The Chicago Bears' great halfback Gale Sayers passed away on September 23, 2020 at age 77.
Sayers was one of two first-round picks by the Bears in 1965. (Dick Butkus was the other.) Like Butkus, Sayers' career was cut short due to knee injuries.
Sayers was first team All-Pro in his first 5 seasons, and led the NFL in rushing yards in 1966 and 1969. He also scored 14 TDs as a rookie.
After 5 great years, he only played 2 games each in 1970 and 1971. The unfortunate hit by the 49ers' Kermit Alexander caused his first knee injury in late-1968. Surprisingly, he came back in 1969 and led the league in rushing.
A second knee injury in the 1970 pre-season put the brakes on his great career.
Sayers was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977, despite only having played in 68 games.
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