The NFL community and the larger sports world lost an absolute legend on Wednesday with news that Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers has passed away at the age of 77 after battling dementia for years.
A member of the Chicago Bears for just seven seasons, Sayers earned four trips to the Pro Bowl, was named First-Team All-Pro five times and won two NFL rushing titles.
More than the difference Sayers made on the field, he was a larger-than-life figure off the field. Perhaps best known for his friendship with ailing teammate Brian Piccolo, Sayers showed us that humanity was alive and well within the football world. Their story was told on “Brian’s Song” and has an abiity to lead grown men to tears.
Those close to Sayers and the rest of the sports world paid tribute to the legend following his passing, including actor Billy Dee Williams. He portrayed the running back in the above-mentioned film.
My heart is broken over the loss of my dear friend, Gale Sayers.
— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) September 23, 2020
Portraying Gale in Brian’s Song was a true honor and one of the nightlights of my career. He was an extraordinary human being with the the kindest heart.
My sincerest condolences to his family #RIPGaleSayers pic.twitter.com/OyQRlwuznU
“Football fans know well Gale’s many accomplishments on the field: a rare combination of speed and power as the game’s most electrifying runner, a dangerous kick returner, his comeback from a serious knee injury to lead the league in rushing, and becoming the youngest player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey said in a statement. “People who weren’t even football fans came to know Gale through the TV movie ‘Brian’s Song,’ about his friendship with teammate Brian Piccolo. Fifty years later, the movie’s message that brotherhood and love needn’t be defined by skin color, still resonates.”
They were joined by others in paying homage to the all-time great following his passing.
Gale Sayers was someone who I admired long before I arrived in Chicago. I loved his approach to the game and of course, how he played it. He inspired me to be great in a city that loves sports like no other. RIP to one of the @NFL’s best ever. #KansasComet @ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/Rc3zytUjQj
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) September 23, 2020
Hall of Famer and @ChicagoBears Legend Gale Sayers has passed away at the age of 77.
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) September 23, 2020
More: https://t.co/lJti7R3FYL#HOFForever pic.twitter.com/yujzMnhry3
Never underestimate the power of friendship. RIP #GayleSayers pic.twitter.com/8zaTE1kpcJ
— Waterloo Black Hawks (@BlckHawksHockey) September 23, 2020
Bears’ legend and Hall-of-Fame running back Gale Sayers died Wednesday, the Hall of Fame confirmed. He was 77. pic.twitter.com/hfKAptZPyx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2020
RIP Gale Sayers.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) September 23, 2020
One of the most electric players the game has ever seen.
Gale Sayers' light never was intended to burn long. It was intended to burn brightest, and it did. Rest In Peace to a legendary football player, philanthropist, and believer.
— Dan Pompei (@danpompei) September 23, 2020
Thanks for the memories. Rest In Peace Gale Sayers. pic.twitter.com/CbeDXV6VZX
— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) September 23, 2020
Gale Sayers has passed away at the age of 77. RIP Kansas Comet. #Bears pic.twitter.com/4L1Bx5PjzV
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) September 23, 2020
Rest in peace to the , Gale Sayers.
— Kansas Football (@KU_Football) September 23, 2020
One of the best and most impactful the game has ever seen.
1943-2020 pic.twitter.com/OniG0vFJgr
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell joined in paying tribute to Sayers with an emotional statement following his passing.
“The NFL family lost a true friend today with the passing of Gale Sayers. Gale was one of the finest men in NFL history and one of the game’s most exciting players,” Goodell said in a statement.
Our thoughts obviously go out to the Sayers family, the Chicago Bears organization and the entire sports world. A legend has ascended to the stars. That’s for sure.
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