccolo

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian%27s_Song

[aggiesal]

7. To this day, the Piccolo Award is given to ..

one rookie and one veteran Bears player, per season, who best exemplifies the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor

[turbinetree]

8. Exactly....................

[Docreed2003]

2. Dang so sad! RIP Gayle

[iluvtennis]

4. ...

Rest In Peace Gayle Sayers.

[aggiesal]

5. I grew up in NW Indiana about 20 miles from downtown Chicago ...

1969 was all about the Cubs and Gale Sayers.

RIP Gale, and join Piccolo & Sweetness.

[TeamPooka]

10. in 1969 my Mets beat the Cubs and went on to win the World series.

RIP Sayers.

[aggiesal]

11. Hail Mary, full of grace, keep the Mets in second place ...

was the standard prayer, in mass, during the 1969 and 1984 seasons.

1969 was the year that Cubs Nation grew 100x

[BumRushDaShow]

12. You guys are funny.

(shameless plug)

[TeamPooka]

13. "Ya gotta believe!!!" Was Tug Mcgraws rallying cry for us

[BumRushDaShow]

16. ...

(yes I have to mess with you guys to keep from throwing my laptop out a window due to the news )

[Stuart G]

6. Sad

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

9. RIP

[dhill926]

14. thanks 2020....jesus christ....

I can still remember watching his 6 TD game in our living room. Moving the antenna around to get a better picture...sometimes the game came from Rockford. An elegant running back, and extremely intelligent person. Huge loss....and to think dementia robbed him of his final years....damn...

[paleotn]

15. Damn.

[BHDem53]

17. Gale was my favorite player as a kid.

I was always amazed how he could stop on a dime, change directions and seemingly be back at full speed in a couple of strides. Chicago had a pretty good draft in '65 getting Butkus with the third pick and Sayers with the fourth pick of round one. Rest in peace, Mr. Sayers.