Grand Marshal

KU football great to serve as grand marshal for Homecoming 2009

Lawrence, KS -- KU legend Gale Sayers will be participating in this year's homecoming celebration as Grand Marshal. Fans will have the opportunity to see Sayers during the homecoming parade which will begin two hours before kickoff on October 10th.

The Homecoming Steering Committee found Sayers to be an appropriate choice because of his recent return to the University Athletics Department as Director of Fundraising for special projects this fall. Sayers' 1960s era of KU football also ties into this year's theme Peace. Love. Jayhawks.

"Homecoming Steering Committee is extremely pleased to have Gale Sayers back as the Grand Marshal for this year's parade. He has continued to be an All-Star Jayhawk since his time here as a student athlete," said Homecoming Steering Committee Co-Chair Steven Elliott. "We think that since Mr. Sayers played football during the early 60's he exemplifies the excitement surrounding Homecoming both then and now, and is perfect for our theme of Peace. Love. Jayhawks."

Sayers was a two-time All-America selection for Kansas - in 1963 and 1964. He rushed for 2,675 yards and produced 3,917 all-purpose yards during his Jayhawk career. He led KU in rushing, touchdowns and kickoff returns in each of his three years in the lineup, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1977.

Following his college career, Sayers was drafted by the Chicago Bears were he continued to put up great numbers. He was eventually inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.

Sayers then began a career in college athletics administration, serving as KU assistant athletics director and later athletics director at Southern Illinois University, becoming the first African-American athletics director in Division I.

Because of Sayers' impressive contributions to the University of Kansas and college football, he is a great representation of a distinguished Jayhawk alum and is an excellent fit for the role of Grand Marshal. The Homecoming Steering Committee has worked throughout the year to plan a successful and memorable Homecoming week.