Childhood and Education Journey of Barry Sanders in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Barry Sanders. A timeline of key moments.

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

July 16, 1968: Barry Sanders Born

On July 16, 1968, Barry Sanders, the future NFL star running back, was born.

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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: Heisman Trophy Winning Season

In 1988, Barry Sanders had his Heisman trophy-winning season, where he set single-season college football records for rushing yards, touchdowns scored, and total scrimmage yards.

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: 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.

2000: Madden NFL 2000

In April 2013, Barry Sanders won the vote to be on the cover of EA Sports Madden NFL 25, becoming the first player to appear on the cover of Madden NFL Football more than once (he appeared in the background of the Madden NFL 2000 cover).

2003: Autobiography Co-written

In 2003, Barry Sanders co-wrote his autobiography, "Barry Sanders: Now You See Him: His Story In His Own Words", with Mark McCormick.

Barry Sanders Now You See Him: His Story in His Own Words

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October 10, 2011: Introduced Monday Night Football Game

On October 10, 2011, Barry Sanders introduced ESPN's Monday Night Football game between the Chicago Bears and the Lions.

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February 2012: Divorce Filing

In February 2012, Barry Sanders and his wife, Lauren Campbell Sanders, filed for divorce after 12 years of marriage.

2012: Son Played at Stanford University

From 2012 to 2015, Barry Sanders' oldest son, Barry J. Sanders, played running back at Stanford University.

April 2013: Madden NFL 25 Cover Athlete

In April 2013, Barry Sanders won the vote to be on the cover of EA Sports Madden NFL 25, becoming the first player to appear on the cover of Madden NFL Football more than once.

2015: Son Played at Stanford University

From 2012 to 2015, Barry Sanders' oldest son, Barry J. Sanders, played running back at Stanford University.

2016: Son Played at Oklahoma State University

In 2016, Barry Sanders' oldest son, Barry J. Sanders, played running back at Oklahoma State University.

January 13, 2020: Honored at College Football Playoff National Championship Game

On January 13, 2020, Barry Sanders was honored as the No. 9 player of all time during halftime at the College Football Playoff National Championship game, commemorating the 150th year of college football.