View source for Barry Sanders

{{Short description|American football player (born 1968)}}
{{for-multi|his son, the former college football player|Barry J. Sanders|the historian and author|Barry Sanders (professor)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| image       = Barry Sanders 2019.jpg
| caption     = Sanders in 2019
| number      = 20
| position    = [[Running back]]
| height_ft   = 5
| height_in   = 8
| weight_lbs  = 200
| birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1968|7|16}}
| birth_place = [[Wichita, Kansas]], U.S.
| death_date  =
| death_place = 
| draftyear   = 1989
| draftround  = 1
| draftpick   = 3
| high_school = [[Wichita North High School|Wichita North]]
| college     = [[Oklahoma State Cowboys football|Oklahoma State]] (1986–1988)
| pastteams   =
* [[Detroit Lions]] ({{NFL Year|1989|1998}})
| highlights  =
* [[NFL Most Valuable Player]] (1997){{efn|Co-winner with [[Brett Favre]]}}
* 2× [[NFL Offensive Player of the Year]] (1994, 1997)
* [[NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year]] (1989)
* 6× First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[1989 All-Pro Team|1989]]–[[1991 All-Pro Team|1991]], [[1994 All-Pro Team|1994]], [[1995 All-Pro Team|1995]], [[1997 All-Pro Team|1997]])
* 4× Second-team All-Pro ([[1992 All-Pro Team|1992]], [[1993 All-Pro Team|1993]], [[1996 All-Pro Team|1996]], [[1998 All-Pro Team|1998]])
* 10× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1990 Pro Bowl|1989]]–[[1999 Pro Bowl|1998]])
* 4× [[List of National Football League annual rushing yards leaders|NFL rushing yards leader]] (1990, 1994, 1996, 1997)
* [[List of National Football League annual rushing touchdowns leaders|NFL rushing touchdowns leader]] (1991)
* [[NFL 1990s All-Decade Team]]
* [[NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team]]
* [[PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[PFWA All-Rookie Team#1989|1989]])
* 2× [[Bert Bell Award]] (1991, 1997)
* [[Pride of the Lions]]
* [[Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team]]
* [[Detroit Lions#Lions All-Time Team|Detroit Lions All-Time Team]]
* [[Detroit Lions#Retired numbers|Detroit Lions No. 20]] retired
* [[Heisman Trophy]] (1988)
* [[Maxwell Award]] (1988)
* [[Walter Camp Award]] (1988)
* [[Chic Harley Award]] (1988)
* [[Sporting News College Football Player of the Year|''SN'' Player of the Year]] (1988)
* [[UPI College Football Player of the Year|UPI Player of the Year]] (1988)
* [[Big Eight Conference football#Conference Players of the Year|Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year]] (1988)
* [[List of unanimous All-Americans in college football|Unanimous All-American]] ([[1988 College Football All-America Team|1988]])
* Second-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[1987 College Football All-America Team|1987]])
* First-team All-[[Big Eight Conference|Big Eight]] ([[1988 All-Big Eight Conference football team|1988]])
* Second-team All-Big Eight ([[1987 All-Big Eight Conference football team|1987]])
* [[AP All-Time All-America college football team#First team|First-team AP All-Time All-American]] (2025)
* [[Oklahoma State Cowboys football#Retired numbers|Oklahoma State Cowboys No. 21]] retired
* Oklahoma State Cowboys Ring of Honor
| statlabel1  = Rushing yards
| statvalue1  = 15,269
| statlabel2  = Rushing average
| statvalue2  = 5.0
| statlabel3  = Rushing [[touchdown]]s
| statvalue3  = 99
| statlabel4  = [[Reception (gridiron football)|Receptions]]
| statvalue4  = 352
| statlabel5  = Receiving yards
| statvalue5  = 2,921
| statlabel6  = Receiving touchdowns
| statvalue6  = 10
| pfr         = S/SandBa00
| HOF         = barry-sanders
| CollegeHOF  = 2129 
}}
'''Barry Sanders'''<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00.htm |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sayles |first=Damon |date=January 4, 2012 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/story/_/id/7423719/barry-sanders-one-dad|title=Sayles: Sanders will have one up on HOF dad|access-date=August 10, 2023|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> (born July 16, 1968) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] [[running back]] who played for the [[Detroit Lions]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL) for 10 seasons. Sanders led the league in rushing yards four times and in rushing [[touchdown]]s once. With a stature of 5&nbsp;ft. 8&nbsp;in. tall and weighing 200&nbsp;lbs., he established himself as one of the most elusive runners in the history of the NFL with his quickness and agility.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kawakami |first=Tim |author-link=Tim Kawakami |date=November 15, 1991 |title=Just Call Him Col. Sanders |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-11-15-sp-1277-story.html |access-date=June 11, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Sanders played college football for the [[Oklahoma State Cowboys football|Oklahoma State Cowboys]]. 

