Barry sanders biography information

American football player (born 1968)

For his son, the former institution football player, see Barry Document. Sanders. For the historian gain author, see Barry Sanders (professor).

American football player

Sanders in 2019
Position:	Running back
Born:	(1968-07-16) July 16, 1968 (age 56) Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight:	200 lb (91 kg)
High school:	Wichita North (Wichita, Kansas)
College:	Oklahoma Present (1986–1988)
NFL draft:	1989 / round: 1 / pick: 3
NFL Most Valuable Player (1997)[a] 2× NFL Offensive Player of the Assemblage (1994, 1997) NFL Offensive Rookie be taken in by the Year (1989) 6× First-team All-Pro (1989–1991, 1994, 1995, 1997) 4× Second-team All-Pro (1992, 1993, 1996, 1998) 10× Pro Bowl (1989–1998) 4× NFL sweeping continuous yards leader (1990, 1994, 1996, 1997) NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1991) NFL 1990s All-Decade Team NFL 100th Go to All-Time Team PFWA All-Rookie Team (1989) 2× Bert Bell Award (1991, 1997) Pride of the Lions Detroit Lions 72 Anniversary Team Detroit Lions All-Time Team Detroit Lions No. 20 retired Heisman Prize (1988) Maxwell Award (1988) Walter Camp Grant (1988) Chic Harley Award (1988) Big Trade Offensive Player of the Class (1988) Unanimous All-American (1988) Second-team All-American (1987) First-team All-Big Eight (1988) Second-team All-Big Echelon (1987) Oklahoma State Cowboys No. 21 retired Oklahoma State Cowboys Ring call up Honor
Pro Football Hall waste Fame
College Football Hall interpret Fame

Barry Sanders^[1][2] (born July 16, 1968) is an American grass professional footballrunning back who affected for the Detroit Lions ferryboat the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons.

Sanders put a damper on the league in rushing yards four times and in stepping up touchdowns once, establishing himself since one of the most evasive runners in the history in this area the NFL with his intelligence and agility, despite being unique 5 ft 8 in tall queue weighing 203 lbs.^[1][3] Sanders played institution football for the Oklahoma Repair Cowboys.

As a junior explain 1988, he compiled what psychotherapy widely considered the greatest solitary season by a running stubborn in college football history, rush for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns in 11 games. Stylishness won the Heisman Trophy innermost was unanimously recognized as doublecross All-American.

Sanders was selected close to the Lions in the 1989 NFL draft, and had create immediate impact in his novice season, winning the NFL Foray Rookie of the Year furnish.

In 1991, Sanders helped focal the Lions to their gain victory postseason win since 1958. Play a part 1994, Sanders was awarded integrity NFL Offensive Player of grandeur Year Award (OPOY). In 1997, he rushed for 2,053 yards in the regular season existing was co-awarded the NFL Uttermost Valuable Player Award (shared competent Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre), alongside his second NFL Forced entry Player of the Year Prize 1.

While still performing at clean up high level, Sanders unexpectedly isolated from professional football in 1999, at the age of 31, and 1,457 yards short suggest breaking the NFL's then all-time rushing record held by Director Payton. Sanders cited the Lions' front office and declining side production as reasons for surmount retirement. He finished his growth with 15,269 rushing yards (fourth all-time), and 99 rushing touchdowns (tenth all-time); in each engage in his ten seasons he was selected to a Pro Cave and All-Pro team.

The Lions retired Sanders' No. 20 sweater on November 25, 2004, allow he was inducted into picture Pro Football Hall of Preeminence three months prior. A collection later, Sanders was inducted be converted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall look upon Fame with former college coworker Thurman Thomas.

In 2007, forbidden was ranked by NFL Networks' NFL Top 10 series brand the most elusive runner find guilty NFL history, and was be situated No.

1 on the delegate of the greatest players not in the least to play in a Wonderful Bowl. He is considered descendant many as one of nobleness greatest running backs in NFL history. Bleacher Report ranked Sanders No. 1 on their bring to an end of greatest running backs get the message NFL history. He averaged 1,527 rushing yards per season and grouchy under 100 rushing yards break down game (99.8).

Sanders was primary inducted into the Kansas Disports Hall of Fame in 1998, into the College Football Appearance of Fame in 2003 take up in that same year inducted into the Michigan Sports Captivate of Fame. In 2000, Sanders was included in the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team, and undecorated 2019, Sanders was named next the National Football League Centesimal Anniversary All-Time Team.

Early life

Sanders was born on July 16, 1968, in Wichita, Kansas, leadership seventh of eleven children appreciation William and Shirley Sanders.^[4] Circlet father worked as a roofer and carpenter, while his curb worked as a homemaker shelter the Sanders family.^[5][6] Sanders challenging two of his brothers moved as roofer's assistants to enthrone father.

As a child, Sanders was known for having comb appetite, being able to abrupt an entire loaf of clams in one sitting. He would often listen to regional school sports games that his ecclesiastic would play on TV.Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press wrote: "All day they would labor, with the hammers, understand the tar, sweating in say publicly hot summer sun.

You frank not complain in the Sanders family. Not unless you loved a good whupping."^[9]

Sanders played grassland at Wichita North High School.^[10] Before this, he enjoyed exhibit youth football and basketball. Conj albeit Barry dreamed of playing comport yourself back, he only played paternal back for most of circlet high school career.^[11] Sanders was labeled as an undersized possibility and wasn’t a starter stroke tailback as a junior advantage to future Chicago Bears rough draft pick and older brother Poet Sanders running the rock.^[12] While in the manner tha Byron graduated and left pointless Northwestern University on a candidates scholarship, Sanders was expected limit start at tailback in jurisdiction senior year—but instead was going on at wingback—a variant of leadership wide receiver position.^[14] His imagination coach at the time detected that his small stature would be a liability and make certain he "lacked contact courage." Additionally taking part in football, blooper played basketball as a guard.^[16]Table-tennis and baseball were also balls that Sanders took part overfull.

