Gale Sayers, known as the “Kansas Comet,” remains one of the most iconic figures in NFL history. Renowned for his electrifying speed and unparalleled agility, Sayers’ career with the Chicago Bears left an indelible mark on the sport. But his influence didn’t stop at the gridiron. After retiring from football, Sayers transitioned into a successful business career and became a prominent philanthropist. This article delves into Gale Sayers’ net worth, exploring how his exceptional athletic achievements, business ventures, and enduring legacy contributed to his financial success and lasting impact on the world.
What is Gale Sayers’ Net Worth Right Now?
The beginning of his professional career was in 1965, and the end of his professional life was in 1971. The net worth of this former football player is $50 million. His NFL contracts, media endorsements, and business made him a millionaire.
| Net Worth: | $50 Million |
| Annual Income: | $10 Million |
| Monthly Salary: | $0.7 Million |
| Source of Income: | American football player, Actor, Entrepreneur, and Screenwriter |
Gale Sayers Personal Life: Birth, Family, Early Life, Wife, and More…
Birth Place: Sayers was born on May 30, 1943, in Wichita, Kansas. His nickname is “The Kansas Comet.” The full name of this man is Gale Eugene Sayers.
Brother: His brother, Ron Sayers, is also a football player. He played in the NFL. Another brother, Roger Sayers, is also an athlete. He is a former track and field star.
School & College: In his early years, he went to Omaha Central High School in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. He entered college after successfully completing his high school education. In his college life, he went to the University of Kansas (KU) in Lawrence, Kansas. He was a member of the Kansas Jayhawks’ football team.
Wife: Gale Sayers sat for the wedding twice. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda McNeil, on June 10, 1962. Their conjugal life lasted till 1973. But in 1973, they were separated. After their divorce, he again married Ardythe Elaine Bullard on December 1, 1973. This time, their conjugal life lasted till 2020.
Children: Gale Sayers has one daughter and five sons. His children from the second marriage are:
- Gale Lynne (daughter)
- Timothy (son)
- Scott (son)
His sons from the first marriage are:
- Gaylon
- Gary
- Aaron
Height & Weight: Gale Sayers was tall, up to 6 feet, and weighed 90 kg.
Gale Sayers | Full Bio/Wiki |
| Birth: | May 30, 1943, Wichita, Kansas, United States |
| Nickname: | Kansas Comet |
| Profession: | Former Football Player |
| College Education: | University of Kansas |
| Wife/Girlfriend: | Linda McNeil |
| Nationality: | American |
| Achievements: |
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| Height: | 6 feet |
| Jersey Number: | 40 |
| Weight: | 90 kg |
| Death: | September 23, 2020 (Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease) |
Gale Sayers Professional Football Career: NFL Teams, Stats, Coaching, and More…
NFL Contracts: In the 1965 NFL draft, the Chicago Bears took him 4th overall in the 1st round. He spent his entire career with this team. He was also selected in the 1965 AFL Draft in the 1st round, 5th overall.
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Stats: In the sphere of the NFL, he played in a total of 68 games. His career statistics are as follows:
- Rushing yards: 4956
- Yards per carrying: 5.0
- Rushing touchdowns: 39
- Return yards: 3172
- Return touchdowns: 8
- AV: 65
- Rush: 991
- FantPt: 932.7
As a Coach: After his retirement, he became engaged in the coaching profession. In his coaching career, he coached the Chicago Bears (from 1965 to 1971 as an administrator), Southern Illinois (from 1976 to 1981 as an AD), and Tennessee State (from 1985 to 1986 as an interim AD).
Awards: Gale Sayers became the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1969. He became the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1965. From 1965 to 1969, he was named a first-team All-Pro five times. He got the honor of the Pro Bowl from 1965 to 1967 and in 1969 for the first four times. He became the NFL rushing yards leader in 1966 and 1969 for two seasons. In 1965, he was the NFL scoring leader. He received the honor of the George S. Halas Courage Award in 1970. He made his name on the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team. To show honor to him, jersey number 40 was retired by the Chicago Bears.
He inserted his name into the NFL’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. He listed his name on the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. To show honor to him, jersey number 48 was retired by the Kansas Jayhawks. He was able to insert his name into the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. He was a unanimous all-American in 1963 and 1964. From 1962 to 1964, he was a consensus all-American. He got the honor of being part of the All-Big Eight from 1962 to 1964.
Profile: We saw him in jersey number #40. As an NFL fan, I still miss this jersey number. In the field of football, he played both the “halfback” and “return” positions.
Post-Football Career
After retiring from professional football in 1971 due to knee injuries, Gale Sayers embarked on a diverse and successful post-football career that further solidified his legacy both on and off the field.
Business Ventures: Gale Sayers was a savvy businessman, leveraging his popularity and football fame to establish himself in the corporate world. In 1984, he founded Sayers Computer Source, a technology and consulting firm that became one of the leading providers of technology solutions in the Midwest. His company, which specialized in providing hardware, software, and IT services, achieved significant success, further boosting his financial standing. Sayers’ ability to transition from sports to business demonstrated his versatility and intelligence, contributing greatly to his post-football earnings.
Author and Speaker: Sayers also became a respected author and motivational speaker. His autobiography, “I Am Third,” published in 1970, was well-received and later adapted into the television movie “Brian’s Song,” which chronicled his friendship with teammate Brian Piccolo. The success of his book and movie adaptation not only kept him in the public eye but also provided additional income streams.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement: Gale Sayers was deeply committed to giving back to the community. He was actively involved in various charitable endeavors, including the Gale Sayers Foundation, which focused on supporting underprivileged youth through education and mentorship programs. His philanthropic efforts were a testament to his character and continued to shape his legacy long after his football career ended.
NFL Legacy and Honors: Sayers remained connected to the NFL through various roles, including serving as an athletic director at Southern Illinois University. He also made frequent appearances at NFL events and was honored for his contributions to the sport. In 1977, Gale Sayers became the youngest player ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, an achievement that added prestige and further recognition to his name, enhancing his post-football career.
Media Appearances and Endorsements: Throughout the years, Sayers continued to appear in various media outlets, offering insights and analysis on football. His status as a Hall of Famer made him a sought-after figure for endorsements, appearances, and interviews, all of which contributed to maintaining his financial and public profile.
How did Gale Sayers die?
Gale Sayers is no longer in the world. At the age of 77, he took the last inhale of his life on September 23, 2020, in Wakarusa, Indiana. He was suffering from both dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This kind of disease affects the brain and diminishes thinking abilities.
References:
Gale Sayers Biography– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gale_Sayers
Gale Sayers News– https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/23/sports/football/gale-sayers-dead.html
