Page 15 - Florida Sentinel 10-2-20

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Former Buc, Bear Remembers Gale Sayers’ Inspiration
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
Former Chicago Bear and retired Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Tyrone Keys remembers Gale Sayers as a team- mate, and as a person of inspiration. His memory of Sayers and the impact on his life even touched the life of his son, TJ, to whom he shared stories about Sayers.
Sayers died on Wednesday. He was 77 years old.
“First of all, our condolences to the familyofGaleSayers,”Keyssaid.
The Brian Piccolo Story turns 50 this year. It’s a story (first a book, then a movie) about Gale and Brian Pic- colo, who were the first interracial roommates in the NFL.
“My desire to play for the Chicago Bears and create a multicultural, -inter- generational, faith-based, mentor pro- gram was inspired by the Brian’s Song movie, featuring Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo. 50 years ago it was one of those transcendent sports movies that struck a rare cultural nerve, a sen- sitive film about faith, brotherly love, racial harmony, and football that came along at just the right time.”
TJ, Keys’ son, said, “Brian’s Song certainly inspired me as a 6th grader to
Gale Sayers and his NFL room- mate, Brian Piccolo.
do my part. The beauty of genuine brotherhood and peace is more pre- cious than diamonds or silver or gold.”
Gale and Brian set an example for
Sharing with TJ Keys and Gale Say- ers how the movie Brian’s Song in- spired my football career on and off the field AND the 1985 BEARS PLAYERS.
Left to right: Tyrone Keys, Mike Richardson, Mike Singletary, Gale Sayers, Richard Dent, and Otis Wilson, members of the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl team.
The book inspired the 1971 made- for-TV movie, ‘Brian’s Song.’ Billy Dee Williams and James Caan starred in the movie.
racial equality across the country. In many ways, our country is still trying to emulate his courage, commitment, compassion, and excellence. H i s post-football career, professionalism, and charity are a model for those who come after him - lessons in excellence for all. Proud to have had him as an in- spiring role model to emulate on.”
Keys shared “A Shuffle down Mem- ory Lane” -- referencing the 1985 “Super Bowl Bears’ Shuffle.”
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