RIP Gale Sayers

[2muchcoffeeman]

I think it generally accepted that Brian's Song is the greatest television movie of all time. Duel, which was directed by early Steven Spielberg, is another really good television movie.

Putting “The Day After” in this conversation.

And if y’all’ve not seen it …

 

[Starman]

His six touchdown day was certainly one of the greatest in NFL history. But why the hell did Halas ahve his superstar back returning punts in the fourth quarter with a 33 point lead?

That was very common then. I would say most teams would have a star WR or RB run back kicks more often than not. The perception that kick returns were disproportionately dangerous really hadn't taken hold yet.

One minor factor was that rosters were slightly smaller, 40 players; teams couldn't use a roster spot on a dedicated kick returner.

 

[Scout]

Marcus Lattimore would've been like Sayers on Sundays.

No.
Just, no.

 

[Scout]

God, do I love his running style.

He is always moving forward. If you have to stop or dramatically slow down to make a person miss, that gives time for others to get to you.

What a gorgeous runner.

 

[da man]

His six touchdown day was certainly one of the greatest in NFL history. But why the hell did Halas ahve his superstar back returning punts in the fourth quarter with a 33 point lead?

He had another punt return after that one, for 31 yards. He had an open field in front of him, but he slipped and went down after a defender got a hand on him.

 

[LanceyHoward]

That was very common then. I would say most teams would have a star WR or RB run back kicks more often than not. The perception that kick returns were disproportionately dangerous really hadn't taken hold yet.

One minor factor was that rosters were slightly smaller, 40 players; teams couldn't use a roster spot on a dedicated kick returner.

I know that star players were often used for kick returns, especially rookies. O.J. Simpson returned kickoffs his rookie year. But up 33 points in the fourth quarter you still should protect your franchise back.

 

[Michael_ Gee]

His six touchdown day was certainly one of the greatest in NFL history. But why the hell did Halas ahve his superstar back returning punts in the fourth quarter with a 33 point lead?

Only 33 players on a game day roster in 1965. 32, really, since everybody had a backup QB.

 

[da man]

Only 33 players on a game day roster in 1965. 32, really, since everybody had a backup QB.

No, it went to 40 in 1964.

Evolution of the NFL Player | NFL Football Operations

 

[Starman]

Either way, the rosters were tighter then, so teams couldn't really use spots on kick returners, long snappers, etc etc. Also it wasn't until the 1970s when rosters went up to 43 (IIRC) when most teams started having separate punters/placekickers who wouldn't double at other positions.

 

[Machine Head]

I remember pictures of the hit on Sayers.

Went looking and found this:

OTL: Kermit's Song

 

[Scout]

I remember pictures of the hit on Sayers.

Went looking and found this:

OTL: Kermit's Song

Unfortunate comment to Halas.