The Post-Sanders 1990s

Lore & Background

Sanders was selected by the Lions in the 1989 NFL draft and had an immediate impact, winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He led the league in rushing yards four times and in rushing touchdowns once. In 1997, he rushed for 2,053 yards and was co-awarded the NFL MVP with Brett Favre, alongside his second Offensive Player of the Year Award. He retired unexpectedly in 1999 at age 31, citing the Lions' front office and declining team production.

Reader's Guide

Sanders finished his career with 15,269 rushing yards (fourth all-time) and 99 rushing touchdowns (tenth all-time). He was selected to a Pro Bowl and All-Pro team in each of his ten seasons. The Lions retired his No. 20 jersey on November 25, 2004, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame three months prior.

Did You Know?

• Sanders averaged 1,527 rushing yards per season and just under 100 rushing yards per game (99.8).
• He was ranked by NFL Network's NFL Top 10 series as the most elusive runner in NFL history.
• Sanders was placed No. 1 on the list of the greatest players never to play in a Super Bowl.