This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/6/2006.
Gale Sayers burst upon the pro football scene in 1965 with the kind of an impact that the sport had not felt in many years. Quiet, unassuming, and always ready to compliment a teammate for a key block, Sayers continued to sizzle in 1967 and well into the 1968 season. Then, in the ninth game, Sayers suffered a knee injury that required immediate surgery. After a tortuous rehabilitation program, Gale came back in 1969 in a most spectacular manner, winding up with his second 1,000-yard rushing season and universal Comeback of the Year honors. But injuries continued to take their toll and, just before the 1972 season, Gale finally had to call it quits.
In his relatively short career, he compiled a record that can never be forgotten. His totals show 9,435 combined net yards, 4,956 yards rushing, and 336 points scored. At the time of his retirement he was the NFL's all-time leader in kickoff returns. He won All-NFL honors five straight years and was named Offensive Player of the Game in three of the four Pro Bowls in which he played. On the left front tail of the soft durene cotton blend navy jersey is the "Wilson" manufacturers tag with wash instructions and the jersey size "46" on it. On the front, back, and on each sleeve is the player number "40" in white on orange tackle twill. This jersey shows great game use and incredible wear with many repair marks. There appears to be no alterations of any kind. This is one of the finest known examples extant. Graded A10 by MEARS.