Gale Sayers(1943-2020)
- Actor
- Writer
- Additional Crew
Gale Sayers grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, where he excelled as a running back and set a high school record for long jump. He originally received national prominence as a two-time All-American. Sayers was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1965, and in his debut season, he had 2,272 rushing, receiving, and kick-return yards, as well as 22 touchdowns, a rookie record. That year, in a game against the 49ers, he tied an NFL record with six touchdowns. Not unexpectedly, he won Rookie of the Year in 1965. He twice led the league in rushing, was voted All-Pro for five years in a row, and owns the NFL's greatest career kickoff return average.
A series of serious knee injuries prompted Sayers to retire at the age of 29 before the 1972 NFL season. He later worked as an assistant athletic director at the University of Kansas and athletic director at Southern Illinois University. Sayers started a profitable computer supply firm in 1984. His close connection with Bears halfback Brian Piccolo was featured in the 1971 television film Brian's Song.
A series of serious knee injuries prompted Sayers to retire at the age of 29 before the 1972 NFL season. He later worked as an assistant athletic director at the University of Kansas and athletic director at Southern Illinois University. Sayers started a profitable computer supply firm in 1984. His close connection with Bears halfback Brian Piccolo was featured in the 1971 television film Brian's Song.
