Gale Sayers

Reminisce for any length of time about gridiron glory of running backs, and the name Gale Sayers emerges to the forefront. Born in Wichita, KS and raised in Omaha, NE, Sayers' work ethic and development of his God given athletic talents resulted in more than 100 major college football scholarship offers. He chose to play at Memorial Stadium for the University of Kansas Jayhawks, and while there (1961-1965) Sayers was a two time All American runningback whose 99 yard touchdown run as a junior against Nebraska is still an NCAA record today. But the "Kansas Comet" had just started to take off - Sayers was soon selected in the NFL draft by the Chicago Bears. As early as his first pro season, Coach Halas and Bear opponents realized the Hall of Fame would some day add number 40 to its prestigious fraternity. Sayers' NFL career (1965-1971) soon became a treasured highlight film. The quick, agile and elusive Sayers caused scores of missed tackles and created never-ending headaches for defensive coaches throughout the league. Here are just a few of many memorable moments of a truly magical career: In addition, after just three seasons in the National Football League, Sayers was voted to the first team as halfback of the NFL's First 50 Years All Star Team. In 1970, Sayers was named the NFL's most courageous player by the Pro Football Writers of America to acknowledge his dedicated comeback from career threatening knee surgery. Seven years later, Sayers became the youngest player in NFL history to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977. Stats: Born 05/30/1943, Wichita, KS High School: Central (Omaha, NE) Drafted: 1st round (4th overall) by Chicago Bears in 1965. Also drafted in 1st round of 1965 AFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs 1965-1971, Chicago Bears. Uniform Number: #40 HALFBACK 6-0, 200 Enshrined in 1977 Sayers' exceptional break-away running abilities allowed him to score a rookie record of 22 touchdowns and 132 points in 1965. He led NFL rushers in 1966 and 1969 and was named all-time NFL halfback in 1969 and All-NFL five years in a row. Sayers was named Player of Game in three Pro Bowls and his career totals include 9,435 combined net yards, 4,956 yards rushing, 336 points. He remains the NFL lifetime kickoff return leader.