Nicknamed the “Kansas Comet”, Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers was the 1965 NFL Rookie of the Year and a five-time first team All-Pro selection, playing his entire career with the Chicago Bears. Sayers finished his career with 4,956 rushing yards and 3,172 return yards and combined for 47 touchdowns. In Sayers’ rookie season alone in 1965, he set a league record with 22 touchdowns and had 2,272 all-purpose yards. Sayers was chosen in 1970 to the NFL'ls All-Time 50 Year Team.

     Sayers’ number “40” is one of 14 numbers retired by the Chicago Bears. Offered is one of the rare game jerseys worn by the legendary running back available for auction. This white knit road jersey was worn by Sayers during the 1965-68 seasons and features Sayers’ number “40” sewn on the front, back and sleeves in blue and orange tackle twill. The rounded collar is navy blue and each sleeve has three stripes, two navy blue stripes and one orange. The size 46 “King O’Shea” tag is sewn on the inside back left tail. This jersey can be dated to the 1965-68 seasons based on the fact that the Bears did not add names to the jerseys until 1970. The Bears had also switched to Wilson jerseys in the early 1970s and added names directly to the recycled O’Shea jerseys and there is no evidence of either letters or a nameplate on this shirt. In 1969, the NFL celebrated their 50th Anniversary and patches were worn on the left shoulder to commemorate this. This jersey does not have this patch and there is no evidence of stitch marks in the shape of the patch on left shoulder. The jersey shows excellent game use with numerous stains and team repairs. Sayers signed his name in bold black marker on the front of the jersey beneath the “0”. This is a truly remarkable jersey from one the early career of one of the great running backs in NFL history and it comes with a full LOA from Mears, who have graded this jersey a perfect A10. There is also a LOA from Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication for the signature.

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