NFL Legend Gale Sayers has passed away at the age of 77.
Sayers was one of the greatest running backs from the Chicago Bears and was later honored for that in the Pro Football Hall of Game in 1977. Sayers was inducted at age 34, and this makes him the youngest person to receive such a feat.
Gale Eugene Sayers was known as one of the great halfback and return specialists in the league. His peers admired his remarkable speed and agility that made him difficult to stop in the field. He can complete a 100 yard-dash in just 9.7 seconds, making him one of the players with raw and unmatched speed. Actor Billy Dee Williams, who portrayed Sayers in the movie based on the football player's autobiography, referred to Sayer's running as "ballet and poetry."
The running back specialist was also known for his terrific vision and the ability to avoid tight situations. Whenever pressed, he would rely on his quick acceleration to gain an advantage. This became one running style that is associated with him.
The football legend wrote an autobiography, "I am Third," which was later turned into a TV-movie called "Brian's Song." The movie revolves around the unlikely friendship between Sayers and Brian Piccolo, played by Billy Dee Williams and James Caan, respectively. The racial background and opposite temperament between the two were no obstacle for both players to become close friends. Movie critics considered it one of the "finest telefilms" of all time.
The NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has this to say about the football legend:
"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, "
He added: "we will also forever remember Gale for his inspiration and kindness."
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