History of Barry Sanders in Timeline

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

1940: Last Lions Rushing Leader

In 1990, Barry Sanders became the first Lions running back to lead the league in rushing yards since Byron White in 1940.

1958: Lions Postseason Win

The Detroit Lions had not had a postseason win since 1958 until Barry Sanders helped them win in 1991.

July 16, 1968: Barry Sanders Born

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

Others born on this day/year

1970: NFL-AFL Merger

Since the completion of the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, the Lions had struggled and only made the postseason twice.

1979: Buccaneers played first home postseason game

In 1979, the Buccaneers played their first home postseason game

1983: Playoff Season

The Detroit Lions had not had a season at or above .500 since their most recent playoff season in 1983.

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: 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.

1997: Named NFL Offensive Player of the Year

In 1997, Barry Sanders was again named NFL Offensive Player of the Year, marking another season of outstanding achievement.

September 13, 1998: 185 Rushing Yards Against Bengals

On September 13, 1998, Barry Sanders rushed for 185 yards on 26 attempts with three touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bengals in a 34-28 loss during week 2 of the season.

November 26, 1998: Down Game Against Steelers

On November 26, 1998, Barry Sanders had a less productive game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, rushing for only 33 yards on 20 attempts. Despite this, the Lions won 19-16 in overtime.

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.

1998: Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Induction

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

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.

1999: Ranked Among Greatest North American Athletes

In 1999, an ESPN survey of journalists, athletes, and other sports figures ranked Barry Sanders as the 76th greatest North American athlete of the 20th century, acknowledging his impact beyond football.

February 15, 2000: Arbitrator Ruling on Bonus Repayment

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

2000: NFL 1990s All-Decade Team

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

Check it on Amazon

2003: College Football and Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Induction

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

August 8, 2004: Induction into Pro Football Hall of Fame

On August 8, 2004, Barry Sanders was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding achievements and contributions to the sport.

November 25, 2004: Jersey Retired

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

August 21, 2005: Induction into Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame

On August 21, 2005, Barry Sanders was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, celebrating his athletic accomplishments in his home state.

2007: Ranked Most Elusive Runner by NFL Network

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

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2007: Most Elusive Runner in NFL History

In 2007, NFL Networks' NFL Top 10 series ranked Barry Sanders as the most elusive runner in NFL history, and he was placed No. 1 on the list of the greatest players never to play in a Super Bowl.

2009: Broken record for scrimmage yards

In 2009, Chris Johnson broke the single-season record for scrimmage yards, which was previously held by Marcus Allen and then broken by Marshall Faulk.

2009: Cardinals beat Packers

In 2009, the Arizona Cardinals beat the Green Bay Packers 51-45. At the time, this game bested the previous NFL record for highest-scoring postseason game, with 96 points scored. The record was previously held by the Lions' Wild Card Round game against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1995.

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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2011: Points Record Broken

In 2011, Montee Ball broke Barry Sanders' record of 234 points and tied his record of 39 total touchdowns.

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.

2012: Ranked Greatest Player to Never Play in 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 individual brilliance despite team shortcomings.

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.

2015: All-Purpose Yards Record Broken

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

2016: Son Played at Oklahoma State University

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

2017: Rejoined the Lions as a team ambassador

In 2017, Barry Sanders rejoined the Detroit Lions organization in a paid role as a team ambassador, after patching things up with 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 status as one of the greatest players in NFL history.

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.

2022: Ranked Among Top Players

As of 2022, Barry Sanders continues to rank among the top ten in career rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and rushing attempts in NFL history, highlighting his lasting legacy.

2022: Son Played at Michigan State University

In 2022-2023, Barry Sanders' son Nick played basketball at Michigan State University.

September 2023: Bronze Statue Dedicated

In September 2023, the Detroit Lions dedicated an 8-foot bronze statue of Barry Sanders outside of Ford Field, honoring his contributions to the team.