Gale Eugene Sayers

Gale Sayers, born in 1943 in Wichita, grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. Sayers advanced his football career at the University of Kansas and became known as the"the Kansas Comet." In 1965 he signed with the Chicago Bears. The first time he was handed the ball as a freshman in a scrimmage against the varsity, Sayers ran 75 yards for a touchdown. His skills at playing football took him on to play for the Chicago Bears. Sayers was named the NFL's rookie of the year and outstanding running back. Sayer's retired from football in 1971. His friendship with teammate Brian Piccolo, who lost a battle with cancer, was portrayed in the 1971 made-for-television movie, Brian's Song.