Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers dies at age 77

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced that former Bears running back Gale Sayers, has died. at the age of 77

The “Kansas Comet” was was named the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1965, he was named a first-team All-Pro each of his first five seasons, he was a four-time Pro Bowler, and he won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1969 after tearing up his right knee in 1968.

On December 12, 1965, Sayers scored a single-game record six touchdowns in a game against the 49ers, with an 80-yard catch-and-run, four rushing touchdowns (including a 50-yarder), and an 85-yard punt return. He finished his rookie year with 22 touchdowns.

Sayers injured his knee midway though his fourth season, a season in which he averaged a career best 6.2 yards per carry and 95.1 rushing yards per game, and while he fought back to play the full 14 games the following year, injuries held him to only 2 games each in 1970 and 1971.

Sayers was named to the 1960s All-Decade Team, the league’s 50th anniversary All-Time team, their 75th anniversary All-Time Team, and the NFL’s 100th anniversary All-Time Team.

Sayers was the youngest man to be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the age of 34 in 1977 despite playing only 68 regular-season games, due to knee injuries that shortened his career.

Our condolences to Gale Sayers’ family, friends, teammates, and other colleagues.