History of Barry Sanders in Timeline

Barry Sanders was a professional football running back renowned for his exceptional agility and elusiveness. He played ten seasons in the NFL for the Detroit Lions, leading the league in rushing yards four times. Prior to his NFL career, Sanders had a record-breaking season at Oklahoma State in 1988, rushing for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns. He was awarded the Heisman Trophy and unanimously recognized as an All-American. Sanders is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.

Sections (5)

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

1940: Last Lions Rushing Leader

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

1958: Lions' Previous Postseason Win

The Detroit Lions hadn't had a postseason win since 1958, when they finally won in 1991 with the help of Barry Sanders.

July 16, 1968: Barry Sanders Born

On July 16, 1968, Barry Sanders, a future professional football running back, was born. He would later play for the Detroit Lions in the NFL for 10 seasons.

Others born on this day/year

1970: NFL-AFL Merger Completion

Since the completion of the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, the Detroit Lions had limited postseason appearances.

1983: Lions' Previous Playoff Season

Before Sanders joined, the Lions had not had a season at or above .500 since their most recent playoff season in 1983.

1986: Oklahoma State University Enrollment

In 1986, Barry Sanders enrolled at Oklahoma State University and played for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. During his first season, he rushed 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: Record-Breaking College Season

In 1988, Barry Sanders had a record-breaking season in college football, setting college football season records with 2,628 yards rushing, 3,250 total all-purpose yards, 234 points, 37 rushing touchdowns, and 39 total touchdowns.

1988: Heisman Trophy-Winning Season

In 1988, Barry Sanders had his Heisman trophy-winning season, setting single-season college football records for most rushing yards gained, touchdowns scored, and total scrimmage yards, making it one of the greatest individual college football seasons ever.

1988: Starting Role

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

1989: One of Best Rookie Seasons

Barry Sanders' 1989 season is regarded as one of the best all-time by a rookie running back.

1989: Drafted by Detroit Lions

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

1989: Brother Drafted to Chicago Bears

In 1989, Barry Sanders' brother, Byron, was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 9th round of the NFL draft after being the starting running back at Northwestern University.

1989: NFL Draft Eligibility

In 1989, due to NCAA probation placed on Oklahoma State, NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle allowed Barry Sanders, a college junior, to enter the NFL draft. The following year, the NFL allowed all juniors to participate.

1989: Rookie Season with the Lions

In 1989, during his rookie season, Barry Sanders started 13 games for the Lions. He finished the season with 1,470 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, earning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and a Pro Bowl selection.

September 9, 1990: Touchdown Against Buccaneers

On September 9, 1990, in the Lions' regular season opener, 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, which was their worst in over 20 years.

November 24, 1991: Dominated against the Vikings

On November 24, 1991, Barry Sanders dominated against the Minnesota Vikings, rushing for 220 yards on 23 attempts and scoring four touchdowns. The Lions won the game 34-14, and Sanders dedicated the win to his teammate Mike Utley who suffered a career-ending spinal cord injury 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, marking a significant achievement for the team.

September 13, 1992: Game against the Minnesota Vikings

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

November 25, 1993: Injury against the Chicago Bears

On November 25, 1993, during a game against the Chicago Bears, Barry Sanders suffered a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) and a torn posterior cruciate ligament, forcing him to leave the game and miss the last five games of the regular season.

September 11, 1994: Struggled against the Minnesota Vikings

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

September 25, 1994: Memorable Run Against Patriots

On September 25, 1994, Barry Sanders had 18 attempts for 131 yards and two touchdowns against the New England Patriots. He had a memorable 39-yard touchdown run where he juked and spun past Patriots safety Harlon Barnett.

1994: Led NFL in Rushing Touchdowns

In 1994, Barry Sanders led the NFL in rushing touchdowns, showcasing his ability to score and make a significant 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, recognizing his outstanding performance that season.

1995: 1995 Season achievements

In the 1995 NFL season, Barry Sanders recorded 314 attempts for 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl and named an AP first-team All-Pro. The Lions made the postseason as a wild card, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round 58-37, in what was then the highest-scoring postseason game in NFL history.

1996: 1996 Season Achievements

In the 1996 NFL season, Barry Sanders led the league in rushing yards with 1,553 yards from 307 attempts and 11 rushing touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl and was named an AP second-team All-Pro. By the end of the 1996 season, he had 11,725 career rushing yards, ranking seventh all-time, and 84 career rushing touchdowns, ranking eighth all-time.

