I recently hired Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Gale Sayers for a speaking engagement and was reminded of Brian’s Song, one of the most touching movies ever made and something that many people are reminded of when they think of Gale.
The 1971 made-for-television movie told the story of Sayers friendship with teammate Brian Piccolo, a relationship that shattered racial boundaries during a time of racial tension. Piccolo played four seasons with the Bears and, in 1969, began coughing early in the season. On November 16 in Atlanta, after scoring a fourth-quarter touchdown in a 48-31 loss to the Falcons, Piccolo removed himself from the plane, bothered by a persistent cough and chest pains.
Two days later, a chest x-ray discovered a tumor in his lungs. He underwent surgery to remove the malignant tumor on November 28, at which time the doctor discovered the cancer had spread. Piccolo began chemotherapy treatments and spent Christmas at home. In April of 1970 his left lung and left breast were removed.
Six weeks later, Sayers was honored with the George Halas Award as the league’s most courageous player for the 1969 season. At the ceremony in New York, Sayers gave an emotional speech about Piccolo. Said Sayers, “He has the heart of a giant and that rare form of courage that allows him to kid himself and his opponent – cancer. He has the mental attitude that makes me proud to have a friend who spells out the word ‘courage’ 24 hours a day of his life. . . . I love Brian Piccolo and I’d like all of you to love him, too. Tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him.”
Piccolo, bothered by chest pain, was re-admitted to the hospital in early June and died on June 16, 1970. Each year, the Bears honor his memory by presenting the Brian Piccolo award to the rookie and veteran who best exemplify the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor displayed by Piccolo.
Speaking of Sayers, he went onto become one of the greatest running backs in NFL history and is considered one of top two running backs along with Walter Payton in Chicago Bears history. In 1977, Sayers was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is still the youngest inductee in the Hall’s history. In 1994, the Bears retired his number 40 at Soldier Field along with the number 51 of his teammate, legendary linebacker Dick Butkus. In 1999, The Sporting News ranked him #21 on its list of the 100 Greatest Football Players.
Today, he runs Sayers, an IT company that partners with top hardware and software companies to provide information technology consulting services and solutions. Sayers is also an accomplished motivational sports speaker as well as cancer speaker.
If you would like to find out how to hire inspirational speaker and cancer speaker Gale Sayers for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, call 800.966.1380 to request Gale Sayers booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency. PFP is a top celebrity and sports booking agent for athletes, sports stars, motivational speakers, entertainers and celebrities.
