Former KU and Bears star Gale Sayers, ‘The Kansas Comet,’ dies at age 77

Gale Sayers, a star running back for the University of Kansas in the 1960s and later with the Chicago Bears, has died, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Wednesday. He was 77.

No cause of death was announced, but Sayers was diagnosed with dementia in 2013.

“All those who love the game of football mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever play this Game with the passing of Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers,” Hall of Fame president David Baker said in a statement. “He was the very essence of a team player — quiet, unassuming and always ready to compliment a teammate for a key block. Gale was an extraordinary man who overcame a great deal of adversity during his NFL career and life.”

Former Jayhawks coach Mark Mangino tweeted: “Gale was great player, but he was so much more. He carried himself with class and always encouraged our players to earn their degrees. He talked more about life than football! KU lost a legend!”

Born in Wichita and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Sayers played three seasons (1962-64) for the Jayhawks, rushing for 2,675 yards, 18 touchdowns and averaging 6.5 yards per carry. That success earned him the nickname, “The Kansas Comet.”

In 1964, Sayers was drafted by the Chiefs of the American Football League and the Chicago Bears. Sayers chose the NFL and was an instant star in the Windy City.

In his the penultimate game of his rookie season, Sayers scored six touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving, one via a punt return) as the Bears beat the San Francisco 49ers, 61-20.

“Just give me 18 inches of daylight,” Sayers said in a Pro Football Hall of Fame video. “That’s all I need.”

During his first five seasons, Sayers rushed for 4,866 yards, had 1,313 receiving yards and scored 48 touchdowns. He was named first-team All-Pro in each of those years.

A knee injury limited Sayers to four games over the next two seasons and he retired following the 1971 season.

He was a first-ballot Hall of Famer at the age of 34 and chosen to the NFL’s 100 All-Time Team.

Sayers also gained recognition off the football field when he was portrayed by Billly Dee Williams in the movie “Brian’s Song” that told of Sayers’ friendship with Bears teammate Brian Piccolo. They were believed to be the first interracial roommates in the NFL while competing for a job. Piccolo died of cancer at 26 in 1970.

“The NFL family lost a true friend today with the passing of Gale Sayers,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Gale was one of the finest men in NFL history and one of the game’s most exciting players.

“Gale was an electrifying and elusive runner who thrilled fans every time he touched the ball. He earned his place as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. We will forever remember Gale for his inspiration and kindness. Gale’s quiet unassuming demeanor belied his determination, competitiveness and compassion.

“We sent our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Ardie, and their family. Our thoughts are with his teammates, the Bears organization, the many fans who remember him as a football player and the many more people who were touched by Gale’s spirit and generosity.”

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly also shared her thoughts on Sayers.

Kelly tweeted: “Wichita Native and ‘Kansas Comet’ Gale Sayers was one of the best to play. He was more than just a football legend—he was a kind, inspirational, and compassionate man. We lost an extraordinary Kansan today.”