The late Gale Sayers will be forever missed by family, friends, and the football world.
As a self-diagnosed uniform nerd, I expected some sort of uniform tribute to Sayers in the Chicago Bears game following his death, but there was none.
There were only a couple of days separating the two events, but I figured there would be … something! No helmet sticker, jersey patch, or homage whatsoever in the away game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Maybe the instant gratification culture is getting to me.
I will hold my breath for a bigger plan the Chicago Bears must have in place for the upcoming game, and possibly the rest of the season. He is too big of a Bears Legend to not have something done in his honor on the field.
We could – and should – see something this upcoming game at home against the Indianapolis Colts.
Feeling energized on this, I went into the lab and cooked up three concepts we could see. This will have to suffice until the real execution is revealed …
Helmet Sticker
The go-to move in tributes on the football field is a simple sticker that goes on the back of the helmet. Usually it is a black circle with white type, but let’s spice this up. Use a white circle, get the bears striping for outer rings, then Gales’ No. 40 centered in the middle.
Jersey Patch
Another route could be on the Bears uniform top itself. There is a lot of real estate on the chest area now that the Bears100 season has passed. Placement of this patch would be on the left chest plate area, right over the heart. The patch would contain Gales; initials, birth, death, and striping. All of these elements in white against a black football shape.
Away Uniform
The Bears last year used this helmet modification (white logo, gray face mask) against the Giants in Week 12, and replicating the helmet with a white top and pant would be a great fit.
What If …
A separate idea, or in addition to uniform ideas, there could be use of the field itself. I am thinking of a custom 40-yard numeral set in the Bears uniform font. Or taking a section of the end zone and having a custom graphic. Maybe similar to the patch, maybe something more simple.
Again, I have confidence the Chicago Bears will have a tribute for the late and great Gale Sayers. Let’s see what they do. In the meantime, what do you think of the concepts above? Any favorite? Additional ideas out there?
Thanks for the time and stay tuned for more uniform related articles. Go Bears.
I think the all-white uniforms are a much better road uniform anyway. Classic. Awesome. They should get rid of the blue road pants altogether. I also loved seeing the white ‘C’ on the helmet against the Giants last year and think that should be done at least once per year – maybe once on the road and once at home each year? Just love the classic 60’s look sometimes.
Two games have passed and no tribute to the one of the greatest Chicago Bear players ever. Someone in the Bears’ organization should look up the name Gale Sayers right away.
You’ve got that right, brother!
I think it is DISGUSTING that the Chicago Bears have not done anything yet to honor this great player. Ive been crusading since his passing to get the man some recognition. All of my pleas via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok and even email to the organization have gone ignored. Even tried to get some of the players behind me and they too have ignored me. Very sad.