Gale Sayers, a member of the Professional Football Hall of Fame, died Wednesday at the age of 77.
David Baker, president and chief executive of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, published an article on Sayers’ death:
“Everyone who loves american football laments the loss of one of the most important players who has ever played this game with the passing of Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers. He was the essence of a team player: quiet, unpretentious and willing to congratulate a teammate on a key. Gale was a common guy who surpassed many adversity during his career and his life in the NFL.
“The Kansas Comet broke into the National Football League and caught the attention of the entire United States. Although he only played 68 NFL games due to a shortened injury race, Gale kicked loose – and in the first circular – Hall of Famer for his achievements on the field and for the kind of character he has in life.
“The entire circle of professional football Hall of Fame family members is in mourning for Gale’s death. Our minds and prayers are with his wife, Ardie, and his entire circle of relatives. We will keep his legacy alive to inspire future generations. The Hall of Fame flag will wave halfway until it rests. “
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also posted a message after Sayers’ death was announced, via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:
TO NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about the death of legendary RB Gale Sayers https://t. co/BvHpYwpL1l
Sayers spent his entire seven-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1971, named the first All-Pro team in each of his first five seasons, won the NFL Rookie of the Year award in 1965 and 4 – Pro Bowl Selection
A knee injury he suffered during the 1968 season limited Sayers to just nine games. He took the NFL to court yards (1032) and was named Player of the Year who returned in 1969, but knee disorders harassed him for the next two years before being forced. retire the pre-season in 1972.
Although he has played only 68 games in his career, Sayers has left a lasting impression in the league. The Kansas local was named to the All-Decade team for the 1960s and included in the league’s 50th, 75th and 100th anniversary teams.
Sayers’ No. 40 T-shirt with the Bears and his School T-Shirt No. 48 with the Kansas Jayhawks were removed. His 4,956 yards on the court and 39 touchdowns rank fifth in Bears history.