You’ve probably heard of the movie Brian’s Song. It’s a classic. But honestly, most people don't realize that the heartbreaking story of Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo actually started on the pages of an autobiography released in 1970. The Gale Sayers book I Am Third is a rare beast in the world of sports memoirs. It’s not just a list of stats or a highlight reel of a legendary Chicago Bears career. It’s basically a manifesto on how to live your life when everything you’ve worked for starts falling apart.
The Philosophy Behind the Title
Why "I Am Third"? It sounds a bit strange at first, right? Gale Sayers wasn't talking about his ranking on the depth chart—he was the best running back on the planet. The title actually comes from a plaque Sayers kept on his desk, given to him by his track coach at the University of Kansas, Bill Easton.
The creed was simple: The Lord is first, my friends and family are second, and I am third.
Sayers lived that. In a professional sports world often defined by massive egos and "me-first" mentalities, Sayers was trying to remind himself of his own insignificance in the grander scheme of things. He wrote the book with Al Silverman during a period of massive transition. He was dealing with a devastating knee injury that threatened to end his career while simultaneously watching his best friend, Brian Piccolo, die from embryonal cell carcinoma at just 26 years old.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Story
If you only know the movie, you think the Gale Sayers book I Am Third is just about Brian Piccolo. It isn't. The book is actually much broader. It covers his childhood in Omaha, his struggle to find his voice, and the grit required to make it out of a neighborhood where the odds were stacked against him.
Sayers was notoriously shy. He didn't talk much. In the book, he’s incredibly honest about how uncomfortable he was in the spotlight. He writes about the "silent treatment" he often gave reporters, not out of malice, but because he just didn't know what to say.
The relationship with Piccolo was groundbreaking for a reason that's easy to overlook now: they were the first interracial roommates in the history of the NFL. It was 1967. The country was a powder keg of racial tension. And here were two guys—one Black, one White—competing for the exact same starting position, sharing a hotel room and becoming brothers.
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The Famous Chapter: "Pick"
There is one specific chapter in the book titled "Pick." This is the section that served as the primary source material for Brian's Song. If you read it today, it hits differently than the movie. It’s more raw. Sayers describes the "vulture" of cancer eating away at his friend.
One of the most authentic moments in the book is when Sayers talks about the 1970 George S. Halas Award. Sayers won the award for "Most Courageous Player" after coming back from his own knee surgery. But instead of taking the credit, he stood up and gave one of the most famous speeches in sports history.
"He has the heart of a giant and that rare form of courage that allows him to kid himself and his opponent—cancer. He has the mental attitude that makes me proud to have a friend who spells out the word 'courage' twenty-four hours a day of his life."
He told the crowd that night: "I love Brian Piccolo, and I'd like all of you to love him, too. Tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to help him."
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Why the Book Feels Different in 2026
Reading the Gale Sayers book I Am Third in today's landscape of NIL deals and mega-contracts is a trip. Back then, football players had off-season jobs. Sayers worked as a stockbroker trainee. Can you imagine a Hall of Fame running back today spending his Tuesday nights studying for the Series 7 exam because he needed to pay the bills?
The book also dives deep into the physical toll of the game before modern medicine. Sayers describes his 1968 knee injury in detail—the "pop," the immediate realization that his life had changed, and the brutal rehab process. He didn't have high-tech lasers or advanced physical therapy. He had a weight bench and a lot of pain.
There's a specific kind of vulnerability in Sayers' writing that you don't see often anymore. He admits to being scared. He admits to feeling jealous of other players' health. It’s human.
Actionable Takeaways for Modern Readers
You don't have to be a football fan to get something out of this. The "I Am Third" philosophy is actually a pretty solid framework for leadership and personal mental health.
- Prioritize the "We" over the "Me": Sayers found that his greatest success came when he stopped worrying about his own stats and started focusing on his teammates.
- Embrace Unlikely Friendships: Piccolo and Sayers were opposites in every way. One was loud and Italian; the other was quiet and Black. They should have been rivals, but they chose to be supporters.
- Acknowledge Your Vulnerability: The book works because Sayers doesn't pretend to be a superhero. He shows the cracks in his armor.
If you’re looking for a copy, try to find the 2001 reissue. It includes an updated introduction that puts Sayers' later life into context, including his work in business and his eventual induction as the youngest player ever into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The next time you feel like you're under too much pressure, remember the creed. Put the mission and your people first. See where you land. It worked for Gale.
Next Steps for You
- Check your local library: Most have a copy of the 1970 original or the 2001 "Inspiration for Brian's Song" edition.
- Watch the 1971 film: After reading, see how Billy Dee Williams and James Caan interpreted the "Pick" chapter.
- Apply the "Third" Rule: Try spending one week where you consciously put your own ego last in your professional decisions.