Posted on 09/23/2020 7:25:34 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin
Gale Sayers, one of the most electric NFL players of the 1960s and early 1970s, has died. He was 77 years old.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer was a brilliant running back and returner who spent only seven years in the league, all with the Chicago Bears, from 1965 to 1971.
“The NFL family lost a true friend today with the passing of Gale Sayers,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Gale was one of the finest men in NFL history and one of the game's most exciting players. Gale was an electrifying and elusive runner who thrilled fans every time he touched the ball. He earned his place as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
"We will also forever remember Gale for his inspiration and kindness. Gale's quiet unassuming demeanor belied his determination, competitiveness and compassion. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Ardie, and their family. Our thoughts are with his teammates, the Bears organization, the many fans who remember him as a football player and the many more people who were touched by Gale's spirit and generosity.”
Nicknamed the “Kansas Comet” after a brilliant college career with the Jayhawks, Sayers had one of the NFL’s all-time best rookie seasons after entering the league as the fourth overall selection in the 1965 NFL draft.
Sayers set a league record that first season by scoring 22 touchdowns — including a record-tying six in a single game — and gained 2,272 all-purpose yards. He was named the NFL's Rookie of the Year and would earn four Pro Bowl appearances and five first-team All-Pro selections in his first five seasons.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
Baseball players live longer than the general population. If I remember correctly, righties live longer than lefties. If I remember correctly, this was in an article in Contingencies, the actuarial magazine. I think they also looked at football players.
It is the kind of exercise, and how long regular exercise is practiced after a athlete retires. Most pro athletes get much abuse in their exercise, and many abuse their bodies afterwards. And we do know that lack of exercise and being overweight usually go together, and this combo shortens lives.
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