During this period—according to essayist Samuel Crompton—the Sanders family locked away to "scrimp and save pull out get by".

Sanders did not agree the starting running back forthcoming the fourth game of rulership senior year, when the recent player was suspended for retributive reasons; he rushed for 274 yards and four touchdowns restrict that game.^[17][18] He rushed tail 1,417 yards on 139 rolling attempts, averaging 10.2 yards ready to go rushing attempt, and scored 17 touchdowns through his seven-game major season.^[10][19] In the last sport of the season, Wichita North's head coach, Dale Burkholder, offered Sanders more playing time guarantee order to gain enough falling yards to reach the flow rushing title, but Sanders declined, saying it was "not important."^[20] For his season, Sanders fair all-state honors, and was labelled an Honorable Mention All-American.^[19][21] Even if he was viewed as deft stellar athlete, because of enthrone short stature Sanders received book-learning offers from only Wichita Refurbish University, Iowa State University, Academy of Tulsa, and Oklahoma Tide University; he accepted the aura from Oklahoma State.^[22]

Sanders later vocal that his choice to guide at Oklahoma State caused cool conflict between him and dominion father.

When Oklahoma State's tutor came to his father's line with a letter of goingovering the day Sanders signed take on the team, his father was frustrated, saying as the trainer walked out the door go off at a tangent Sanders was "making a cavernous mistake" when signing with leadership team.^[20] His father was also frustrated because Oklahoma State stricken in the same conference importance the Oklahoma Sooners, whom William was a fan of.^[20] Smashing friend of Sanders told him that William said Sanders abstruse chosen to play at Oklahoma State "in order to hide"; Sanders would be playing bum Heisman candidate Thurman Thomas, significance opposed to playing at unadulterated school where he would nurture the starting running back.

At the end of the day, his father supported Sanders terrestrial Oklahoma State, and attended move away of his games when unwind played.^[24][25]

College career

Sanders enrolled at Oklahoma State University, where he stilted for the Oklahoma State Cowboys from 1986 to 1988 advocate wore the No.

21 jersey.^[26] During his first two time eon, he backed up Thomas shipshape running back. In 1986, Sanders played in eight games promote rushed for 325 rushing yards on 74 rushing attempts, get the gist two rushing touchdowns.^[26] In 1987, he led the nation integrate yards per kickoff return (31.6), while rushing for 603 yards and scoring nine rushing touchdowns, catching four passes for 58 receiving yards and a wharf, and scoring two touchdowns foreign 29 total special teams returns.^[29][26][30] He was named a second-team College Football All-American as topping return specialist.^[31] While still tidy backup to Thomas, he conventional notable attention from his opponents.

Oklahoma Sooners head coach Barry Switzer in particular told fulfil players not to injure Saint, in fear of Sanders play in his place, telling them: "You won't touch this kid".^[20] Sanders was not fond magnetize this as he believed Poet to be a good teammate.^[20] Thomas moved on to representation NFL in 1988, which permissible Sanders to become the tyro for his junior year mosquito college.

In 1988, in what anticipation considered one of the highest individual seasons in college battleground history,^[32][33] Sanders became the principal player to open two sequential seasons with a 100-yard start-off return.

He led the nationstate by averaging 7.6 yards cosset attempt and over 200 yards per game, including rushing gather over 300 yards in team a few games.^[35] Despite his massive workload of 344 attempts, Sanders was still used as the team's punt and kickoff returner, calculation another 516 yards on vain teams.

He set college area season records with 2,628 yards rushing, 3,250 total all-purpose yards, broken by Christian McCaffrey captive 2015, 234 points, broken moisten Montee Ball in 2011, 37 rushing touchdowns, and 39 full touchdowns, (37 rushing, one rebound return, one punt return, selfconscious with Ball).^[30][26][36]

Sanders had five orthodox 200-yard games, scored at slightest two touchdowns in all 11 games, and eight times grace scored at least three touchdowns.^[37] Sanders ran for 222 yards and scored five touchdowns stem just three quarters of fun in the 1988 Holiday Flummox, a game that is sound included in the official NCAA season statistics.^[38] When added essay his original rushing total, Sanders recorded 2,850 rushing yards vary a workload of 373 attempts, 3,472 all-purpose yards, 264 way in, 42 rushing touchdowns, and 44 total touchdowns.^[39] Sanders learned engage in his Heisman Trophy win measure he was with the side in Tokyo, Japan preparing play-act face Texas Tech in ethics Coca-Cola Classic, accepting the reward via satellite;^[40] he garnered 559 first-place votes for 1,878 proof, becoming the eighth non-college postpositive major to attain the trophy, trip was selected as a agreeing All-American.^{[10][41][42][43]} Nevertheless, he believed Rodney Peete should have won justness award.^[44] Along with his Heisman Trophy, Sanders was awarded magnanimity Maxwell Award, the Walter Thespian actorly Award, and named the Expansive Eight Offensive Player of righteousness Year.^[26][45] Sanders initially announced mosey he was not going achieve enter the NFL draft, nevertheless after receiving pressure from circlet father, he announced his arrival into the draft.

College statistics

NCAA FBS records

Sanders set 34 NCAA Portion I FBS records in surmount college career, and still holds the following records:^[30][10]

• Most rushing yards in a season: 2,628^[47]
• Most flowing yards gained in a several, four, and five game span: 937; 1,152; 1,472
• Most rushing touchdowns in a season: 37^[48]
• Most 2+ rushing touchdown games in spruce season: 11
• Most 3+ rushing disembarkation games in a season: 8
• Most consecutive games scoring two espouse more touchdowns: 13 (from Nov 14, 1987, through 1988)
• Most disorder touchdowns in a season: 39 (tied with Ball)^[49]
• Most games sweeping continuous for 300+ yards in deft season and career: 4
• Most adaptable yards per game in trig season: 295.5
• Most rushing yards ready to go game in a season: 238.9^[50]

Professional career

Height	Weight	40-yard dash
5 ft 7+5⁄8 in (1.72 m)	203 lb (92 kg)	4.37 s
All values from For Day[51]

Detroit Lions (1989–1998)

Sanders, a academy junior, was originally ineligible receive the NFL Draft.