As a [[Junior (education year)|junior]] in [[1988 Oklahoma State Cowboys football team|1988]], he compiled what is widely considered one of the greatest individual seasons by a running back in college football history, rushing for a record 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns, in 11 games. He was awarded the [[Heisman Trophy]], and was [[List of unanimous All-Americans in college football|unanimously recognized]] as an [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]]. ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' named his 1988 season as the third-most impressive college sports feat of all-time, behind [[Jesse Owens]] setting four world records in a single hour, and [[Cael Sanderson]]'s perfect wrestling record of 159–0, winning four consecutive national titles.<ref name="top10">{{cite magazine|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/2002/04/01/the-top-10-si-picks-the-most-impressive-college-sports-feats-ever|title=The Top 10: SI picks the most impressive college sports feats ever|last=Anderson|first=Kelli|date=2002-04-01|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=2009-02-05}}</ref>

Sanders was selected by the Lions in the [[1989 NFL draft]], and had an immediate impact in his rookie season, winning the [[NFL Rookie of the Year|NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year]] award. In 1991, Sanders helped lead the Lions to their first postseason win since [[1958 NFL season|1958]]. In 1994, Sanders was awarded the [[Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award|NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award]] (OPOY). In 1997, he rushed for 2,053 yards in the regular season and was co-awarded the [[NFL Most Valuable Player|NFL Most Valuable Player Award]] (shared with [[1997 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay]] quarterback [[Brett Favre]]), alongside his second NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award. While still performing at a high level, Sanders unexpectedly retired from professional football in 1999, at the age of 31, and 1,457 yards short of breaking the NFL's then [[List of National Football League career rushing yards leaders|all-time rushing record]] held by [[Walter Payton]]. Sanders cited the Lions' front office and declining team production as reasons for his early retirement. He finished his career with 15,269 rushing yards (fourth all-time), and 99 rushing touchdowns (tenth all-time); in each of his ten seasons he was selected to a [[Pro Bowl]] and [[All-Pro]] team. The Lions retired Sanders' No. 20 jersey on November 25, 2004, and he was inducted into the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] three months prior. A year later, Sanders was inducted into the [[Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame]] with former college teammate [[Thurman Thomas]].

In 2007, he was ranked by [[NFL Network]]s' ''[[NFL Top 10]]'' series as the most elusive runner in NFL history, and was placed No. 1 on the list of the greatest players never to play in a [[Super Bowl]]. He is considered by many as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. [[Bleacher Report]] ranked Sanders No. 1 on their list of greatest running backs in NFL history. He averaged 1,527&nbsp;rushing yards per season and just under 100 rushing yards per game (99.8). Sanders was first inducted into the [[Kansas Sports Hall of Fame]] in 1998, into the [[College Football Hall of Fame]] in 2003 and in that same year inducted into the [[Michigan Sports Hall of Fame]]. In 2000, Sanders was included in the [[NFL 1990s All-Decade Team]], and in 2019, Sanders was named to the [[National Football League 100th Anniversary All-Time Team]].

