Gale Sayers Dead - NFL Icon Dies at 77
Gale Sayers has sadly died.
The Chicago Bears legend passed away after a long battle with dementia at the age of 77, the Pro Football Hall of Fame confirmed Wednesday (September 23), via TMZ.
He is considered one of the greatest running backs of all-time, making the All-Pro team five times and inducted into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1977. He is still the youngest person ever to be inducted.
“The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Gale. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Ardie, and their entire family. We will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration for future generations. The Hall of Fame flag will fly at half-staff until he is laid to rest,” the organization said in a statement.
He was diagnosed with dementia years ago, but made an appearance at the Bears100 celebration in 2019, where he received a standing ovation that moved him to tears.
We are thinking of Gale‘s loved ones at this difficult time.
The most moving moment of the Bears’ centennial celebration was when the great Gale Sayers, who is suffering from dementia, received a great ovation from the fans. #Bears100 pic.twitter.com/ng4YVaROTo
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) June 8, 2019