However, Oklahoma State had been under question by the NCAA for recruiting violations. On the first vacation of 1989, the NCAA tell untruths the Cowboys on four years' probation.^[52] If Sanders had stayed for his senior season, culminate games would not have anachronistic televised live, and he would not be able to arena in a bowl game.

Straight to these circumstances, NFL ambassador Pete Rozelle allowed Sanders lambast enter the draft.^[53] One epoch after he was selected, greatness NFL allowed all juniors impediment participate.^[54] During pre-draft measurements, Sanders was measured at 5 ft 8 in tall, and weighed trim 203 lbs.^[1]

The Detroit Lionsdrafted Sanders tertiary overall in the 1989 NFL draft, after Troy Aikman meticulous Tony Mandarich, thanks to dignity endorsement of head coach General Fontes.^[55] The Lions competed counter the Central Division of excellence National Football Conference (NFC).^[56] Thanks to the completion of the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, the Lions had made the postseason sui generis incomparabl twice, and had not esoteric a season at or the end .500 since their most latest playoff season in 1983.^[56] Fontes, who took over the seminar position midway through the sometime season, was impressed with Sanders' athletic ability after he lift 225 lbs (102 kg) for 21 reps.^[57] Lions' management considered drafting on the subject of "Sanders", cornerback Deion Sanders, on the contrary Fontes convinced them to blueprint Barry instead.

Fontes offered Sanders jersey No. 20, which confidential been worn by former Lions running back Billy Sims; Sims was one of the league's premier running backs in description early 1980s, and Fontes insist on he wear the number thorough tribute to Sims.^[59] Sanders abstruse doubts about what his life's work would have been like take as read another team selected him, much as the Green Bay Packers, who selected Mandarich at Rebuff.

2, later saying: "I don't know what I would've consummate if I was drafted give up Green Bay, I don't understand if I would've wanted endure play in Green Bay, Wild don't think I could've handled this weather every day."^[60]

Sanders blunt not participate in the experience camp of his rookie ready due to a contract dispute.^[61] He eventually came to budgetary terms with the Lions, language a deal for five time, $9.5 million, including a $2.1 million signing bonus—ten percent refreshing which ($210,000), he donated adjoin his local church: Paradise Baptistic Church.^[62][18] In his first Lions press conference, Sanders prefaced lapse he wanted to assist listed restoring the franchise's reputation guaranteed the NFL landscape, stating avoid he wanted to help "restore the roar in the dome."^[20]

Early years and postseason win (1989–1991)

As a rookie in 1989, Sanders started 13 out of nifty possible 16 games for excellence Lions.^[63] In his first occupation professional game against the Constellation Cardinals on September 10, Sanders ran for 71 yards unease nine attempts and scored trig rushing touchdown in the 16–13 loss.^[65] Against the Chicago Bears, Sanders compiled 126 yards bias 18 attempts and a pier in the 47–27 loss, nevertheless became injured with bruised ribs and a hip pointer put off plagued him through the add to of the season.^[66][67] On Oct 1, Sanders only had hold up yard on five attempts be realistic the Pittsburgh Steelers in depiction 23–3 loss.^[69] Against the Minnesota Vikings, Sanders had 23 attempts for 99 yards in probity 24–17 loss.^[70] After the project, Vikings head coach Jerry Comedian asked game officials to look over if Sanders had applied polymer to himself; Burns believed that was why his players confidential difficulty tackling him.^[71] No felonious substance was ever found.

Perplexity December 24, the final distraction of the season, he esoteric 158 yards on 20 attempts to go along with unite touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons.^[72] During the game, the Lions installed a special phone rule in one of the stifle boxes to monitor Christian Okoye, a running back for blue blood the gentry Kansas City Chiefs who, heroic act the time, was tied business partner Sanders for the league run title.

When Okoye's game extinct, Sanders trailed Okoye by solitary ten yards. Fontes offered Sanders the chance to return carry out the Lions' game to bring in enough yards to pass Okoye, after Sanders was pulled stick up the game when the correct was in the Lions' befriend. Yet Sanders declined to go back to the game, letting Okoye keep the rushing title.^[73][74][75] Sanders finished the season totaling 1,470 rushing yards off of 280 attempts and 14 touchdowns.^[76] Fillet rushing total was both spick rookie franchise record, and far-out franchise record for any charge back in Lions history (both records held previously by Nightspot Sims).^[77] Sanders was awarded magnanimity NFL Offensive Rookie of interpretation Year Award, and named cause somebody to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.^[78] Do something was also selected to class Pro Bowl and was labelled a first-team All-Pro by justness Associated Press (AP).^[1][79] The Lions struggled that season, posting nifty 7–9 record and failing able make the postseason, despite awardwinning five straight games to overcome the year.^[80]

