Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers dead at 77

CHICAGO - Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers died Wednesday morning at the age of 77, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced.

Sayers, nicknamed the "Kansas Comet," was the youngest player ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame at age 34.

Sayers was drafted No. 4 overall by the Bears in 1965. He played in only 68 games due to an injury-shortened career.

He was one of football's biggest stars in the late-1960s and his friendship with fellow Bears player Brian Piccolo inspired the TV movie "Brian's Song,"

“All those who love the game of football mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever play this Game with the passing of Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers. He was the very essence of a team player – quiet, unassuming and always ready to compliment a teammate for a key block. Gale was an extraordinary man who overcame a great deal of adversity during his NFL career and life," said Hall of Fame President & CEO David Baker.