Gale Sayers
Hall of Fame Career Profile
Throughout the storied
history of the National Football League, memories of
great men making great plays in great games are enshrined
forever in the hallowed halls at Canton. Quarterbacks
throwing long touchdown passes, fleet footed receivers
dueling free safeties, fierce trench warfare at the line
of scrimmage and elusive running backs taking on hard
hitting linebackers have delivered moments unparalleled
in professional sports.
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, Sayers'
work ethic and development of his God given athletic
talents resulted in dozens of major college football
scholarship offers. He chose to stay in state, traveling to
Lawrence to play at Memorial Stadium for the University
of Kansas Jayhawks. While there (1961-1965) Sayers was
a two time All American tailback whose 99 yard touchdown
run as a sophomore 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 roster. 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.
Di's Chicago Bears.
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