This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2019
Gale Sayers was a player ahead of his time with his lightning-fast speed and unheard of athleticism. He was born in 1932 in Wichita, Kansas and moved to Omaha, Nebraska shortly after where he attended Omaha Central High School starring in both football and track and field. Sayers took his talents to the college level at the University of Kansas, earning All-American honors twice for his abilities as a halfback and kick returner. He set an NCAA Division 1 record for a 99-yard kick return during his junior season. After his college days, he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs of the AFL and the Chicago Bears of the NFL. Sayers turned down the more lucrative deal for the more established NFL Chicago Bears team. He broke an NFL record his rookie season with 22 touchdowns and received Rookie of the Year honors. The “Kansas Comet” had his best season in 1966, with 1,231 rushing yards and 2,440 all-purpose yards. He would have perhaps beaten his own best season in 1968, but he was badly injured after a hard hit ruptured ligaments in his right knee and ended his season. After attempting to come back from injuries for the next couple of years, Sayers decided to retire in 1972 after a Hall of Fame career was cut short.
Offered here is a 1974 bronze statue of Gale Sayers produced by artist Tom Holland shortly after Sayers' career came to an end. The 14-pound display features a 14” tall Sayers in an athletic stance as if he were running past defenders holding a football. The display is engraved with “Gale Sayers”, “T. Holland”, and “NFL”, sitting on a 1” oak base. Also noted on the base of the display is “10/22” denoting that there were very few of these manufactured. The statue is in excellent condition, showing no blemishes and preserving its original state. An awesome display honoring a Hall of Fame player, whose career was cut short due to unfortunate circumstances.