The Kansas Comet
Written By Shawn Stewart
As sports fans, we love to watch and cheer on our favorite teams and players, but when a sports legend passes away it can be a difficult time for everyone. Gale Sayers, one of the greatest running backs of all time passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at the age of 77. Gale Sayers was one of the most electrifying players in NFL history. Pro Football Hall of Fame President David Baker announced Sayers' death but could not provide the cause of death at this time.
"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," 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 career in the NFL and in his life."
Sayers career was cut short due to injuries which only allowed him to play in 68 total NFL games, but in despite of these injuries and his shortened NFL career, Sayers was a clear-cut — and first-ballot — Hall of Famer for what he accomplished not only on the field but off the field as well. Sayers was considered a lightning bolt in the Bears backfield. He had the ability to score every time he touched the ball. If you gave Sayers an inch, he'd give you 50 yards on one play. During his historic run with the Bears from 1965-1971, the phrase, "keeps the defenders awake at night" was epitomized. Sayers gave defenders nightmares every time he touched the ball.
Gale Sayers is considered by many to be one of the greatest players to step foot on the field, despite only playing for 6 total seasons for the Chicago Bears. (AP Photo/File)
The nickname, the "Kansas Comet", was given to Gale Sayers because not only did he play his college football for the University of Kansas , but he was also a Kansas native as well. Throughout his college career, Sayers compiled over 4,000 all-purpose yards over three seasons and was recognized twice as an All-American. in 1973, Gale Sayers was selected to the Lincoln Journals’ Nebraska Sports Hall of Fame. When Gale Sayers received these honors, he was the first ever African American athlete to do so.
In his rookie season for the Chicago Bears, Sayers set a league record with 22 touchdowns, including a record-tying six touchdowns in one game. He was also named the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1965. Gale Sayers was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977, at the age of 34 and still remains the youngest in NFL history to ever receive that honor.
Even though Sayers had a shortened NFL career, he still was able to put up solid numbers and receive many honors and awards, including four trips to the Pro Bowl. He had a total of 4,956 yards to go along with 39 rushing touchdowns, all while he averaged 5 yards per carry. Sayers has rightfully so been selected as a member of the 50th, 75th, and 100th NFL Anniversary All-Time Teams. Lastly, Gale Sayers ceremoniously had his hallmark number 40 retired by the Chicago Bears on October 31, 1994 at Solider Field. On top of this, his college almamater, the Kansas Jayhawks retired his number 48 in 1977.
Gale Sayers famously had an unbreakable friendship with Bears teammate Brian Piccolo, who died of cancer in 1970. The passing of his friend Brian Piccolo was what inspired Gale Sayers to write his autobiography titled I Am Third, which in turn was the basis for the 1971-made-for-TV movie Brian's Song. This movie is a real tear-jerker as it gives the viewers some insight as to what Brian Piccolo had to deal with during his fight with terminal cancer.
Gale Sayers goes down as one of the greatest running backs of all time. In fact, some sports experts would argue that he is the greatest of all-time at the position. Even though he had a shorter NFL career than others running backs in the Hall of Fame, he is still in the discussion with the likes of Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, and Walter Payton as the greatest to ever play the game. The Chicago Bears, the city of Chicago, and the NFL community as a whole will definitely be saddened by the passing of Gale Sayers. I am sure there will be a moment of silence for him this weekend around the sports world. Even though he is gone, he will never be forgotten. Rest easy "Kansas Comet", and thank you for putting a positive impact on the sports world and its fans.
Gale Sayers Highlights:
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