Barry Sanders's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Barry Sanders.

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

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: 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.

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.

1993: Lions started a three-year playoff streak.

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

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.

1998: Inducted into Kansas Sports Hall of Fame

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

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.

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: 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.

2011: Points record broken

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

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.

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: All-Purpose yards record broken

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

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.

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.

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.

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.