Barry Sanders
The most elusive runner in NFL history and a 10-time Pro Bowler.
Barry David Sanders (born July 16, 1968) is an American former professional football running back who played for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons. He is widely considered one of the greatest running backs of all time.
Quick Facts
- Role:
- Running Back
- College:
- Oklahoma State University
- Nfl super bowl:
- Never won
Lore & Background
Sanders led the league in rushing yards four times and in rushing touchdowns once. He was awarded the Heisman Trophy in 1988 after rushing for a record 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns in 11 games. He was selected by the Lions in the 1989 NFL draft and won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. In 1997, he rushed for 2,053 yards and was co-awarded the NFL Most Valuable Player Award with Brett Favre. He retired in 1999 at age 31, 1,457 yards short of Walter Payton's all-time rushing record.
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 in 2004, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame three months prior. In 2007, NFL Network ranked him as the most elusive runner in NFL history.
Did You Know?
- Sanders averaged 99.8 rushing yards per game over his career.
- He was placed No. 1 on the list of the greatest players never to play in a Super Bowl.
- Sanders was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame with former college teammate Thurman Thomas.
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