Gale Eugene Sayers was an American professional football halfback and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). In a relatively brief but highly productive NFL career, Sayers spent seven seasons with the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1971, though multiple injuries effectively limited him to five seasons of play. He was known for his elusiveness and agility and was regarded by his peers as one of the most difficult players to tackle.
Sayers playing for the Bears
Gale Sayers, 1971, Bazooka Football Card
Sayers in 2008
Sayers giving a speech at the 1986 Contract Management Meeting
A return specialist or kick returner is a player on the special teams unit of a gridiron football team who specializes in returning punts and kickoffs. There are few players who are exclusively return specialists; most also play another position such as wide receiver, defensive back, or running back. The special teams counterpart of a return specialist is a kicking specialist.
Devin Hester, the first and only return specialist inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, fielding a punt during special teams practice at the Chicago Bears' 2007 training camp
Chris Sutton of Air Force returning a punt in 2003