Gale Sayers Book I Am Third

Who Needs Football When You've Got Heart?

If you've never heard of Gale Sayers, don't worry — your sports knowledge isn't completely broken. The man was an absolute legend on the football field in the 1960s and 70s, but his book I Am Third might just be his greatest performance of all. Spoiler alert: it's got nothing to do with touchdowns and everything to do with heart.

So, What's the Deal with the Title?

The title I Am Third comes from a famous quote: "I am third. God first, the other person second, and I am third." Take a moment to let that sink in — it's a pretty bold statement from a guy who played on a billion-dollar field in front of screaming crowds. But Sayers had this quiet, deeply rooted belief that life wasn't really about him, and honestly, that's refreshing in a world where everyone's trying to be first.

It's basically the opposite of how most of us act when someone steals our parking spot, right? 🤣

A Boy from Kansas City

Sayers grew up in the tough neighborhoods of Kansas City, Kansas, and he didn't exactly have a silver spoon in his mouth. His childhood was crude, honest, and filled with the kind of struggles that could either make you or break you. Lucky for us, he chose making it.

He talks openly about the racial barriers he faced, the challenges of growing up poor, and the mentors who helped pull him through. It's the kind of raw storytelling that makes you realize the people we see on TV had real lives before the cameras showed up.

Football? Oh, He Was Really Good

Let's not pretend football wasn't a huge part of the book — it was, and Gale Sayers was electric. He was the kind of running back who made defenders question their career choices. One second you're watching a highlight reel, and the next, three guys are still spinning trying to figure out where he went.

I Am Third (BCE) by Gale Sayers 670389773| eBay

He played for the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1971, earning five Pro Bowl selections in just seven seasons. The man averaged over five yards per carry, which in today's fantasy football world would make you $200 richer. Not bad for a guy-off-the-yard-turned-superstar.

The Friendship That Made History

Now here's where the book really hits you in the feels. Sayers' friendship with teammate Brian Piccolo is one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking sports stories ever told. Brian was battling cancer, and Gale didn't just show up with flowers and a casserole — he placed his hands on his sleeping friend's chest and used his football league of courage to express the love words couldn't hold.

Sound familiar? If it does, you might remember the TV movie "Brian's Song", which was based partly on this very friendship. And yes, it had grown men reaching for tissues in 1971, too. Some friendships just have that kind of power.

I Am Third by Gale Sayers

Beyond the Field

One of the coolest things about I Am Third is how little the book is actually about football. Sayers uses the sport as a vehicle to talk about family, faith, race, and resilience. He's not just telling you what happened on the field; he's telling you what happened off it — and that's where the real story lives.

His mother, Verlinda, made a powerful impression throughout the book as a woman of incredible strength. She was the kind of mom who could run a household and raise confident kids while quietly fighting her own battles. You know, the unsung heroes of every athlete's journey.

Why You Should Read It

Here's the thing: I Am Third isn't just a sports book. It's a life book wrapped in a football uniform, with a lesson about humility sewn into the fibers. Whether you care about football, or you just care about great human stories, this one delivers.

I am Third: Gale Sayers: Amazon.com: Books

It's easy to read, honest without being arrogant, and filled with enough heart to fill Soldier Field. If you finish it without feeling a little more inspired, well, you might want to check your pulse. Just saying. 😄

The Big Takeaway

Gale Sayers proves that being third — putting others before yourself — isn't a sign of weakness. It's a show of extraordinary strength. In a world where everyone's racing to be number one, there's something deeply powerful about a man who chose love, loyalty, and humility as his starting lineup.

So the next time life feels overwhelming or competitive, remember Sayers' words: "I am third." Put yourself aside, lift someone up, and watch how much richer everything becomes.

Who knows — you might just score the biggest touchdown of all without ever stepping onto a field. 🏈💛