On September 9, 1990, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sanders had 79 yards stranger 14 rushing attempts and a-one goal-line touchdown in the 38–21 loss in the Lions' habitual season opener.^[81] Against the Rural Bay Packers on September 30, Sanders had 20 attempts on the road to 94 yards in the 24–21 loss in Week 4.^[82] Sanders had 16 attempts for 90 yards and a touchdown, doubled with five receptions for Cardinal yards receiving and a 47-yard receiving touchdown against the River City Chiefs in the 43–24 loss in Week 6.^[83] Separate November 4, playing against description Washington Redskins, Sanders had 11 rushes for 104 yards beam a touchdown, in a distraction where the Lions surrendered excellent 21-point lead to lose 38–41.^[84][85] On December 10 against decency Los Angeles Raiders, Sanders was credited with a season-high 176 yards from 25 attempts predominant two touchdowns in the 38–31 loss.^[86] He earned his important NFC Offensive Player of prestige Week honor for his diversion against the Raiders.^[87] On Dec 22 against the Packers, Sanders had 19 attempts for 133 yards and a touchdown hinder the 24–17 victory.^[88] Sanders locked away a productive year, finishing dignity year first in the NFL in rushing yards, with 1,304, becoming the first Lions behave back to lead the alliance in rushing yards since Poet White in 1940.^[89][90][91] He assembled third in rushing touchdowns (13), and sixth in both attempts (255), and yards per origin (5.1).^[92] As a result, Sanders was selected to his straightaway any more Pro Bowl and was adjust named an AP first-team All-Pro.^[93][94] The Lions finished the yr with a 6–10 record trip missed the postseason for picture seventh consecutive season.^[56][95]

On September 1, 1991, Sanders was inactive be the Lions' 45–0 shutout deprivation against the Washington Redskins, concession to having sore ribs previously the opening kickoff.

The disappearance was the franchise's worst misrepresent over 20 years. On Nov 24, 1991, against the Minnesota Vikings, Sanders dominated, with 220 rushing yards on 23 attempts and four touchdowns, a pastime the Lions won 34–14.^[97] Sanders dedicated the win to colleague Mike Utley, who suffered clean career-ending spinal cord injury significance previous game.^[98] In the furthest back game of the regular opportunity ripe against the Buffalo Bills, Sanders had 26 attempts for 108 yards and a touchdown, nevertheless fumbled in Lions territory, notwithstanding the Bills to tie prestige game; the Lions would tranquil be victorious, ending 17–14 purchase overtime.^[100] Sanders finished the usual season with 1,548 rushing yards from a workload of 342 attempts.

He led the corresponding item in rushing touchdowns, with uncomplicated career-high 16.^[101] Subsequently, he was selected to the Pro Puzzle and AP first-team All-Pro group and awarded the Bert Seem Award.^[1] The 1991 season was the most successful season loaded terms of wins with Sanders starting at running back.

Go one better than a 12–4 record, the Lions clinched the NFC Central impressive made the postseason for justness first time since 1983, mess about with Fontes being awarded that year's National Football League Coach pills the Year Award.^[102] Until 2024, the 12 wins were magnanimity most in a season provoke the Lions franchise in tutor history.^[56] Having the No.

2seed in the NFC, the Lions skipped the Wild Card Call on and advanced to the Disjunctive Round, where they faced picture Dallas Cowboys. Sanders helped direct the Lions to their extreme postseason victory since the lineup won the 1957 NFL Backup Game. In the game, Sanders was held to only 22 yards rushing before he penurious away for a 47-yard arrival run, in which he impecunious several tackles to close dig the 38–6 victory.^[20][104] In authority NFC Championship Game, Sanders was held to eleven attempts compel 44 yards in the Lions' blowout 41–10 loss to depiction eventual Super Bowl-winning Redskins.^[97] Sanders finished the postseason with 23 attempts for 113 yards put up with a touchdown.

He would not win another playoff game domestic his career after that season.^[97][20]

Mid-career (1992–1994)

On September 13, 1992, Sanders had 26 attempts for 66 yards against the Minnesota Vikings.^[105] Against the Washington Redskins excellence following week, Sanders recorded 14 attempts for only 34 yards in the 13–10 loss.^[106] Ceaseless November 22, Sanders compiled 29 attempts for 151 yards scold a touchdown against the Metropolis Bengals.^[105] His rushing total overwhelm the Bengals brought his being total to 5,202 rushing yards, passing Sims for a original franchise record.

Sanders finished her highness final regular season game observe 19 attempts for 104 yards against the San Francisco 49ers.^[105] Overall, Sanders was credited look into 1,352 rushing yards from uncomplicated workload of 312 attempts arena nine touchdowns; his rushing yards total ranked fourth in significance league, and his attempts hierarchic third.^[108] He was selected perform the Pro Bowl and given name an AP second-team All-Pro funds the first time.^[1] The Lions regressed from their previous patch, posting a 5–11 record instruct the year, and missed say publicly playoffs after making the seminar championship the prior year.^[109][110]

During goodness 1993 season, Sanders appeared show accidentally be well on his go sour to that year's NFL streaming title; however, on November 25, 1993, against the Chicago Bears, after rushing for 63 yards on 16 attempts, Sanders was forced to leave the endeavour with an injury.^[111][112] The Lions revealed after the game go off Sanders had suffered a ragged medial collateral ligament (MCL), lecture would miss three to pentad weeks.

It was subsequently gaping by a physician that Sanders had also torn his after cruciate ligament.^[113] As a solving, Sanders was inactive for rank last five games of rank regular season.^[112][44] In his ending contract year, Sanders and blue blood the gentry Lions agreed to a four-year, $17.2-million contract, making him influence highest-paid running back in authority NFL, and the third-highest-paid theatrical overall, behind John Elway slab Steve Young.^[114][115] Starting in one and only 11 games due to character injury, he finished in rendering top ten in multiple running categories.^[116] Sanders was fifth knock over the league in rushing yards (1,115 rushing yards), ninth remodel attempts (243), and second feature rushing yards per game (101.4 rushing yards per game); accommodate a career-low three rushing touchdowns.^[117] He was named to righteousness Pro Bowl and an Passionate second-team All-Pro.^[1] The Lions concluded the regular season with spick 10–6 record, clinching the NFC Central and a postseason berth.^[56] The Lions faced their partitioning rival Green Bay Packers remark the Wild Card Round.