==Early life==
Sanders was born on July 16, 1968, in [[Wichita, Kansas]], the seventh of eleven children to William and Shirley Sanders.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nack |first=William |date=April 10, 1989 |title=Barry Breaks Away |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1989/04/10/barry-breaks-away-dad-said-take-the-nfl-money-and-run-and-barry-sanders-the-heisman-winner-obeyed |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Sports Illustrated Vault |language=en-us}}</ref> His father worked as a roofer and carpenter, while his mother worked as a homemaker for the Sanders family.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kram |first=Mark |date=September 1, 1991 |title=Work Ethic Carried Sanders to Greatness Running Back Sees Fruits of Summers of Hard Labor |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1991/09/01/work-ethic-carried-sanders-to-greatness-running-back-sees-fruits-of-summers-of-hard-labor/62518156007/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=The Oklahoman |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Marc |date=November 21, 2023 |title=Barry Sanders Didn’t Become Exceptional Overnight. ‘It Was an Evolution.’ |url=https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/barry-sanders-didnt-become-exceptional-overnight-it-was-an-evolution-f0d09f9c |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=WSJ |language=en-US}}</ref> Sanders and two of his brothers worked as roofers' assistants to his father. As a child, Sanders was known for having an appetite, being able to eat an entire loaf of [[bread]] in one sitting.{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=21}} He would often listen to regional college sports games that his father would play on [[TV]].{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=20}} [[Mitch Albom]] of the ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' wrote: "All day they would labor, with the hammers, with the tar, sweating in the hot summer sun. You did not complain in the Sanders family. Not unless you wanted a good whupping."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Albom |first=Mitch |date=November 21, 2008 |title=Barry Sanders: Quietly Flying Highlions Running Back Has Learned To Absorb and Endure |url=https://www.mitchalbom.com/101barry-sanders-quietly-flying-highlions-running-back-has-learned-absorb-and-endure/ |access-date=June 6, 2022 |website=[[Detroit Free Press]] |language=en-US}}</ref>[[File:Barry Sanders Yearbook 1986.png|thumb|Sanders as a high school senior in 1986|left]]Sanders played [[American football|football]] at [[Wichita North High School]].<ref name=":20" /> Before this, he enjoyed playing [[American Youth Football|youth football]] and basketball.{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=20}} Although Barry dreamed of playing running back, he played only [[defensive back]] for most of his high school career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders |url=https://www.barrysanders.com/about.html#:~:text=Although%20Barry%20dreamed%20of%20playing,he%20is%20known%20for%20today. |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=www.barrysanders.com}}</ref> Sanders was labeled as an undersized back and wasn’t a starter at [[Tailback (American football)|tailback]] as a junior due to future [[Chicago Bears]] draft pick and older brother Byron Sanders running the rock.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pro Football Hall of Famer and overlooked high school prospect Barry Sanders is center of Amazon Original documentary 'Bye Bye Barry' |url=https://www.maxpreps.com/m/news/enwnZtgUKkK93C-0-FBpiw/pro-football-hall-of-famer-and-overlooked-high-school-prospect-barry-sanders-is-center-of-amazon-original-documentary-bye-bye-barry.htm |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=www.maxpreps.com}}</ref> When Byron graduated and left for [[Northwestern University]] on a football scholarship,{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=22}} Sanders was expected to start at tailback in his [[Twelfth grade|senior year]]—but instead was started at [[Wingback (American football)|wingback]]—a variant of the [[wide receiver]] position.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trotter |first=Jake |author-link=Jake Trotter |date=2018-08-23 |title=Inside Barry Sanders' record-setting, Heisman-winning (and nap-taking) 1988 season |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/24440133/the-untold-stories-barry-sanders-record-setting-1988-season |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> His head coach at the time perceived that his small stature would be a liability and that he "lacked contact courage."{{Sfn|McCormick|2003|p=34}} Besides taking part in football, he played [[High school basketball|basketball]] as a [[Guard (basketball)|guard]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dymski |first=Gary |date=November 20, 1984 |title=Graduation-Depleted North Is Cautious About '84-85 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/698622612/?terms=%22barry%20sanders%22%20%22basketball%22&match=1 |access-date=June 11, 2022 |work=[[The Wichita Eagle]]|via=Newspapers.com |page=12A}}</ref> [[Table tennis|Table-tennis]] and [[baseball]] were also sports that Sanders took part in.{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=21}} During this period—according to writer Samuel Crompton—the Sanders family was impoverished and had to "scrimp and save to get by".{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=21}}
Sanders did not become the starting [[running back]] until the fourth game of his senior year, when the original player was suspended for disciplinary reasons; he rushed for 274 yards and four [[touchdown]]s in that game.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Parson |first=Jeffrey |date=August 8, 2004 |title=Barry Sanders, predictably, shies from spotlight |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/703966669 |access-date=June 10, 2022 |work=[[The Wichita Eagle]]|via=Newspapers.com |page=6A}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{Cite web |last=Kiger |first=Fred |date=August 16, 2004 |title=ESPN Classic - Run Barry, Run |url=https://www.espn.com/classic/s/add_sanders_barry.html |access-date=June 10, 2022 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> He rushed for 1,417 yards on 139 [[rushing attempt]]s, averaging 10.2 yards per rushing attempt, and scored 17 touchdowns through his seven-game senior season.<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders |url=https://www.heisman.com/heisman-winners/barry-sanders/ |access-date=June 10, 2022 |website=[[Heisman Trophy]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite news |last=Frazier |first=Duane |date=February 13, 1986 |title=North Standouts Seek Stardom at OSU |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/701565345/?terms=%22barry%20sanders%22%20%22all%20state%22&match=1 |access-date=June 10, 2022 |work=[[The Wichita Eagle]]|via=Newspapers.com |page=6B}}</ref> In the last game of the season, Wichita North's head coach, Dale Burkholder, offered Sanders more playing time in order to gain enough rushing yards to reach the state rushing title, but Sanders declined, saying it was "not important."<ref name=":23">{{Cite episode |title=Barry Sanders |series=A Football Life |series-link=A Football Life |network=NFL Network |date=December 5, 2012}}</ref> For his season, Sanders earned all-state honors, and was named an Honorable Mention All-American.<ref name=":17" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=December 26, 1985 |title=Prep Football Players Earn National Honors |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/701802415/?terms=%22barry%20sanders%22%20%22honorable%20mention%22&match=1 |access-date=June 10, 2022 |work=[[The Wichita Eagle]]|via=Newspapers.com |page=8D}}</ref> Although he was viewed as a stellar athlete, because of his short stature Sanders received scholarship offers from only [[Wichita State University]], [[Iowa State University]], [[University of Tulsa]], and [[Oklahoma State University]]; he accepted the offer from Oklahoma State.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Stewart |first=Mark |url=https://archive.org/details/barrysanders0000stew/page/14/mode/2up |title=Barry Sanders |publisher=[[Children's Press]] |year=1996 |isbn=9780516201399|via=Archive.org |location=New York |pages=14 |language=English |url-access=registration}}</ref>

