NFL running back Gale Sayers dies

Gale Sayers set an NFL record for most all-purpose touchdowns in his rookie season, scoring six in one game. The NFL Hall of Famer remembered for his blazing speed died on Wednesday at age 77. Sayers played for the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1971. His 1970 autobiography, I Am Third, recounted his struggles and achievements. “The Lord is first, my friends are second, and I am third,” Sayers wrote.

How else is Sayers remembered? The 1971 movie Brian’s Song, based on I Am Third, details Sayers’ deep friendship with Brian Piccolo, a fellow Bears running back who died of cancer at age 26. Just a month before Piccolo’s death, Sayers honored him while receiving the Most Courageous Player award: “I love Brian Piccolo, and I’d like all of you to love him, too. Tonight, when you hit your knees to pray, please ask God to love him, too.”

Dig deeper: Read the NFL Hall of Fame’s statement on Sayers’ death.