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“Give me 18 inches of daylight, that’s all I need.”
Gale Sayers’ infamous quote helps tell the story of what made him one of the most electric players in pro football history. Sayers, who died at age 77 in 2020, was born 81 years ago today (May 30, 1943). Sayers dazzled NFL fans with his dizzying array of speed, agility and vision. Known as the Kansas Comet during his playing days, Sayers won NFL Rookie of the Year honors in 1965, edging out his teammate and fellow future Hall of Famer Dick Butkus. He twice led the NFL in rushing despite having to face Don Shula’s Colts and Vince Lombardi’s Packers a combined four times a season. Sayers also developed a close bond with Bears fullback Brian Piccolo, a bond that was captured on the big screen in 1971.
Here are five things you may not know about Sayers, one of the best running backs in NFL history.
His six-touchdown performance is still an NFL record
On Dec. 12, 1965, Sayers scored six touchdowns on a mud-soaked field against the 49ers. In addition to his four touchdown runs, Sayers also caught a touchdown pass before returning a punt 85 yards for a score. Sayers actually could have scored seven touchdowns had George Halas not pulled him from the game early, as Jon Arnett scored the final touchdown in Chicago’s 61-20 victory.
Sayers still holds the rookie record for touchdowns
Though it’s been nearly 60 years since his rookie season, Sayers’ 22 touchdowns in 1965 is still the most touchdowns scored by a rookie. That season, Sayers rushed for 14 touchdowns, caught six touchdown passes and had a punt and a kickoff return for scores. All told, Sayers amassed 2,272 all-purpose yards that season for an average of 162.3 yards per game. Making Sayers’ scoring record even more impressive is the fact that it was accomplished in a 14-game season.
He played in just 68 games
In 1968, Sayers was in the midst of arguably his best season…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/remembering-gale-sayers-here-are-five-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-late-chicago-bears-legend/
Author : Bryan DeArdo
Publish date : 2024-05-30 20:20:08
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