Death of Gale Sayers

"Thank you for your inspiring career of Character, Love and Loyalty. Your Presence with Brian is a sure thing and although I don't know exactly how, I know you will play on the same team again. Blessings on Both if You.
My relationship is an admirer as a Character Coach for the Shenango Highschool Football Team in Lawrence County Pa I was inspired by the aforementioned attributes."

"Great man great football player"

" My husband, a volunteer youth football coach, and I were fortunate to have met Gale at a football camp for kids in Vermont in 1972. We would eat in the dining hall with the coaches and players and as good fortunate has it, we became good friends with Gale throughout that week and the friendship continued for decades.

The four of us (Gale, Ardie, Dick and I) planned trips together, as well as visiting each other's cities (Boston and Chicago for holiday get togethers and fundraisers, (The Cradle Foundation, one of the many charities Gale and Ardie supported.

Gale was fun, philosophical, pragmatic, and had an inquisitive mind. We would talk about race, religion, politics, and charities in our circles together. One of the highlights was going to Houston for the rodeo (Gale loved this challenging and dangerous sport). Another was picking peppers in a field at the McInney tobasco farm in Lousiana. We each had separate quarters at a plantation. Gale and Ardie chose to stay in a cabin called, 'Slave Quarters'. Gale embraced all people of color. He was a proud black man who knew his history. He and Ardie collected African art and and Afro American art, embracing their heritage to share with others.

Gale loved golf and when golfing in Mexico, Ardie and I came across a family member of one of Gale's quarterbacks. Ardie and I conspired to have Rudy Bukich and Gale to have a "surprise" meeting at a local restaurant. Both had fallen out of touch over the years and perhaps it was quite a coincidence to meet his fellow team, living in Mexico with his wife and family.

Finally, Gale and Ardie visited Maine at our children's camp in 1978. Sadly, there are no photos of the week they spent with us that can be found. Gale played capture the flag with us and relays with the kids and staff. He won the July 4th egg toss. No surprise there, Dick Courtiss (now deceased) was his partner.

Rest in peace Gale. Thanks for the many memories the four of us shared."

"To the family, many, many friends, colleagues and legions of fans of this wonderful man, where he was named an All-American twice. Sayers’ was notable that he became the youngest player ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, earning the honor at age 34. That is the legacy Gale Sayers left behind memorable in his football career that will not be forgotten. May the God of comfort bless your grieving hearts with strength, loving kindness and peace as the world copes with loss the of Mr. Gale Sayers. May his legacy keep his memory alive forever."

"There is a term in common usage today that didn't exist when Gale played football. It does, however, define his talent and instinct as a football player. On and off the field, he was one of the greatest players and men to ever play the game. Prior to and following Gale's career, there have been other Running Backs that have achieved greatness. However, none of them could ever be considered the G*O*A*T (greatest of all time) when speaking of Running Backs. I don't believe that anyone could ever take the title from him.

Ted: A loyal Gale Sayers and Chicago Bears fan forever"

"It was pleasure to meet n take care of u at Northwoods god bless ur family and keep watching over them"