Sanders later said that his choice to play at Oklahoma State caused a conflict between him and his father. When Oklahoma State's coach came to his father's house with a letter of intent the day Sanders signed with the team, William was dismayed, saying as the coach walked out the door that his signing was a misguided decision.{{Sfn|McCormick|2003|p=40}}<ref name=":23" /> His father was similarly frustrated because Oklahoma State was a conference rival of the [[Oklahoma Sooners football|Oklahoma Sooners]], whom William was a fan of.<ref name=":23" /> A friend of Sanders told him that William said Sanders had chosen to play at Oklahoma State "in order to hide"; Sanders would be the backup of Heisman candidate [[Thurman Thomas]], as opposed to playing at a school where he would be the starting running back. Eventually, his father supported Sanders at Oklahoma State, and attended all of his games when he played.{{Sfn|McCormick|2003|p=40}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kimble |first=Kade |date=2023-09-16 |title=Legendary Oklahoma State Running Back to Reveal Reason For Sudden Retirement in Documentary |url=https://www.si.com/college/oklahomastate/football/legendary-oklahoma-state-running-back-to-reveal-reason-for-sudden-retirement-in-documentary |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Baldwin |first=Mike |date=September 15, 1996 |title=Ex-OSU Teammates Sanders, Thomas Live Up to Potential |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1996/09/15/ex-osu-teammates-sanders-thomas-live-up-to-potential/62343180007/ |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=The Oklahoman |language=en-US}}</ref>

==College career==
Sanders enrolled at [[Oklahoma State University]], where he played for the [[Oklahoma State Cowboys football|Oklahoma State Cowboys]] from 1986 to 1988 and wore the No. 21 jersey.<ref name=":14" />{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=28}} During his first two years, he backed up Thomas at running back.{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=24}} In 1986, Sanders played in eight games and rushed for 325 rushing yards on 74 rushing attempts, with two rushing touchdowns.<ref name=":14" /> In 1987, he led the nation in yards per [[kickoff return]] (31.6), while rushing for 603 yards and scoring nine rushing touchdowns, catching four passes for 58 receiving yards and a touchdown, and scoring two touchdowns from 29 total [[special teams]] returns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1987 College Football Summary |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/1987.html |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/barry-sanders-1.html |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=[[Sports Reference]] |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":19" /> He was named a second-team [[College Football All-America Team|College Football All-American]] as a [[return specialist]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 3, 1987 |title=OU lands 5 All-Americans |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/701840951/?terms=%22barry%20sanders%22%20%22all%20american%22&match=1 |access-date=June 10, 2022 |work=[[The Wichita Eagle]]|via=Newspapers.com |page=K-15}}</ref> While still a backup to Thomas, he received notable attention from his opponents. Oklahoma Sooners head coach [[Barry Switzer]] in particular told his players not to injure Thomas, in fear of Sanders starting in his place, telling them: "You won't touch this kid".{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=24}}<ref name=":23" /> Sanders was not fond of this as he believed Thomas to be a good teammate.<ref name=":23" /> Thomas moved on to the NFL in [[1988 NFL draft|1988]], which allowed Sanders to become the starter for his [[Junior (education year)|junior year]] in college.{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=24}}

In 1988, in what is considered one of the greatest individual seasons in college football history,<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Maisel |first=Ivan |author-link=Ivan Maisel |date=August 3, 2014 |title=Great seasons are not created equal |url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/page/theseason0804maisel/the-greatest-individual-seasons-college-football-history-not-created-equal |access-date=July 14, 2017 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Merron |first=Jeff |date=December 15, 2003 |title=Best individual college football seasons |url=https://www.espn.com/page2/s/list/collegefootball/seasons.html |access-date=June 16, 2022 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> Sanders became the first player to open two consecutive seasons with a 100-yard kickoff return.{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=9}} He led the nation by averaging 7.6 yards per attempt and over 200 yards per game, including rushing for over 300 yards in four games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Mark |date=2018-10-25 |title=Barry Sanders' 1988 season, game-by-game |url=https://tulsaworld.com/barry-sanders-1988-season-game-by-game/table_b72c7777-121d-5ff9-a1ab-6abc40aea11d.html |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=Tulsa World |language=en}}</ref> Despite his massive workload of 344 attempts, Sanders was still used as the team's punt and kickoff returner, adding another 516 yards on special teams. He set college football season records with 2,628 yards rushing, 3,250 total [[all-purpose yards]], broken by [[Christian McCaffrey]] in 2015, 234 points, broken by [[Montee Ball]] in 2011, 37 rushing touchdowns, and 39 total touchdowns, (37 rushing, one kick return, one punt return, tied with Ball).<ref name=":19">{{Cite web |title=Football Bowl Subdivision Records |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2020/FBS.pdf |access-date=September 30, 2021 |website=NCAA.org |publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association |page=78}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nathan |first=Alec |date=December 5, 2015 |title=Christian McCaffrey Breaks NCAA Single-Season All-Purpose-Yards Record |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2596174-christian-mccaffrey-breaks-ncaa-single-season-all-purpose-yards-record |access-date=June 10, 2022 |website=[[Bleacher Report]] |language=en}}</ref>

