Legendary Chicago Bears RB, Pro Football Hall of Famer dies at 77
Former Chicago Bears running back and Pro Football Hall of Famer Gale Sayers died on Wednesday, according to multiple reports. He was 77.
Sayers was a running back for the Bears from 1965-71, spending his entire NFL career with the franchise. In those seven seasons, Sayers accounted for 4,952 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns on the ground while maintaining a career average of 5.0 yards per carry. He was also an electrifying return man, totaling 3,172 yards on special teams and 8 touchdowns.
A native of Omaha, Neb., Sayers spent his college career at Kansas, where he had a stellar career. He was a two-time consensus All-American in 1963 and 1964 and had his No. 48 retired by the Jayhawks. He was also a three-time All-Big 8 selection.
Sayers was named the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1965 after being a first-round selection. He was a two-time rushing yards leader (1966, 1969), was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a five-time First-Team All-Pro running back.
Sayers was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame.