Lot 588. Gale Sayers Boldly, Beautifully Autographed Circa 1970 Carnation Milk Advertisement. Although injuries limited his career, “The Sporting News” rated Sayers the 21st best pro football player of the 20th century, and the fourth best running back. George Blanda, who spent 26 seasons in the NFL, considered Sayers the best player he ever saw. In seven seasons with the Chicago Bears, Sayers was the 1965 Rookie of the Year, a five-time first-team All-Pro and a two-time rushing leader. In 1977, at age 34, he became the youngest player ever inducted into the Pro Hall of Fame. Sayers’ autobiography, “I Am Third,” was the basis for the 1971 TV movie “Brian’s Song,” which tells the story of Brian Piccolo, his teammate and friend who died of cancer in 1970. Sayers placed a large gem mint 10 autograph on a 10” x 13.25” magazine page with a Carnation Milk advertisement showing the Bears’ halfback and return specialist gaining ground against the Green Bay Packers. An inset photo shows Sayers as a young child. The page has a couple of creases in the lower right corner of the photo. The autograph, authenticated by Kevin Keating, couldn’t be better. On Sept. 23, Sayers passed away at the age of 77.
Winning Bid $30
