Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Barry Sanders

How Barry Sanders built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Barry Sanders, a former NFL running back for the Detroit Lions, is celebrated for his remarkable elusiveness, agility, and quickness. Despite his smaller stature (5'8", 203 lbs), he dominated the league, leading in rushing yards four times and touchdowns once over his 10 seasons. Before his NFL career, Sanders played college football at Oklahoma State, where he had a historic 1988 season, rushing for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns. His outstanding college performance earned him the Heisman Trophy and unanimous All-American recognition, solidifying his legacy as one of football's greatest running backs.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1940: Last Lions Rushing Leader before Sanders

In 1940, Byron White was the last Detroit Lions running back to lead the league in rushing yards before Barry Sanders in 1990.

1957: Lions won the NFL Championship Game

The 1991 season saw the Lions clinch their first postseason victory since the team won the 1957 NFL Championship Game, marking a significant milestone.

1979: Buccaneers' first home postseason game since 1979

In 1997, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers played their first home postseason game since 1979, marking a significant event for the team and its fans.

1983: Lions made the postseason

In 1983, The Detroit Lions made the postseason for the first time since 1983. Fontes being awarded that year's National Football League Coach of the Year Award.

1986: First College Season

In 1986, Barry Sanders played in eight games for Oklahoma State, rushing for 325 yards and two touchdowns.

1987: All-American as Return Specialist

In 1987, Barry Sanders led the nation in yards per kickoff return and was named a second-team College Football All-American as a return specialist.

1988: Starting Role

In 1988, Barry Sanders became the starting running back for Oklahoma State after Thurman Thomas moved on to the NFL.

1988: Heisman Trophy-Winning Season

In 1988, Barry Sanders had his Heisman trophy-winning season, setting single-season college football records for rushing yards, touchdowns, and scrimmage yards, often considered the greatest individual college football season ever.

1988: Record-Breaking Season

In 1988, Barry Sanders had one of the greatest individual seasons in college football history, setting college football season records with 2,628 rushing yards and 37 rushing touchdowns.

1989: Standout Rookie Season

Barry Sanders' 1989 season is regarded as one of the best all-time by a rookie running back, highlighting his immediate impact and potential in the NFL.

1989: NFL Draft and Rookie of the Year

In 1989, Barry Sanders was drafted by the Detroit Lions and won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in his first season.

1989: Drafted by the Detroit Lions

In 1989, Barry Sanders was drafted third overall by the Detroit Lions, thanks to head coach Wayne Fontes' endorsement.

1989: NFL Draft Eligibility

In 1989, NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle allowed Barry Sanders, then a college junior, to enter the NFL draft due to NCAA probation placed on Oklahoma State.

September 9, 1990: Touchdown in Season Opener

On September 9, 1990, in the Lions' regular season opener, Barry Sanders had 79 yards and a goal-line touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

November 24, 1991: Dominated game against Vikings

On November 24, 1991, Barry Sanders rushed for 220 yards on 23 attempts and scored four touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings, leading the Lions to a 34-14 victory. Sanders dedicated the win to teammate Mike Utley, who had suffered a career-ending spinal cord injury in the previous game.

1991: First Postseason Win since 1958

In 1991, Barry Sanders helped the Detroit Lions achieve their first postseason win since 1958.

1993: Lions started a three-year playoff streak.

From 1993 to 1995, the Lions embarked on three straight playoff seasons.

September 25, 1994: Memorable touchdown run against the New England Patriots

On September 25, 1994, Barry Sanders had 18 attempts for 131 yards and two touchdowns against the New England Patriots, including a memorable 39-yard touchdown run where he juked and spun his way to the end zone.

1994: Led NFL in Rushing Touchdowns

In 1994, Barry Sanders led the NFL in rushing touchdowns, showcasing his scoring ability and impact on the game.

1994: NFL Offensive Player of the Year

In 1994, Barry Sanders was awarded the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award.

1995: Lions started a three-year playoff streak.

From 1993 to 1995, the Lions embarked on three straight playoff seasons.

1995: Selected to Pro Bowl and named an AP first-team All-Pro

In 1995, Barry Sanders was selected to the Pro Bowl and named an AP first-team All-Pro after recording 314 attempts for 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns, contributing to the Lions' 10-6 record and a wild card spot in the playoffs.

1996: Led the league in rushing yards

In 1996, Barry Sanders led the league in rushing yards with 1,553 yards from 307 attempts and 11 rushing touchdowns, averaging 97.1 rushing yards per game, marking another successful season despite the Lions' overall performance.

December 21, 1997: Reached 2,000 rushing yards in a season

On December 21, 1997, Barry Sanders reached 2,000 rushing yards for the season in the game against the New York Jets, finishing with 23 attempts for 184 yards and a touchdown, helping the Lions win 13-10 and clinch a playoff berth.

1997: Co-Won NFL MVP Award

In 1997, Barry Sanders co-won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award with Brett Favre after rushing for 2,053 yards, becoming the third running back to surpass 2,000 yards in a season.

1997: MVP and 2,000-Yard Season

In 1997, Barry Sanders rushed for 2,053 yards and was co-awarded the NFL Most Valuable Player Award with Brett Favre.

1997: Named NFL Offensive Player of the Year Again

In 1997, Barry Sanders was again named NFL Offensive Player of the Year, marking another season of exceptional performance and cementing his status as a top player.

September 13, 1998: Recorded 185 rushing yards with three touchdowns

On September 13, 1998, Barry Sanders recorded 185 rushing yards from 26 rushing attempts with three touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bengals in a 34-28 loss.

July 27, 1999: Barry Sanders Announces Retirement

On July 27, 1999, Barry Sanders announced his retirement from the NFL, sending a letter to The Wichita Eagle, his hometown newspaper, the day before Lions training camp started.