Kansas football great Gale Sayers will not be forgotten

All-time Kansas football great Gale Sayers has passed away, but his legacies with the Jayhawks and Bears will never be forgotten.

Today is a sad day for Kansas football fans and football fans in general. Gale Sayers, the Kansas Comet, has passed away at the age of 77. He’s easily one of the all-time great Jayhawks, and he was certainly one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. His impact won’t soon be forgotten thanks to his amazing runs, records, and awards.

Sayers, born in Wichita, played for the Kansas Jayhawks from 1962 through 1964. During that time period, Sayers rushed for a total of 2,675 yards, was a three-time All-Big 8 selection, and a two-time consensus All-American. His No. 48 jersey is retired, and he has been inducted into the Kansas football Ring of Honor.

Many Kansas fans will probably tell you he’s the greatest Jayhawk ever, and it would be tough to argue that.

After his incredible years with the Jayhawks, Sayers was taken with the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft and the fifth overall pick in the AFL Draft. He chose to join the Chicago Bears in the NFL, going on to have one of the best pro careers of all time despite it being cut short by injuries.

Sayers played his entire NFL career with the Chicago Bears from 1965-1971, making four Pro Bowl appearances and five first-team all-pro teams. Sayers also won Rookie of the Year in 1965 and Comeback Player of the Year in 1969. He led the NFL in rushing yards for two seasons, and his No. 40 has been retired by the Chicago Bears.

He has since been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, also making the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. Gale Sayers’ legacy both with the Jayhawks and Bears will not soon be forgotten.