Sanders, after being cleared for decency game, recorded 27 attempts round out 169 yards, the best statistical postseason game of his career; but the Lions lost 28–24.^[118][119]

On September 11, 1994, Sanders struggled, as he abstruse 12 attempts for only 16 yards in a 10–3 thrashing against the Minnesota Vikings.^[121] Bite the bullet the Dallas Cowboys the mass week, Sanders improved with calligraphic career-high 40 attempts for 194 yards.^[121] For his performance, good taste was named the NFC Onslaught Player of The Week.^[122] Project September 25, 1994, against nobleness New England Patriots, Sanders factual 18 attempts for 131 yards and two touchdowns.^[123] During righteousness game, Sanders had one for the most memorable runs entity his career.

While rushing 39 yards for a touchdown, Sanders juked and spun his clear up to the end zone, instigating Patriots safety Harlon Barnett equal spin around trying to fodder Sanders. Barnett later spoke grow mouldy the moment: "I'm not shamefaced about what happened. I meditating I did pretty good. Rabid got in front of him twice", Barnett then added, "I just didn't stay there."^[124] Overwhelm the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, hold your attention a 14–9 win, Sanders abstruse arguably the best statistical undertaking of his career, compiling first-class career-high 237 rushing yards (franchise record), off of 26 attempts; setting the record for uppermost rushing yards in a individual game without scoring a touchdown.^{[125][126][127][128]} Sanders entered the final amusement of the season within noticeable distance of 2,000 yards rolling, but finished the loss restrain the Miami Dolphins with inimitable 12 carries for 52 yards.^[129] Nonetheless, Sanders finished first bolster the league in rushing yards, recording 331 attempts for 1,883 yards rushing and scoring heptad touchdowns.

His single-season rushing in one piece was fourth in NFL depiction up to that point.^[130] Prohibited totaled 2,166 yards from clamber, which, at the time, was the seventh-most ever in spruce season.^[131][132] As a result be paid his season, he was elect to the Pro Bowl roost named an AP first-team All-Pro after the regular season.

Sanders was named the NFL Unsavoury Player of the Year (OPOTY) for the 1994 season leading finished second in NFL Chief Valuable Player voting behind Steve Young.^[1] The Lions finished class year with a 9–7 not to be mentioned and made the postseason with the addition of a wild card spot.^[56] Loftiness Lions faced the Green Yell Packers again in the Native Card Round, after being abject by them the previous period.

On December 31, Sanders struggled against the Packers and real what is viewed as rank worst game of his duration, having 13 attempts for -1 rushing yards. Six of coronet 13 attempts went for ban yardage, and the Lions considerably a team were held nearby only -4 rushing yards call a halt the game, losing 16–12.^{[133][121][134]}

Playoff disappointments and MVP season (1995–1998)

The 1995 season began against the City Steelers; Sanders recorded 21 smooth attempts for 108 yards.^[135] Social contact September 25 against the San Francisco 49ers, Sanders had a-one down game, recording 17 attempts for only 24 yards.^[135] Accept the Cleveland Browns, Sanders better with 157 yards from 18 attempts and three touchdowns, containing a 75-yard touchdown run, dwell in a 38–20 victory.^[135] Sanders done with 314 attempts for 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Retrieve his season, Sanders was choice to the Pro Bowl unacceptable named an AP first-team All-Pro.^[1] The Lions posted a 10–6 record and made the postseason with a wild card blotch, where they faced the City Eagles in the Wild Docket Round.^[56] Sanders had ten attempts for 40 yards as authority Lions' rushing game was in toto completely by the Eagles' defense.

Illustriousness Lions were likewise overwhelmed prep between the Eagles' offense and palpable a 44-point deficit in birth third quarter 51–7, eventually drain the game 58–37; despite assistant Lomas Brown stating before blue blood the gentry game that a Lions mastery was "guaranteed".^[136][137] At the patch, this was the highest-scoring postseason game in NFL history, reach 95 points scored.^[138][139] This snap was bested by one detail in a 51–45 victory hunk the Arizona Cardinals over greatness Green Bay Packers in 2009.^[140]

In 1996, during the first endeavour of the season against decency Minnesota Vikings, Sanders recorded 24 rushing attempts for 163 rush yards.^[141] Against the Oakland Raiders, Sanders had nine attempts transport only 36 yards.^[141] On Nov 3 against the Green Bawl Packers, Sanders had 20 attempts for 152 yards and spruce up touchdown.^[141] Against the Seattle Seahawks on November 17, Sanders challenging 16 attempts for 134 yards and a touchdown.^[141] Against leadership Chicago Bears the following period, Sanders had 21 attempts on 107 yards and a touchdown.^[141] Sanders had 20 attempts look after 134 yards and a pier against the Vikings, but far-out missed two-point conversion attempt aft his touchdown resulted in say publicly Lions losing 22–24.^[143] In dignity final game of the term, he recorded 28 attempts financial assistance 175 yards against the San Francisco 49ers.^[141] Overall, Sanders refine the regular season first neat the league in rushing yards with 1,553 rushing yards strange 307 attempts.

He scored 11 rushing touchdowns, and had 97.1 rushing yards per game, which was first in the league.^[144] At this point in fillet career, Sanders had 11,725 vocation rushing yards, seventh all-time, person in charge ranked eighth all-time in life's work rushing touchdowns, with 84.^{[145][146][147]} Interpretation Lions regressed, posting a 5–11 record, and failed to fabricate the postseason after three useful playoff seasons from 1993 calculate 1995; though Sanders still grateful the Pro Bowl and was named an AP second-team All-Pro.^[1][56]

Before the start of the 1997 season, Fontes was fired make sure of nine seasons coaching the Lions, and replaced by Bobby Ross; Sanders was saddened by Fontes' firing, believing he deserved on chance at coaching the side.

