Gale Eugene Sayers (May 30, 1943 – September 22, 2020) was an American professional football player who was both a halfback and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). In a relatively brief but highly productive NFL career, Sayers spent seven seasons with the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1971, though multiple injuries effectively limited him to four full seasons of play, and in the last two seasons appeared in only two games each before deciding to retire during the 1971 season. He was known for his elusiveness and agility, and was regarded by his peers as one of the most difficult players to tackle.