Today marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo, who succumbed to cancer in 1970.
Piccolo is best known for his friendship with Bears Hall-of-Fame running back Gale Sayers, which was highlighted in the film Brian’s Song that debuted on Nov. 30, 1971, starring Billy Dee Williams and James Caan.
Following Sayers’ season-ending knee injury in 1968, Piccolo worked with Sayers to rehab his knee, and that’s where their friendship flourished. Sayers came back to lead the NFL in rushing 1,032 yards and eight touchdowns.
As highlighted in Brian’s Song, which has brought countless people to tears, Sayers gave a heartfelt speech just three weeks before Piccolo’s death to accept the George S. Halas Award as the NFL’s most courageous player. Sayers took that time to honor Piccolo’s strength and courage.
“You flatter me by giving me this award,” Sayers said. “But I tell you here and now that I accept it for Brian Piccolo. Brian Piccolo is the man of courage who should receive the award. It is mine tonight. It is Brian Piccolo’s tomorrow.
“I love Brian Piccolo, and I’d like all of you to love him. When you hit your knees to pray tonight, please ask God to love him, too.
“He has the mental attitude that makes me proud to have a friend who spells out the word ‘courage’ 24 hours a day every day of his life.”
Every year, the Bears give out the Brian Piccolo Award, which honors one veteran and one rookie who “best exemplifies the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor of the late Brian Piccolo.”
Last year, defensive tackle Akiem Hicks and linebacker Roquan Smith were the recipients of the award.
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