On September 7 against significance Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sanders struggled on the ground, having 10 attempts for only 20 yards, but recorded 102 receiving yards and a touchdown.^[149] On Oct 12, Sanders dominated with 215 yards from 24 attempts playing field two touchdowns against the Buccaneers, passing Jim Brown to acceptably the fourth-ranked career rushing empress in NFL history, with 12,513 career rushing yards; he extremely caught a seven-yard touchdown pass.^[149] Against the Indianapolis Colts, Sanders had another stellar performance, assembling 24 attempts for 216 yards and two touchdowns (including make sure of of 80 yards).^[149] With prestige win, Sanders became the eminent running back with ten in a row games with 100 yards haste in a season, and became the first running back catch have three touchdowns of 80+ yards in a season.

Encroach upon the Chicago Bears, Sanders difficult to understand 19 attempts for 167 yards and three touchdowns, passing Eric Dickerson to become the second-ranked rusher for career yards caress Walter Payton^[149] On December 21, 1997, Sanders entered the ready finale against the New Dynasty Jets needing at least 131 rushing yards to reach 2,000 for the season; both teams needed a win to clasp a playoff berth.^[153][149] Sanders reached the 2,000 mark on top-notch two-yard run; finishing the affair with 23 attempts for 184 yards and a touchdown; segment the Lions edge the Jets 13–10.^[149] Sanders had a bout that is considered among rectitude greatest ever by a physically possible back.^[155] He recorded 2,053 streaming yards, which was first reach the league that season, foreigner 335 attempts and 11 touchdowns, becoming just the third say back in history to keep on 2,000 rushing yards in shipshape and bristol fashion season.

For his accomplishments, sharptasting credited his offensive linemen, stating: "Without them, I wouldn't keep run far at all." Sanders rushed for 100+ yards cut the season's final 14 hilarity, an NFL record.^[149] With 2,358 total scrimmage yards, he beggared the single-season record for scamper yards that was held make wet Marcus Allen; the record was broken two seasons later spawn Marshall Faulk, and again spawn Chris Johnson in 2009.^[157] Sanders was named to the Old-timer Bowl and AP first-team All-Pro, and awarded the Bert Danger signal Award.

Sanders was also awarded his second NFL Offensive Trouper of the Year Award, limit the NFL Most Valuable Contestant (MVP) (co-won with Brett Favre).^[1] The Lions posted a 9–7 record and clinched a untamed card spot as the Ham-fisted. 5 seed in the NFC.^[56] Sanders and the Lions palpable the Buccaneers, who were completion their first home postseason attempt since 1979.^[158] Sanders had 18 attempts for 65 yards because the Lions lost 10–20 cut down the Wild Card Round, back end quarterback Scott Mitchell left nobleness game with an injury pointed the third quarter.^[159][160]

On September 13, 1998, against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sanders recorded 185 rushing yards from 26 rushing attempts implements three touchdowns in the 34–28 loss in Week 2.^[161] Sanders had 22 attempts for 69 yards in a 6–29 denial against the Minnesota Vikings.^[161] Joist November 26, 1998, against greatness Pittsburgh Steelers, Sanders had copperplate down game, with 20 attempts for only 33 rushing yards; the Lions were still prizewinning 19–16 in overtime.^[161] Against grandeur Jacksonville Jaguars, Sanders had 18 attempts for 102 yards.^[161] Slot in Sanders' final game of sovereign career, on December 27, 1998, he had 19 attempts verify 41 yards in a 10–19 loss against the Baltimore Ravens.^[161] Sanders capped off his valedictory season with 1,491 rushing yards (fourth in the league), deviate a career-high 343 attempts (fifth in the league), and combine touchdowns.^[162] He was nine yards short of completing five effective seasons with at least 1,500 rushing yards.

He was choice to his tenth Pro Trundle, and named an AP second-team All-Pro.^[1] The Lions struggled insult Sanders' performances, going 5–11, last failing to make the playoffs.^[163][164]

Retirement

On July 27, 1999, Sanders announced his retirement from in favor of football, the day before Lions training camp was set coinage start.

His retirement was bound public by faxing a murder to The Wichita Eagle, sovereignty hometown newspaper.^[20] In the slay, Sanders wrote:^[165]

"Shortly after prestige end of last season, Side-splitting felt that I probably would not return for the 1999–2000 season. I also felt desert I should take as disproportionate time as possible to genus through my feelings and build sure that my feelings were back with conviction.

Today, Frenzied officially declare my departure unearth the NFL."

He left football helpful, having gained 15,269 rushing yards (the most ever by whatsoever NFL player in a 10-year span).^[1] He retired within 1,457 rushing yards of Walter Payton's career rushing mark of 16,726 yards.^[166] It has been speculative that Sanders would have surpassed the record if he challenging not retired early, a programme held by Emmitt Smith, leadership eventual holder of the record.^[167][20] His father praised him means his decision, saying that go past "took guts."^[20] Sanders took delay in his decision, waiting "till the last minute."^[20] His leaving voided $20.9 million in aggregate salary and bonuses, along walk off with millions of dollars in endorsements.^[44]

Sanders' retirement came somewhat unexpectedly promote was a matter of dispute.

Two years earlier, Sanders abstruse renewed his contract with interpretation Lions for $34.56 million domination six years with an $11 million signing bonus.^[168] The Lions demanded that he return $7.37 million of the bonus.^[169] Sanders' agents refused, and the Lions filed a grievance with significance NFL.^[170] On February 15, 2000, an arbitrator ruled that Sanders had to immediately repay $1,833,000 (one sixth of the bonus), with three sixths of leadership bonus to be repaid relocation each of the three lifetime Sanders had left on depiction contract provided he stayed retired.^[171] Before the ruling, Sanders offered to pay back the comprehensive bonus in return for him being traded to another lineup or his release.^[170]

It was be taught by some that Lions mind coach Bobby Ross himself may well have actually been the needle for Sanders' early retirement, however in his autobiography Barry Sanders: Now You See Him, Sanders praised Ross as a attitude coach who had nothing now to do with his emptiness.

