He owns the distinction of returning the shortest punt for a touchdown in NFL history, when he returned a punt five yards for a touchdown against the New York Giants in the Bears 1985 divisional playoff victory. He is also known for delivering a late blow to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young while a member of the Bears. The incident occurred in the end zone during a playoff game after Young scored a rushing touchdown. Following the big hit, Young spiked the football in Gayle's direction, and Gayle was then confronted by other 49ers players in a brief melee.
He often appears with former teammates at Chicago Bears Fan Conventions, and works as an NFL analyst for Sky Sports, appearing on the weekly NFL broadcast.
Personal life
Murder of Rhoni Reuter
Gayle had a relationship with Rhoni Reuter, originally of Potosi, Wisconsin. On October 4, 2007, Reuter was about seven months pregnant with Gayle's child when she was shot and killed at her condominium in Deerfield, Illinois. On March 3, 2009, a Chicago woman, Marni Yang, 41, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Yang was also in a relationship with Gayle.[3] It was alleged that Yang was wearing a disguise when she shot and killed Reuter in a jealous rage.[4] In March 2011, Yang was convicted of first-degree murder for the killing.[5]
The Deerfield police have stated that they did not consider Gayle to be a suspect in the murder.[6] Yang's attorney has asserted that Gayle provided false information to the police, and that his whereabouts were unknown for the time of the murder.[7] As of November 2020[update], the case was under judicial review.[7]
