Fansided

30 best nicknames in NFL history

By Jarrett Bailey

PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 28: Jerome Bettis #36 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs against the Washington Redskins on November 28, 2004 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Redskins 16-7.(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 28: Jerome Bettis #36 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs against the Washington Redskins on November 28, 2004 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Redskins 16-7.(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers runs upfield in a 28 to 38 loss to the Washington Redskins on September 15, 1968 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers runs upfield in a 28 to 38 loss to the Washington Redskins on September 15, 1968 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images) /

14. “The Kansas Comet” Gale Sayers

Give him 18 inches of daylight- that’s all he needed. The Bears somehow got lucky enough to go from one amazing Hall of Fame running back to another- the first of those was “The Kansas Comet,” Gale Sayers.

Sayers was drafted fourth overall by the Bears in the 1965 NFL Draft, and instantly became one of the best players in football. He ran for six touchdowns in a game as a rookie against the 49ers, and was also a menace as a return man. Sayers averaged over 30 yards per kick return and had two total special teams touchdowns, one on a kick return and one on a punt return. He was named All-Pro that season.

In 1966, Sayers led the NFL in rushing with 1,231 yards and eight touchdowns. He continued his returning duties, as well, and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns throughout the season. He led the NFL in rushing once more in 1969 and was named All-Pro for the fourth and final time. Had Sayers not injured his knee, his career could have gone on longer, and he could have added to his already amazing resume. He is one of the most dynamic and explosive players of all time, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.

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