Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Barry Sanders

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

Barry Sanders was a dominant NFL running back for the Detroit Lions for 10 seasons. Renowned for his exceptional agility and elusiveness, he led the league in rushing yards four times. Before his NFL career, Sanders had a record-breaking college football season at Oklahoma State in 1988, rushing for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns, earning him the Heisman Trophy. Despite his relatively small stature, Sanders's unique running style made him one of the most exciting and effective players in football history.

Sections (5)

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

1979: Buccaneers played first home postseason game

In 1979, the Buccaneers played their first home postseason game

1986: Oklahoma State Cowboys Debut

In 1986, Barry Sanders played in eight games for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, rushing for 325 yards on 74 attempts with two touchdowns.

1987: All-American as Return Specialist

In 1987, Barry Sanders led the nation in yards per kickoff return (31.6) while also rushing for 603 yards and nine touchdowns. He was named a second-team College Football All-American as a return specialist.

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 39 total touchdowns.

1988: Starting Role

In 1988, Thurman Thomas moved on to the NFL which allowed Sanders to become the starter for his junior year in college.

1988: Greatest Individual Season

In 1988, as a junior, Barry Sanders had what is widely considered the greatest individual season by a running back in college football history, rushing for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns in 11 games. He won the Heisman Trophy and was unanimously recognized as an All-American.

1989: One of the Best Rookie Seasons

Barry Sanders' 1989 season is regarded as one of the best all-time by a rookie running back, highlighting his exceptional talent from the start of his NFL career.

1989: Rookie Season

In 1989, Barry Sanders started 13 games for the Detroit Lions, totaled 1,470 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, and was awarded the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.

1989: NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

In 1989, Barry Sanders was selected by the Detroit Lions in the NFL draft and had an immediate impact, winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

1989: Brother Drafted by Chicago Bears

In 1989, Barry Sanders' brother, Byron, was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 9th round of the NFL draft, though he was later cut two months after joining the team.

1989: NFL Draft Eligibility

In 1989, NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle allowed Barry Sanders to enter the NFL draft due to Oklahoma State's probation by the NCAA.

1989: Drafted by the Detroit Lions

In 1989, the Detroit Lions drafted Barry Sanders third overall in the NFL draft, thanks to the endorsement of head coach Wayne Fontes.

September 9, 1990: Game Against Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On September 9, 1990, Barry Sanders had 79 yards from 14 rushing attempts and a goal-line touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

September 1, 1991: Inactive due to sore ribs

On September 1, 1991, Barry Sanders was inactive for the Detroit Lions' game against the Washington Redskins due to sore ribs. The Lions suffered a 45-0 shutout loss, marking their worst defeat in over 20 years.

November 24, 1991: Dominated Against Vikings

On November 24, 1991, Barry Sanders had a dominant performance against the Minnesota Vikings, rushing for 220 yards on 23 attempts and scoring four touchdowns, leading the Lions to a 34-14 victory. He dedicated the win to his 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 lead the Detroit Lions to their first postseason win since 1958.

September 13, 1992: 66 Rushing Yards Against Vikings

On September 13, 1992, Barry Sanders rushed for 66 yards on 26 attempts against the Minnesota Vikings.

November 25, 1993: Torn MCL Injury

On November 25, 1993, Barry Sanders sustained a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) during a game against the Chicago Bears after rushing for 63 yards on 16 attempts. This injury forced him to miss the last five games of the regular season.

1993: Playoff season

The Lions had a playoff season in 1993

September 11, 1994: Struggled against Vikings

On September 11, 1994, Barry Sanders struggled in a game against the Minnesota Vikings, recording only 16 rushing yards on 12 attempts in a 10-3 loss.

September 25, 1994: Memorable TD run

On September 25, 1994, Barry Sanders had 18 attempts for 131 yards and two touchdowns in a game against the New England Patriots. During the game, Sanders had 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, marking a season of exceptional performance.

1994: NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award

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

1995: Finished Season with 1500 Yards

In 1995, Barry Sanders finished the season with 314 attempts for 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him a selection to the Pro Bowl and AP first-team All-Pro honors.

1995: Playoff season

The Lions had a playoff season in 1995

1996: Finished First in League in Rushing Yards

In 1996, Barry Sanders concluded the regular season as the league leader in rushing yards, accumulating 1,553 yards from 307 attempts. He also recorded 11 rushing touchdowns and averaged 97.1 rushing yards per game, which was the highest in the league.

December 21, 1997: Reached 2,000 Rushing Yards

On December 21, 1997, in the season finale against the New York Jets, Barry Sanders rushed for 184 yards, reaching 2,000 rushing yards for the season on a two-yard run. He helped the Lions edge the Jets 13–10, securing a playoff berth.

1997: Co-won NFL MVP and Rushed for Over 2,000 Yards

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 single season.

1997: NFL MVP and OPOY

In 1997, Barry Sanders rushed for 2,053 yards in the regular season and was co-awarded the NFL Most Valuable Player Award (shared with Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre), alongside his second NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award.

December 27, 1998: Final Game of Career

On December 27, 1998, in the final game of his NFL career, Barry Sanders rushed for 41 yards on 19 attempts in a 10-19 loss against the Baltimore Ravens.

July 27, 1999: Retirement Announcement

On July 27, 1999, Barry Sanders announced his retirement from professional football by faxing a letter to The Wichita Eagle, his hometown newspaper, just before the Lions' training camp began.

1999: Retirement From Professional Football

In 1999, Barry Sanders unexpectedly retired from professional football at the age of 31, citing the Lions' front office and declining team production as reasons.