Sanders had five consecutive 200-yard games, scored at least two touchdowns in all eleven games, and eight times he scored at least three touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 5, 2011 |title=Barry Sanders' remarkable season |url=https://www.kansas.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/article1071876.html |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=The Wichita Eagle}}</ref> Sanders ran for 222 yards and scored five touchdowns in just three quarters of action in the [[1988 Holiday Bowl]], a game that is not included in the official NCAA season statistics.<ref name="1988 Holiday Bowl">{{Cite web |title=1988 Holiday Bowl Summary |url=http://www.holidaybowl.com/game-history/1988.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221175047/http://www.holidaybowl.com/game-history/1988.html |archive-date=December 21, 2007 |access-date=December 29, 2007 |website=[[Holiday Bowl]]}}</ref> When added to his original rushing total, Sanders recorded 2,850 rushing yards from a workload of 373 attempts, 3,472 [[all-purpose yards]], 264 points, 42 rushing touchdowns, and 44 total touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirshner |first=Alex |date=2018-12-08 |title=44 reasons Barry Sanders’ 1988 is football’s greatest season ever |url=https://www.bannersociety.com/2018/12/8/20728939/barry-sanders-1988-college-stats |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Banner Society |language=en}}</ref> Sanders learned of his [[Heisman Trophy]] win while he was with the team in [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]] preparing to face [[1988 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team|Texas Tech]] in the [[Coca-Cola Classic (college football)|Coca-Cola Classic]], accepting the award via satellite;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Helsley |first=John |date=October 12, 2013 |title=Oklahoma State football: Barry Sanders' historic Heisman season, 25 years later |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/college/cowboys/2013/10/12/oklahoma-state-football-barry-sanders-historic-heisman-season-25-years-later/60875370007/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=The Oklahoman |language=en-US}}</ref> he garnered 559 first-place votes for 1,878 points, becoming the eighth non-college senior to attain the trophy, and was selected as a [[List of unanimous All-Americans in college football|unanimous All-American]].<ref name=":20" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Trotter |first=Jake |author-link=Jake Trotter |date=August 8, 2014 |title=Sanders' 1988 season stands alone |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/page/theseason0807sanders/barry-sanders-record-setting-1988-season-never-duplicated |access-date=August 8, 2014 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |year=2018 |title=Football Award Winners |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2018/awards.pdf |access-date=June 10, 2022 |website=NCAA.org |publisher=[[National Collegiate Athletic Association]] |page=24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 1989 |title=Sanders in Spectacular Form Again |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/01/sports/college-football-sanders-in-spectacular-form-again.html |access-date=February 4, 2023 |website=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Nevertheless, he believed [[Rodney Peete]] should have won the award.<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=M.B. |date=September 19, 2005 |title=ESPN Classic - Sanders' humility makes him distinctive |url=https://www.espn.com/classic/biography/s/sanders_barry.html |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> Along with his Heisman Trophy, Sanders was awarded the [[Maxwell Award]], the [[Walter Camp Award]], and named the [[Big Eight Conference football#Conference Players of the Year|Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year]].<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mellor |first=Cam |date=November 13, 2021 |title=Barry Sanders' Oklahoma State career highlighted by 1988 Heisman Trophy run |url=https://www.profootballnetwork.com/barry-sanders-oklahoma-state-career-highlighted-by-1988-heisman-trophy-run/ |access-date=June 16, 2022 |website=Pro Football Network |language=en-US}}</ref> Sanders initially announced that he was not going to enter the [[NFL draft]], but after receiving pressure from his father, he announced his entrance into the draft.{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=26}}

=== College statistics ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Season
! rowspan="2"| Team
! rowspan="2"| GP
! colspan="5"| Rushing
! colspan="3"| Receiving
|-
! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Y/G !! TD !! Rec !! Yds !! TD
|-
! [[1986 NCAA Division I-A football season|1986]] || [[1986 Oklahoma State Cowboys football team|Oklahoma State]]
| 8 || 74 || 325 || 4.4 || 40.6 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[1987 NCAA Division I-A football season|1987]] || [[1987 Oklahoma State Cowboys football team|Oklahoma State]]
| 11 || 105 || 603 || 5.7 || 54.8 || 9 || 4 || 58 || 1
|-
! [[1988 NCAA Division I-A football season|1988]] || [[1988 Oklahoma State Cowboys football team|Oklahoma State]]
| 11 || 344 || 2,628 || 7.6 || 238.9 || 37 || 19 || 106 || 0
|-
! colspan="2"|[https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/barry-sanders-1.html Total] || 30 || 523 || 3,556 || 6.8 || 118.5 || 48 || 23 || 164 || 1
|-
|}

