‘Brian’s Song’ Stars Honor Gale Sayers

Gale Sayers Dies at Age 77

“Brian’s Song” stars James Caan and Billy Dee Williams tweeted out praise for Gale Sayers, the Chicago Bears player whose documented story of friendship with a teammate stricken with cancer was made into a TV movie in 1971. Sayer, 77, had dementia that his wife attributes to football. According to Wikipedia, Sayers filed a few lawsuits against the NFL, the outcome of which is not clear.

James Caan and Billy Dee Williams Extend Condolences

Caan played Brian Piccolo, a football player who gets cancer shortly after starting his pro career. Billy Dee Williams was Gale Sayer, Brian’s roommate.

Billy Dee Williams tweeted: “My heart is broken over the loss of my dear friend. Gale Sayers. Portraying Gale in Brian’s Song was a true honor and one of the highlights of my career. He was an extraordinary human being with the kindest heart. My sincerest condolences to his family. #RIPGaleSayers.”

Caan also tweeted his sentiment about Sayers’ passing: “To one of the greatest ever an inspiration to so many. So proud to have known him. My love and condolences to the family. #RIPGaleSayers.“

The First Interracial Roommates in NFL History

“Brian’s Song” highlighted the friendship between Brian Piccolo, who was white, and Gale Sayers, who was black. The teammates were the first interracial roommates in NFL history in 1967 (source: Wikipedia). Such co-habitation, and friendship, was rare in the ‘60s.

“Brian’s Song” is more than a sports movie, it is about a true friendship between two people who just happen to be football players.

“Brian’s Song” is a Hit

This ABC Movie of the Week was based on Sayers’ autobiography “I Am Third,” and was the most watched TV movie of 1971. It won a Director’s Guild Award, a Producer’s Guild Award, a Peabody and 8 Emmy Nominations, 4 wins: Outstanding Program, Supporting Actor (Jack Warden), Writing and Cinematography. “Brian’s Song” was remade in 2001 with Mekhi Phifer and Sean Maher.

“The Hands of Time”

Not only is “Brian’s Song” an incredibly sad film, the theme song “The Hands of Time” will make you bawl your eyes out. In Jr. High choir we had to sing it and even as a scrappy kid I got emotional over it. I still remember the first part of the lyrics! Imagine singing this at 14:

If the hands of time were hands that I could hold, I’d keep them warm and in my hands they’d not turn cold

Where to Watch “Brian’s Song”

You can catch the original TV movie on Pluto TV and to rent on Amazon.