Barry Sanders

The most elusive runner in NFL history, who retired at age 31 just 1,457 yards shy of Walter Payton's all-time record.

Barry Sanders, born July 16, 1968, remains the benchmark for elusiveness in professional football history. Playing ten seasons for the Detroit Lions, he led the league in rushing yards four times and scored a league-leading rushing touchdown once. Standing 5 ft. 8 in. and weighing 200 lbs., Sanders utilized unmatched quickness to become one of the greatest running backs ever. He played college football at Oklahoma State, where his 1988 junior season is widely considered one of the greatest individual efforts in history, rushing for a record 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns in just 11 games.

Quick Facts

Position: Running back
Born: 16 July 1968
Birthplace: Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
Draft year: 1989
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 3
High school: Wichita North
College: Oklahoma State (1986–1988)

Lore & Background

After winning the Heisman Trophy as a unanimous All-American in 1988, he entered the NFL in 1989, immediately claiming Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. His 1994 season earned him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award (OPOY). In 1997, Sanders rushed for 2,053 yards, sharing the NFL Most Valuable Player Award with Brett Favre while securing his second OPOY title. Despite these highs and making the Pro Bowl and All-Pro team in every single one of his ten seasons, he unexpectedly retired in 1999 at age 31. He cited the Lions' front office and declining team production as the reasons, leaving with 15,269 rushing yards—fourth all-time—and 99 touchdowns.

Reader's Guide

His stats reflect an average of 1,527 rushing yards per season (99.8 yards per game). He is remembered as one of the most elusive runners in NFL history thanks to his quickness and agility. His legacy is cemented by being ranked No. 1 on Bleacher Report's list of greatest running backs and No. 1 on NFL Network's list for 'most elusive runner.' Remember that his career was cut short; he retired while still performing at a high level, leaving the game before breaking Payton's record.

Did You Know?

Sanders declined extra playing time in his final high school game to reach the state rushing title, stating it was 'not important.'
He rushed for 274 yards and four touchdowns in just one game as a senior after becoming the starter.
In 1988, he set a college record with 37 rushing touchdowns and 3,250 total all-purpose yards.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame three months before the Lions retired his No. 20 jersey on November 25, 2004.