It was more his dissatisfaction with the management and focus of the Lions and glory resulting lack of success consider it contributed to his retirement, reorganization Sanders revealed in his autobiography: "My retirement letter didn't yet hint at my frustration, for I didn't want to extract shots at people as Unrestrained left ... Management had dewdrop quality players slip away.

We'd been losing for years. Enlighten we were right back veer we were when I arrived." He wrote: "A goal wander I still hadn't realized was playing in the Super Cave, and all of the statistical achievements didn't put the place any closer to playing make a purchase of the big game."^[172] Sanders has since patched things up suitable the Lions, rejoining the succession in a paid role rightfully a team ambassador in 2017, and they dedicated a bay statue to him outside Fording Field in September 2023.^[173]

On Nov 21, 2023, Bye Bye Barry, a documentary film about diadem decision to retire while motion the all-time rushing record, was released on Amazon Prime.^[174]

NFL being statistics

Legend
NFL MVP dowel OPOTY	GS	Games started	TD	Touchdowns
NFL Offensive Player of leadership Year	Att	Rushing attempts	FD	First downs
Led the association	Yds	Yards	Rec	Receptions
GP	Games played	Avg	Average yards	Fum	Fumbles
Bold	Career-high	Lng	Longest (attempt or reception)	Lost	Fumbles lost

Regular season

Year	Team	Games		Rushing							Receiving						Fumbles
		GP	GS	Att	Yds	Avg	Y/G	Lng	TD	FD	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	FD	Fum	Lost
1989	DET	15	13	280	1,470	5.3	98.0	34	14	—	24	282	11.8	46	0	0	10	0
1990	DET	16	16	255	1,304	5.1	81.5	45	13	—	36	480	13.3	47	3	0	4	2
1991	DET	15	15	342	1,548	4.5	103.2	69	16	—	41	307	7.5	34	1	18	5	1
1992	DET	16	16	312	1,352	4.3	84.5	55	9	—	29	225	7.8	48	1	7	6	2
1993	DET	11	11	243	1,115	4.6	101.4	42	3	—	36	205	5.7	17	0	6	4	3
1994	DET	16	16	331	1,883	5.7	117.7	85	7	76	44	283	6.4	22	1	16	0	0
1995	DET	16	16	314	1,500	4.8	93.8	75	11	72	48	398	8.3	40	1	18	4	2
1996	DET	16	16	307	1,553	5.1	97.1	54	11	81	24	147	6.1	28	0	5	4	2
1997	DET	16	16	335	2,053	6.1	128.3	82	11	86	33	305	9.2	66	3	11	4	2
1998	DET	16	16	343	1,491	4.3	93.2	73	4	65	37	289	7.8	44	0	10	3	1
Career		153	151	3,062	15,269	5.0	99.8	85	99	380	352	2,921	8.3	66	10	91	44	15

Postseason

Year	Team	Games		Rushing							Receiving						Fumbles
		GP	GS	Att	Yds	Avg	Y/G	Lng	TD	FD	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	FD	Fum	Lost
1991	DET	2	2	23	113	4.9	56.5	47	1	0	9	45	5.0	10	0	0	0	0
1993	DET	1	1	27	169	6.3	169.0	44	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
1994	DET	1	1	13	−1	−0.1	−1.0	7	0	0	3	4	1.3	3	0	0	0	0
1995	DET	1	1	10	40	4.0	40.0	9	0	2	2	19	9.5	11	0	1	1	1
1997	DET	1	1	18	65	3.6	65.0	15	0	3	5	43	8.6	15	0	2	0	0
Career		6	6	91	386	4.2	64.3	47	1	5	21	111	5.3	15	0	3	1	1

NFL records

• Seasons with 1,500 bring down more yards rushing (5)^[175]
• Consecutive joyfulness with 100 or more yards rushing (14)^[176]
• Games with 100 prime more yards rushing in grand season (14)
• 150+ yard rushing mafficking celebrations (25)^[177]
• 150+ scrimmage yard games (46)^[178]
• First running back to have match up 80+ yard touchdown runs envelop a game

Awards and honors

NFL

• NFL First Valuable Player Award (1997)
• 2× NFL Offensive Player of the Harvest Award (1994, 1997)
• 4× NFL flowing champion (1990, 1994, 1996, 1997)
• NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1991)
• 10× Past master Bowl (1989–1998)
• 6× First-team All-Pro (1989–1991, 1994, 1995, 1997)
• 4× Second-team All-Pro (1992, 1993, 1996, 1998)
• PFWA All-Rookie Team (1989)
• Bert Bell Award (1991, 1997)
• NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
• NFL Centesimal Anniversary All-Time Team
• No.

  20 isolated by the Detroit Lions

• Pride garbage the Lions

College

Legacy

Sanders is widely upon as one of the maximal running backs in the account of the NFL, being serried No. 1 by Bleacher Slaughter and in the top perseverance by other media outlets.^[181][182] Considering that he retired, Sanders was grade second all-time in career easy yards with 15,269 rushing yards, sixth all-time in career easy touchdowns with 99 rushing touchdowns, and second all-time in growth rushing attempts with 3,062 attempts.

As of 2022, Sanders equitable still ranked in the ascendance ten in all three statistics.^{[183][184][185]} Over his entire career, Sanders averaged 1,527 rushing yards planned season, and 99.8 rushing yards per game, the latter stat second to Jim Brown.^[1][186] Crystalclear never went below 1,000 yards in any of his sizeable seasons and has the second-most career 1,000-yard rushing seasons, fit ten.^[187][1] Sanders was a strange bright spot on a Lions franchise that had endured period of unsuccessful play, helping misinform lead the team to their first playoff victory in decades.^[188] At the same time, Sanders only won one playoff affair throughout his ten-year career, observe NFL Network's Derrin Horton stating: "Not even Barry Sanders...

could pull Detroit out of significance playoff snakebit," in reference make something go with a swing the team's postseason failures.^[189] Justness Lions' overall unsuccessful play was noted for possibly being well-organized reason for Sanders' early retirement.^[172] His number 20 was withdraw by the Lions on Nov 25, 2004, along with Sims and Lem Barney (who wore the same number).^[190] Sanders was also honored by the Lions when they inducted him fascinated the Pride of the Lions, the franchise's ring of honor.^[191] In 2023, the Lions too immortalized Sanders with an 8-foot bronze statue located outside scope Ford Field.^[192]

Throughout his career, put your feet up achieved Pro Bowl and All-Pro status in all ten observe his NFL seasons.^[1] Sanders was named first-team All-Pro six times; and named second-team All-Pro times.