=== NCAA FBS records ===
Sanders set 34 NCAA Division I FBS records in his college career, and still holds the following records:<ref name=":19" /><ref name=":20" />
* Most rushing yards in a season: 2,628<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-01-07 |title=UCF tailback Smith changes direction, will go pro |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3184342 |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>
* Most rushing yards gained in a three, four, and five game span: 937; 1,152; 1,472
* Most rushing touchdowns in a season: 37<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lederman  |first=Eli |date=2021-11-11 |title=Barry Sanders' single-season rushing record remains intact 33 years later. Will it ever be broken? |url=https://tulsaworld.com/sports/college/osu/barry-sanders-single-season-rushing-record-remains-intact-33-years-later-will-it-ever-be/article_6b6067bc-424e-11ec-b18e-1723123cdfc2.html |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=Tulsa World |language=en}}</ref>
* Most 2+ rushing touchdown games in a season: 11
* Most 3+ rushing touchdown games in a season: 8
* Most consecutive games scoring two or more touchdowns: 13 (from November 14, 1987, through 1988)
* Most scrimmage touchdowns in a season: 39 (tied with Ball)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rotermund |first=Maggie |date=2012-01-04 |title=Wentzville's Ball Ties Record in Rose Bowl |url=https://patch.com/missouri/wentzville/wentzville-s-ball-ties-record-in-rose-bowl-e15128cb |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=Wentzville, MO Patch |language=en}}</ref>
* Most games rushing for 300+ yards in a season and career: 4
* Most all-purpose yards per game in a season: 295.5
* Most rushing yards per game in a season: 238.9<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 5, 2015 |title=Ten unbreakable college football records |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ten-unbreakable-college-football-records-0ap2000000356173 |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Professional career==
{{NFL predraft
|    height ft = 5
|    height in = 7 5/8
|       weight = 203
|         dash = 4.37
|         note = All values from [[Pro Day]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/news/hall-recall-barry-sanders/ |title=Hall Recall: Barry Sanders |website=profootballhof.com |access-date=August 22, 2021}}</ref>
}}

=== Detroit Lions (1989–1998) ===
[[File:Silverdome 2.jpg|thumb|With the [[Detroit Lions]] from 1989 to 1998, Sanders played home games at [[Pontiac Silverdome]].|alt=A picture of the Pontiac Silverdome in 2011.]]
Sanders, a college junior, was originally ineligible for the [[NFL draft]]. However, [[Oklahoma State Cowboys football|Oklahoma State]] had been under investigation by the [[NCAA]] for recruiting violations. On the first day of 1989, the NCAA placed the Cowboys on four years' probation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1989-01-07 |title=Oklahoma St. Is Placed On Probation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/07/sports/oklahoma-st-is-placed-on-probation.html |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press |language=en-US}}</ref> If Sanders had remained as a Cowboy for his senior season, his games would not have been televised live, and he would not be able to play in a bowl game. Due to these circumstances, NFL commissioner [[Pete Rozelle]] allowed Sanders to enter the draft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Litsky |first=Frank |date=1989-04-05 |title=Rozelle Rules That Sanders Can Enter the N.F.L. Draft |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/05/sports/rozelle-rules-that-sanders-can-enter-the-nfl-draft.html |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> In the next year, the NFL allowed all juniors to participate.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Eskenazi |first=Gerald |date=February 16, 1990 |title=N.F.L. Set To Allow Juniors In Draft |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/16/sports/nfl-set-to-allow-juniors-in-draft.html |access-date=March 5, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> During pre-draft measurements, Sanders was measured at 5&nbsp;ft 8 in tall, and weighed at 203&nbsp;lbs.<ref name=":1" />

