And now generations later, you don't know how many guys who ordinarily would be loath to admit that they shed a tear, will tell you at the drop of a hat, I still cry every time I see Brian's Song ...

Some variation on a theme of awkward ... The stardom achieved by Caan, who died at 82 Wednesday, was ignited by “Brian’s Song,” in which he played Brian Piccolo of the Chicago Bears.

Gale Sayers joins the Chicago Bears and is befriended by Brian Piccolo, an over-achieving running back. Although they compete for the same spot on the team, and despite the fact that Sayers is ...