“I Am Third”: The Legacy Of Gale Sayers

“I Am Third”: The Legacy of Gale Sayers

Sometime around my Sophomore year in high school, my younger brother (avid reader and sports enthusiast) gave me a book to read: I Am Third by Gale Sayers. The title was part of Sayers’ mantra, and it changed my way of thinking about life: “The Lord is first; my friends are second; and I am third.”

The Athletic Journey of Gale Sayers

Gale Sayers was born on May 30, 1943, in Wichita, Kansas, where he developed a love for the game of football early in life. On his high school team, he demonstrated great promise, earning his share of awards and attracting the attention of college recruiters. After high school, he made the decision to attend the University of Kansas where he played for the Jayhawks from 1962 to 1964.

During his college years, Sayers was the definition of speed, agility, and versatility, thus catching the attention of the NFL scouts. He set numerous records and earned All-American honors twice.

Sayers was eventually drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round as the fourth overall pick where he was assigned to the position of halfback and return specialist. He wasted no time establishing his reputation in the NFL, earning the nickname “The Kansas Comet” for his unbelievable speed. After suffering a career-altering knee injury in 1968, the dedicated athlete worked tenaciously to come back and continue to play through the 1971 season.

According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame , Gale Sayers gained 9,435 combined net yards, 4,956 yards rushing, and 336 points scored. At the time of his retirement he was the NFL’s all-time leader in kickoff return yards. He won All-NFL honors five straight years and was named Offensive Player of the Game in three of the four Pro Bowls in which he played. He is still regarded as one of the most iconic players in NFL history.

I Am Third: The Book

I Am Third is Gale Sayers’ autobiography. It was published in 1970 and tells the story of his life, football career, and the friendship with white rival teammate Brian Piccolo that developed during a time when racism was a major factor in the sport. Piccolo was diagnosed with cancer during their mutual football career, greatly impacting Sayers. That part of the book was adapted into the 1971 movie Brian’s Song, starring Billy Dee Williams as Sayers and James Caan as Piccolo.

In a report by Julie Unrah published on September 25, 2020, just after the death of Gale Sayers, [Piccolo’s daughter] said “the relationship between Sayers and her dad is a unique one because they became Bears at the same time. ‘The two were total opposites. Sayers, No. 40 was an introvert, almost uncomfortably quiet, and Piccolo, No. 41 was anything but. Both were running backs and both were rookies.’”

Unrah continues, “In 1970, Sayers received the George S. Halas Courage Award for the NFL player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed. He said he would accept it on this night, but it really belonged to his teammate Brian Piccolo who died from cancer a short time later at the age of 26 — leaving behind a wife and three young daughters.”

The Legacy of a Great Man

Sayers’ life and career were marked by incredible achievements, including being the youngest person inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame at age 34 in 1977. He’s also a member of the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team and was named one of the 100 Greatest Football Players by The Sporting News.

Sayers was known as a devoted family man and businessman. After leaving the game, he established several successful businesses, including a computer supply company. Tragically, in 2013, Sayers was diagnosed with dementia with memory loss and cognitive decline which led to his death in 2020. He is survived by his second wife (Ardythe), children Gale Lynn Proby, Scott Aaron Sayers (adopted), and Timothy Gale Sayers, and stepchildren Gary Stephen Agee, Guy Anthony Bullard, and Gaylon Clarence Bullard.