The [[Detroit Lions]] [[Draft (sports)|drafted]] Sanders third overall in the [[1989 NFL draft]], after [[Troy Aikman]] and [[Tony Mandarich]], thanks to the endorsement of head coach [[Wayne Fontes]].{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=28}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=1989 NFL draft |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1989/draft.htm |access-date=June 8, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> The Lions competed in the [[NFC North|Central Division]] of the [[National Football Conference]] (NFC).<ref name=":13" /> Since the completion of the [[NFL-AFL merger]] in 1970, the Lions had made the postseason only twice, and had not had a season at or above .500 since their most recent playoff season in 1983.<ref name=":13" /> Fontes, who took over the coaching position midway through the previous season, was impressed with Sanders' athletic ability after he lifted 225&nbsp;lbs (102&nbsp;kg) for 21 [[Repetition (bodybuilding)|reps]].{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=28}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sylvester |first=Curt |date=December 23, 1988 |title=Fontes will revamp staff |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/99869628/ |access-date=January 27, 2023 |work=[[Detroit Free Press]]|via=Newspapers.com |page=6D}}</ref> Lions' management considered drafting another "Sanders", cornerback [[Deion Sanders]], but Fontes convinced them to draft Barry instead.{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=27}} Fontes offered Sanders jersey No. 20, which had been worn by former Lions running back [[Billy Sims]]; Sims was one of the league's premier running backs in the early 1980s, and Fontes requested he wear the number in tribute to Sims.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rank |first=Adam |date=February 12, 2014 |title=Throwback Thursday - Wish you could've stayed |url=http://www.nfl.com/photoessays/0ap2000000325351/Throwback-Thursday---Wish-you-couldve-stayed |access-date=February 27, 2014 |website=NFL.com |publisher=[[National Football League]]}}</ref> Sanders had doubts about what his career would have been like if another team selected him, such as the [[Green Bay Packers]], who selected Mandarich at No. 2, later saying: "I don't know what I would've done if I was drafted by Green Bay, I don't know if I would've wanted to play in Green Bay, I don't think I could've handled this weather every day."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hayes |first=Jim |date=December 23, 1990 |title=A Barry bad reminder |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71653823/barry-sanders/ |access-date=February 23, 2022 |work=[[Green Bay Press-Gazette]]|via=Newspapers.com |pages=C-2}}</ref>

Sanders did not participate in the training camp of his rookie season due to a contract dispute.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-10 |title=Barry Sanders reflects on 'rookie' experience in Lions training camp |url=https://www.wxyz.com/sports/barry-sanders-reflects-on-rookie-experience-in-lions-training-camp |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=WXYZ 7 News Detroit |language=en}}</ref> He eventually came to monetary terms with the Lions, signing a deal for five years, $9.5 million, including a $2.1 million signing bonus—ten percent of which ($210,000), he donated to his local church: Paradise Baptist Church.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 8, 1989 |title=Barry Sanders Signs $9.5-Million Contract |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-09-08-sp-1886-story.html |access-date=February 6, 2022 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":21" /> In his first Lions press conference, Sanders prefaced that he wanted to assist in restoring the franchise's reputation in the NFL landscape, stating that he wanted to help "restore the roar in the dome."<ref name=":23" />

==== Early years and postseason win (1989–1991) ====
As a rookie in 1989, Sanders started 13 out of a possible 16 games for the Lions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1989 Detroit Lions Roster & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1989_roster.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> In his first career professional game against the [[1989 Phoenix Cardinals season|Phoenix Cardinals]] on September 10, Sanders ran for 71 yards on nine attempts and scored a rushing touchdown in the 16–13 loss.{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=30, 32}}<ref name=":6" /> Against the [[1989 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]], Sanders compiled 126 yards on 18 attempts and a touchdown in the 47–27 loss, but became injured with bruised ribs and a [[hip pointer]] that plagued him through the rest of the season.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Raffo |first=Dave |date=September 25, 1989 |title=NFL Roundup |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/09/25/NFL-Roundup/7243622699200/ |access-date=February 25, 2022 |website=[[UPI]] |language=en}}</ref>{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=33}} On October 1, Sanders had only one yard on five attempts against the [[1989 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] in the 23–3 loss.<ref name=":6" /> Against the [[1989 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]], Sanders had 23 attempts for 99 yards in the 24–17 loss.<ref name=":6" /> After the game, Vikings head coach [[Jerry Burns]] asked game officials to check if Sanders had applied [[silicone]] to himself; Burns believed this was why his players had difficulty [[Tackle (football move)|tackling]] him; no illegal substance was ever found.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stroud |first=Rick |date=September 27, 1992 |title=Bucs need tricks to cope with the disappearing act |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1992/09/27/bucs-need-tricks-to-cope-with-the-disappearing-act/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref>{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=33}} On December 24, the final game of the season, he had 158 yards on 20 attempts to go along with three touchdowns against the [[1989 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]].<ref name=":6" /> During the game, the Lions installed a special phone line in one of the press boxes to monitor [[Christian Okoye]], a running back for the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] who, at the time, was tied with Sanders for the league rushing title. When Okoye's game ended, Sanders trailed Okoye by only ten yards. Fontes offered Sanders the chance to return to the Lions' game to gain enough yards to pass Okoye, after Sanders was pulled from the game when the score was in the Lions' favor. Yet Sanders declined to return to the game, letting Okoye keep the rushing title.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Austin |date=September 10, 1990 |title=A LAMB AMONG LIONS |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1990/09/10/a-lamb-among-lions-a-gentle-soul-off-the-field-barry-sanders-runs-up-a-storm-for-detroit |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Sports Illustrated Vault |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1989 NFL Rushing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1989/rushing.htm |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Birkett |first=Dave |date=July 15, 2018 |title=Barry Sanders at 50: Here are 20 tales about No. 20 you might not know |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/07/15/detroit-lions-barry-sanders-stories/777711002/ |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=[[Detroit Free Press]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Sanders finished the season totaling 1,470 rushing yards off of 280 attempts and 14 touchdowns.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders 1989 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1989/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107172709/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1989/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=June 2, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> His rushing total was both a rookie franchise record, and a franchise record for any running back in Lions history (both records held previously by [[Billy Sims]]).<ref name="statmuse.com">{{Cite web |title=Most Rushing Yards In A Season Lions Player |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-rushing-yards-in-a-season-lions-player |access-date=February 5, 2022 |website=www.statmuse.com |publisher=[[StatMuse]] |language=en}}</ref> Sanders was awarded the [[National Football League Rookie of the Year Award|NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award]], and named to the [[PFWA All-Rookie Team]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ap-offensive-rookie-of-the-year-award.htm |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> He was also selected to the [[Pro Bowl]] and was named a [[All-Pro|first-team All-Pro]] by the [[Associated Press]] (AP).<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=1989 NFL All-Rookie Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-1989.htm |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> The Lions struggled that season, posting a {{Abbr|7–9|7 wins, 9 losses}} record and failing to make the [[NFL playoffs|postseason]], despite winning five straight games to end the year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1989 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1989.htm |access-date=June 10, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref>

