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, 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

July 16, 1968: Barry Sanders Born

On July 16, 1968, Barry Sanders, the future NFL Hall of Fame running back, was born.

Others born on this day/year

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: 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, following in his brother's footsteps to the NFL.

2003: Autobiography Published

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

October 10, 2011: Introduces Monday Night Football Game

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

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 Plays Football at Stanford

In 2012, Barry Sanders' oldest son, Barry J. Sanders, played running back at Stanford University, following in his father's footsteps in football.

2015: Son Plays Football at Stanford

From 2012 to 2015, Barry Sanders' oldest son, Barry J. Sanders, played running back at Stanford University, following in his father's footsteps in football.

2016: Son Plays Football at Oklahoma State

In 2016, Barry Sanders' oldest son, Barry J. Sanders, played running back at Oklahoma State University, continuing his collegiate football career.

2017: Sanders Rejoins Lions as Team Ambassador

In 2017, Barry Sanders rejoined the Detroit Lions organization in a paid role as a team ambassador, marking a reconciliation between him and the team.

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

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