History of Barry Sanders in Timeline

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.

1958: Longest drought between post season wins

In 1958, was the last time the Detroit Lions won a post season game before Barry Sanders helped them to a win in 1991.

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

1970: NFL-AFL Merger

In 1970, the NFL-AFL merger was completed. Since then, the Lions had only made the postseason twice before Sanders joined the team.

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: 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.

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.

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, resulting in a 45-0 shutout loss, which was the franchise's worst in over 20 years.

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.

September 13, 1992: Game against the Minnesota Vikings

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

November 25, 1993: Injury during game against Chicago Bears

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, causing him to miss several weeks of play.

1993: Lions started a three-year playoff streak.

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

September 11, 1994: Struggled against the Minnesota Vikings

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

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.

November 26, 1998: Down game against the Pittsburgh Steelers

On November 26, 1998, Barry Sanders had a down game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with 20 attempts for only 33 rushing yards, though the Lions were still victorious 19-16 in overtime.

December 27, 1998: Final game of his career

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

1998: Inducted into Kansas Sports Hall of Fame

In 1998, Barry Sanders was first inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.

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.

1999: Sudden Retirement

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

1999: Ranked Among Greatest North American Athletes

In 1999, an ESPN survey ranked Barry Sanders as the 76th greatest North American athlete of the 20th century, recognizing his broader impact and legacy in sports.

February 15, 2000: Arbitrator Rules on Bonus Repayment

On February 15, 2000, an arbitrator ruled that Barry Sanders had to repay $1,833,000 of his signing bonus immediately, with the rest to be repaid over three years, provided he remained retired.

2000: Appeared on Madden NFL 2000 Cover

Barry Sanders appeared in the background of the Madden NFL 2000 cover.

2000: NFL All-Decade Team

In 2000, Barry Sanders was included in the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.

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.

2003: Hall of Fame Inductions

In 2003, Barry Sanders was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.

August 8, 2004: Enshrinement in Pro Football Hall of Fame

On August 8, 2004, Barry Sanders was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.

November 25, 2004: Jersey Retirement

On November 25, 2004, the Detroit Lions retired Barry Sanders' No. 20 jersey.

August 21, 2005: Enshrinement in Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame

On August 21, 2005, Barry Sanders was enshrined in the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his achievements and contributions to sports in Oklahoma.

2007: Ranked Most Elusive Runner

In 2007, Barry Sanders was ranked by NFL Network as the most elusive runner in NFL history.

2007: Ranked Most Elusive Runner in NFL History

In 2007, NFL Network's NFL Top 10 series ranked Barry Sanders as the most elusive runner in NFL history, highlighting his exceptional agility and skill.

2009: Postseason game record bested

In 2009, the highest-scoring postseason game record, previously set during a Lions game, was bested by one point in a 51–45 victory by the Arizona Cardinals over the Green Bay Packers.

2009: Record broken by Chris Johnson

Sanders had 2,358 total scrimmage yards and broke the single-season record for scrimmage yards that was held by Marcus Allen; the record was broken two seasons later by Marshall Faulk, and again by Chris Johnson in 2009.

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.

2011: Points record broken

In 2011, Montee Ball broke Barry Sanders' record of 234 points.

February 2012: Divorce Filing

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

2012: Ranked Greatest Player to Never Play in a Super Bowl

In 2012, Barry Sanders was ranked No. 1 on NFL Network's list of the greatest players to never play in a Super Bowl, acknowledging his exceptional career despite the lack of a Super Bowl appearance.

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.

April 2013: Wins Madden NFL 25 Cover Vote

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 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.

2015: All-Purpose yards record broken

In 2015, Christian McCaffrey broke Barry Sanders' record of 3,250 all-purpose yards.

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.

2019: Named to NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

In 2019, Barry Sanders was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, solidifying his place among the greatest players in NFL history.

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.

2022: Sanders Still Ranked Among Top Ten

As of 2022, Barry Sanders remains ranked in the top ten for career rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and rushing attempts, highlighting his enduring impact on the NFL.

2022: Son Plays Basketball at Michigan State

In 2022, Barry Sanders' son Nick played basketball at Michigan State University, showcasing the family's athletic talent.

September 2023: Bronze Statue Dedicated to Barry Sanders

In September 2023, the Detroit Lions dedicated a bronze statue to Barry Sanders outside of Ford Field, honoring his contributions to the team.

November 21, 2023: "Bye Bye Barry" Documentary Released

On November 21, 2023, "Bye Bye Barry", a documentary film about Barry Sanders's decision to retire, was released on Amazon Prime.

2023: Son Plays Basketball at Michigan State

In 2023, Barry Sanders' son Nick played basketball at Michigan State University, showcasing the family's athletic talent.

2023: Lions Immortalize Sanders with Statue

In 2023, the Detroit Lions immortalized Barry Sanders with an 8-foot bronze statue outside of Ford Field, further solidifying his legacy with the team.

December 2024: Opened Car Wash in Madison Heights

In December 2024, Barry Sanders opened a new car wash in Madison Heights, Michigan, marking a new venture outside of football.

2024: Lions franchise record

Until 2024, the 12 wins in the 1991 season remained the most in a single season for the Detroit Lions franchise, highlighting the team's success during that period.