This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2010
Like a twisting tornado on the Kansas plains from whence he came, the Chicago Bears' Gale Sayers swirled onto the National Football League scene in 1965, wreaking havoc on every opposition defense that stood his way. Sayers fluid, yet powerful ball-carrying thrusts dazzled the pro football world in a manner that it had not experienced since the fabled Red Grange 40 years prior. There is no telling what the "Kansas Comet" might have attained had fate not intervened. A left knee injury sustained in the 1970 season effectively put a stop to his glittering career after just four-and-one-half seasons of full-time activity. In 1977, Sayers, at age 34 was the youngest person ever inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His term of effective playing time is also the shortest of any Hall of Famers. Those facts stand out as indisputable testimonials to the gridiron greatness that came so quickly to Gale Sayers.
Offered here is a fine quality bronze statue of Gale Sayers by artist T. Holland. Standing 14” tall, not including the 1” oak base, Holland’s work brilliantly captures the grace and power of the "Kansas Comet". The remarkable likeness was produced in 1974 as part of an extremely limited edition of 22 pieces. The edition number “10/22” is stamped on the bronze next to the artists signature “T. Holland”, and date “1974”. Gale Sayers facsimile signature also appears on the bronze base as well as NFL copyright markings. The quality and nature of this piece suggests that it was produced for a significant event. This is the only example of this magnificent piece of sports art we have seen in the marketplace, further suggesting that they were privately distributed and not intended for commercial purposes. Mint condition.