Despite an injury-plagued career, Sayers was still considered one of the greatest running backs of all-time. In his seven-year career, Sayers rushed for 4,956 yards and 56 touchdowns. Sayers was inducted in to Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977 at the age of 34.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Ardie, and their entire family. We will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration for future generations. The Hall of Fame flag will fly at half-staff until he is laid to rest,” a statement from the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame read.
The “Kansas Comet”, as Sayers was nicknamed, formed a close friendship with another Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo who died tragically at the age of 27.
Their friendship was chronicled in the movie Brian’s Song in which Billy Dee Williams and James Caan portrayed Sayers and Piccolo.
Sayers was diagnosed with the dementia several years ago. Towards the end of his life the decease had taken a real toll on his quality of life. According to his wife Ardythe Bullard, he struggled to move or speak.
Sayers was 77 years old.