December 21, 1997: Reached 2,000 Rushing Yards

On December 21, 1997, in the season finale against the New York Jets, Barry Sanders reached 2,000 rushing yards for the season on a two-yard run. He finished the game with 23 attempts for 184 yards and a touchdown, helping the Lions win 13-10 and clinch a playoff berth.

1997: Co-won NFL Most Valuable Player Award

In 1997, Barry Sanders co-won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award with Brett Favre after rushing for 2,053 yards in 16 games, making him the third running back to surpass 2,000 yards.

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. He also received his second NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award.

1997: Named NFL Offensive Player of the Year

In 1997, Barry Sanders was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year for the second time, reaffirming his exceptional talent and impact on the game.

September 13, 1998: Sanders Records 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 week 2. However, the Detroit Lions lost the game 34-28.

November 26, 1998: Sanders Has a 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 his performance, the Lions won the game 19-16 in overtime.

December 27, 1998: Sanders' Final Game

On December 27, 1998, in the last game of his 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, recognizing his achievements in sports.

July 27, 1999: Sanders Announces Retirement

On July 27, 1999, Barry Sanders announced his retirement from professional football, just before the Lions' training camp was scheduled to begin. He made his decision public through a faxed letter to The Wichita Eagle.

1999: Unexpected Retirement

In 1999, Barry Sanders unexpectedly retired from professional football at the age of 31, citing issues with the Lions' front office and team performance. He was 1,457 yards short of the NFL's all-time rushing record.

1999: Ranked 76th Greatest North American Athlete

In 1999, an ESPN survey ranked Barry Sanders as the 76th greatest North American athlete of the 20th century, recognizing his broad impact and athletic prowess.

February 15, 2000: Arbitrator Rules on Sanders' 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 next three years, given his continued retirement.

2000: NFL 1990s All-Decade Team

In 2000, Barry Sanders was included in the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team, recognizing him as one of the best players of that decade.

2003: Co-Wrote Autobiography

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 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, honoring his college and professional career.

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

On August 8, 2004, Barry Sanders was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, becoming the second-youngest player to receive this honor at the age of 36.

November 25, 2004: Number Retired by the Lions

On November 25, 2004, Barry Sanders' number 20 was retired by the Lions.

November 25, 2004: Jersey Retirement

On November 25, 2004, the Detroit Lions retired Barry Sanders' No. 20 jersey, honoring his contributions to the team.

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

On August 21, 2005, Barry Sanders was enshrined in the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy as a sports icon.

2007: Most Elusive Runner in NFL History

In 2007, Barry Sanders was ranked as the most elusive runner in NFL history by NFL Networks' NFL Top 10 series. He was also ranked as the greatest player never to play in a Super Bowl.

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 and Total Touchdowns Record Broken

In 2011, Montee Ball broke Barry Sanders' record of 234 points and 39 total touchdowns set in 1988.

February 2012: Filed for Divorce

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

2012: Son Played at Stanford

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

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

In 2012, Barry Sanders was placed No. 1 on NFL Network's list of the greatest players to never play in a Super Bowl.

April 2013: Won 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. He previously appeared in the background of the Madden NFL 2000 cover.

2015: Son Played at Stanford

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 set in 1988.

2016: Son Played at Oklahoma State University

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

2019: NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

In 2019, Barry Sanders was named to the National Football League 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, celebrating his legacy as one of the greatest players in NFL history.

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

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: Son Played at Michigan State University

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

September 2023: Bronze Statue Dedicated at Ford Field

In September 2023, the Detroit Lions dedicated a bronze statue of Barry Sanders outside Ford Field, celebrating his contributions to the team and his legacy in the sport.

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

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

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2023: Son Played at Michigan State University

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

December 2024: Opened a New Car Wash

In December 2024, Barry Sanders opened a new car wash in Madison Heights, Michigan, expanding his business ventures beyond football.

2025: Heart Attack and Documentary Production

On Father's Day weekend in 2025, Barry Sanders announced that he had suffered a heart attack the previous summer and had a three-day hospital stay. This led him to begin production of a documentary to educate people about the symptoms of cardiac arrest.