Born in Wichita, Kansas, Sayers’ work ethic and development of his athletic talents resulted in dozens of college football scholarship offers but he chose to stay home and head to Lawrence to play for the Kansas Jayhawks. While at Kansas Sayers became a two-time All American tailback whose 99 yard touchdown run against Nebraska as a sophomore is still an NCAA record. The "Kansas Comet" had just taken off when the Chicago Bears selected him in the 1965 NFL draft. His NFL career would become a treasured highlight film as the quick, agile and elusive player caused scores of missed tackles and created never-ending headaches for defensive coaches throughout the league.

Upon retirement from the Bears, Sayers made his off-the-field life as exciting and productive as his football career. He has made many contributions to academics, athletics, business and community and has served as a board member and spokesman for many charitable organizations including Junior Achievement, Boy Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Club of America, Better Boys Foundation and The Cradle Adoption Agency.

Sayers’ Hall of Fame story also includes his work as an author and humanitarian. His book of Offensive Football Fundamentals and much acclaimed autobiography, I Am Third, represents more than athletic and business success. It reflects Sayers’ philosophy of life: "the Lord is first; my family and friends are second; I am third." The sad, heart-warming, and award-winning television movie, Brian’s Song was scripted directly from I Am Third. The movie featured the special on and off the field relationship between Sayers and his cancer-stricken teammate, Brian Piccolo. Pride, poise, leadership, dedication and loyalty are all Hall of Fame traits exhibited by the original "Magic" man of professional sports. For Sayers, and men like him, sacrifice equals greatness.