Gale Sayers Says He Did Not Consent to Concusion Lawsuit Against NFL or Riddell

Former Chicago Bear’s running back, Gales Sayer’s name appears on a lawsuit accusing the NFL of failing to prevent head injuries, but Sayers says he didn’t file the suit. Former Chicago Bear’s running back, Gale Sayers, says he did not consent to being part of  a concussion lawsuit against the NFL and Riddell Helmet and his name has been withdrawn.

Chicago Sun-Times reporter, Michael Lansu, originally reported that the Hall of Fame running back was suing the NFL and Rosemont-based helmet maker Riddell for allegedly failing to prevent repeated head injuries that he said led to brain damage.

However, on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 12:35 p.m. ET, Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune confirmed that Gale Sayers will not sue the NFL and Riddell:

Gale Sayers told the Tribune on Saturday that he did not consent to a lawsuit filed under his name Friday in U.S. District Court in Chicago that alleges the NFL was negligent in handling his repeated head injuries.

And early Saturday evening, his wife, Ardie Sayers, said that attorney John F. Winters called them to say the suit will be dropped and that the situation was “a big misunderstanding.”

Watch video highlights of Gale Sayers career

Gale Sayers played for the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1971. Although he had a relatively short career,  he achieved an impressive record. 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.

Sayers is best known for his friendship with teammate Brian Piccolo, and Piccolo’s struggle with cancer which became the subject of the made-for-TV movie called ‘Brian’s Song.’ If you would like to book NFL stars like Gale Sayers for a speaking engagement, autograph signing, guest appearance, product endorsement, Super Bowl party, charity fundraiser or special event, contact Gale Sayers’s agent for speaker and appearance fees or call 800.966.1380.