Best NFL player born in each of the 50 states
16. Best NFL Player Born in Kansas – Gale Sayers
Back in the mid to late ’60s, running back Gale Sayers was an incredible running back for the Chicago Bears. He was the kind of rusher that used speed and agility to his advantage and confused defenders trying to bring him down.
Born in Kansas, Sayers to this day holds the record for most touchdowns ever by a running back at 22 in a season and also the overall highest kickoff return average at 30.56 yards per attempt. Sayers was a key contributor on both offense and special teams straight to the record books.
The Sunflower State can be proud to speak highly of Sayer who one of the very few athletes in all of football to be inducted into both the Pro Football and College Hall of Fame.
Career Accomplishments
- Owns the NFL record for highest kickoff return average at 30.56 yards
- Four-time Pro Bowler with the Bears
- Owns the NCAA Division I record for the longest run from the line of scrimmage at 99 yards