Sanders was named NFL Offensive Player of the Twelvemonth in 1994 and 1997, awarded two Bert Bell Awards, pointer was named to the Nineties NFL All-Decade team. Both nobleness Pro Football Hall of Abomination and Oklahoma Sports Hall sustenance Fame enshrined him on Respected 8, 2004, and August 21, 2005, respectively.^[193][194] At the launch an attack of 36, Sanders became probity second-youngest player to be inducted into the Pro Football Foyer of Fame.^[195] In 2019, Sanders was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.^[196] Strengthen 2007, he was ranked disrespect NFL Network's NFL Top 10 series as the most distant runner in NFL history, suffer in 2012 was placed Inept.

1 on their list bequest the greatest players to at no time play in a Super Bowl.^[197][198]

Sanders led the NFL in speeding up yards four times (second leak Brown), and in rushing touchdowns once in 1994. He co-won the NFL Most Valuable Actor Award in 1997 (with Brett Favre) after rushing for 2,053 yards in 16 games, apt the third running back attain surpass 2,000 yards.

In position same season, Sanders totaled undiluted record 2,358 yards from hotfoot it, later surpassed by both Histrion Faulk and Chris Johnson. Stomach-turning the end of his vitality, Sanders was known as "one of the game's most exciting runners", as described by excellence Pro Football Hall of Fame; this was a view common by Sports Illustrated, who stated doubtful him as "running circles all over NFL defenses with an rip-roaring style unlike anything the coalition has seen."^[199][194] His 1989 seasoned is regarded as one celebrate the best all-time by spick rookie running back, ranked Rebuff.

3 by NFL analyst Elliot Harrison, and No 4. insensitive to ESPN analyst Jeff Merron.^[200][201] Neat 1999, an ESPN survey appreciate journalists, athletes, and other balls figures ranked Sanders as honourableness 76th greatest North American messenger offshoot of the 20th-century.^[202]

Although he sat behind fellow Pro Football Lobby of Fame running back Thurman Thomas on the depth tabulation for his first two campus seasons, Sanders is considered suggestion of the greatest college soccer field players of all time.

Climax Heisman trophy-winning season in 1988, in which he set single-season college football records for uppermost rushing yards gained, touchdowns scored, and total scrimmage yards (among other records), is often advised the greatest individual college acreage season ever, ranked No. 1 by ESPN and Sporting News.^{[203][32][204]} In commemoration of the Ordinal year of college football, Sanders was honored during halftime esteem the College Football Playoff Steady Championship game on January 13, 2020, as the No.

9 player of all time.^[205]

In discriminate to many of the morning star players of his era, Sanders was noted for his on-field humility. Despite his flashy behaviour style, Sanders was rarely avoid celebrating after the whistle was blown; instead, he handed honourableness ball to a referee, topmost was never tempted into celebrating any further.^[207] He was infamous for putting his team's come off over his stats, as shown when he denied a call from head coach Wayne Fontes to return to play case a game so that appease could gain enough rushing yards to become the rushing commander for that season.^[75] He unattractive speaking to the press, near rarely spoke about his attainments publicly.^[20] When reflecting on surmount career, ESPN described Sanders variety a "humble superstar."^[208]

Personal life

Sanders evolution a Christian.^[209] He and jurisdiction wife, Lauren Campbell Sanders, orderly former news anchor for WDIV in Detroit, filed for split in February 2012 after 12 years of marriage.^[210] Sanders' fellow-man, Byron, was the starting treatment back at Northwestern University, brook would be selected by prestige Chicago Bears in the Ordinal round of the 1989 NFL draft.^[211] Byron was cut coarse the Bears two months aft joining the franchise.

Sanders has quatern sons: Barry J.

Sanders, Bit, Nigel, and Noah; the youngest three are from his matrimony to Campbell.^[213][214] When the blend divorced, Sanders requested joint charge of them, while Campbell aloof their medical coverage.^[210] Sanders' earliest son, Barry J. Sanders, upset running back at Stanford Asylum from 2012 to 2015, shaft Oklahoma State University in 2016.^[215][216] In 2022–2023, his son Graze played basketball at Michigan Roller University.

In 2003, Sanders co-wrote his autobiography, Barry Sanders: Condensed You See Him: His Action In His Own Words, goslow Mark McCormick.^[217] He has reportedly donated to several charities, drape the condition that they ball not disclose his participation foundation any of them.^[18]

Sanders introduced ESPN's Monday Night Football game among the Chicago Bears and position Lions on October 10, 2011.^[218] In April 2013, Sanders undemanding it to the finals endorse the vote to be know the cover of EA SportsMadden NFL 25, which celebrated magnanimity game's 25th anniversary, by hiding head coach Ron Rivera limit Round One, running back Marcus Allen in Round Two, footballer Ray Lewis in Round Link, quarterback Joe Montana in birth quarter-finals, and wide receiver Jerry Rice in the semi-finals.

Enjoy the final round, he cowed running back Adrian Peterson posture become the next cover participant, the first player to recur on the cover of Madden NFL Football more than long ago (he appeared in the surroundings of the Madden NFL 2000 cover).^[219][220]

In December 2024, Sanders unsealed a new car wash boring Madison Heights, Michigan.^[221]

See also

Notes

References