Since top ten lists are all the rage these days, the dog days til training camp starts, I thought it was time for one more! Since USA Today is counting down the top 25 players of the last 25 years til camp,(and we will keep you up to date on the Niner notables on that list), I will go one better. Here is number 8 on my list of top ten players of all time, regardless of era or position. And yeah, there might be a 49er or two in here!!
Number 8:
Gale Sayers, Chicago Bears, 1965-71
Sayers was drafted by the Chicago Bears. He was also drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs and offered more money to play there, but he ultimately chose to play in Chicago. He won NFL Rookie of the Year honors in 1965 and was the only rookie at the time to accomplish the feat of scoring six touchdowns in a game. He finished his rookie year with 22 touchdowns.In his second season, despite being the focus of opposing defenses, Sayers led the league in rushing with 1231 yards.In 1968 his season was ended prematurely in a game against the San Francisco 49ers when Sayers tore many ligaments in his right knee. He had surgery and rehabilitation, with the help of Brian Piccolo. In the 1969 season he led the league in rushing once again, but he lacked the lightning speed he once had.
After only 5 seasons in the NFL, (7 officially, although Sayers only played 1 preseason game in 1970 and waited until after the '71 season to officially retire), Sayers made enough of an indelible mark on the NFL in only 68 games played, as a running back and return man, that he was a first ballot hall of famer in 1977. No other player has every been inducted into any pro sports hall of fame with less statistical backing or years of service, proving that Sayers was and is truely appreciated for what a talent he was and would have been no matter how long he played for.
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