NFL Open Thread: “The Kansas Comet”– Gale Sayers

Gale Eugene Sayers (born May 30, 1943), also known as “The Kansas Comet”, is a former American college and professional football player who was a running back in the NFL for seven seasons during the 1960s and early 1970s. He played college football for the University of Kansas, and was twice recognized as an All-American. He was a first-round pick in the 1965 NFL Draft, and played his entire pro career for the NFL’s Chicago Bears.

Sayers is a member of both the Pro and College Football Halls of Fame. His friendship with fellow Chicago Bear Brian Piccolo was the basis for the 1971 movie Brian’s Song. He is a successful entrepreneur in the information technology field and an active philanthropist.

In 1977, Sayers was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and is still the youngest inductee in the Hall’s history. In 1994, the Bears retired his number, 40, at Soldier Field, along with number 51, which had been worn by teammate, linebacker Dick Butkus. In 1999, despite the brevity of his career, he was ranked #22 on The Sporting News list of the 100 Greatest Football Players.