On September 9, 1990, against the [[1990 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], Sanders had 79 yards from 14 rushing attempts and a goal-line touchdown in the 38–21 loss in the Lions' regular season opener.<ref name=":4" /> Against the [[1990 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] on September 30, Sanders had 20 attempts for 94 yards in the 24–21 loss in week 4.<ref name=":4" /> Sanders had 16 attempts for 90 yards and a touchdown, coupled with five receptions for 135 yards receiving and a 47-yard receiving touchdown against the [[1990 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] in the 43–24 loss in week 6.<ref name=":4" /> On November 4, playing against the [[1990 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]], Sanders had 11 rushes for 104 yards and a touchdown, in a game where the Lions surrendered a 21-point lead to lose 38–41.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions Biggest Blown Leads |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/blown_leads.htm |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> On December 10 against the [[1990 Los Angeles Raiders season|Los Angeles Raiders]], Sanders was credited with a season-high 176 yards from 25 attempts and two touchdowns in the 38–31 loss.<ref name=":4" /> He earned his first NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor for his game against the Raiders.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1990 NFL Week 14 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1990/week_14.htm |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On December 22 against the Packers, Sanders had 19 attempts for 133 yards and a touchdown in the 24–17 victory.<ref name=":4" /> Sanders had a productive year, finishing the year first in the NFL in rushing yards, with 1,304, becoming the first Lions running back to lead the league in rushing yards since [[Byron White]] in [[1940 NFL season|1940]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Rushing Yards Year-by-Year Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rush_yds_year_by_year.htm |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1940 NFL Rushing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1940/rushing.htm |access-date=February 5, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders 1990 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1990/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321112157/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1990/ |archive-date=March 21, 2021 |access-date=February 5, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> He ranked third in rushing touchdowns (13), and sixth in both attempts (255), and yards per attempt (5.1).<ref>{{Cite web |title=1990 NFL Rushing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1990/rushing.htm |access-date=February 5, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> As a result, Sanders was selected to his second Pro Bowl and was again named an AP first-team All-Pro.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1990 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1990/probowl.htm |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1990 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1990/allpro.htm |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Lions finished the year with a {{Abbr|6–10|6 wins, 10 losses}} record and missed the postseason for the seventh consecutive season.<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=1990 Detroit Lions Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1990.htm |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

On September 1, 1991, Sanders was inactive for the Lions' 45–0 shutout loss against the [[1991 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]], due to having sore ribs before the opening kickoff. The loss was the franchise's worst in over 20 years.{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=45}} On November 24, 1991, against the [[1991 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]], Sanders dominated, with 220 rushing yards on 23 attempts and four touchdowns, a game the Lions won 34–14.<ref name=":3" /> Sanders dedicated the win to teammate [[Mike Utley]], who suffered a career-ending [[spinal cord injury]] the previous game.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Mike |date=November 28, 1991 |title=For Lions, 'Thumbs Up' The Thanksgiving Story |language=en-US |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1991/11/28/for-lions-thumbs-up-the-thanksgiving-story/8270e731-6bf3-42ea-96cd-ff04628892ee/ |access-date=February 20, 2022 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=48-49}} In the final game of the regular season against the [[1991 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]], Sanders had 26 attempts for 108 yards and a touchdown, but [[fumble]]d in Lions territory, allowing the Bills to tie the game; the Lions would still be victorious, ending 17–14 in overtime.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 23, 1991 |title=Lions Are Restless, Defeat Bills : Interconference: Buffalo keeps Thomas, Kelly and Lofton on sideline during 17-14 overtime loss. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-12-23-sp-664-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220235916/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-12-23-sp-664-story.html |archive-date=February 20, 2022 |access-date=February 21, 2022 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|agency=[[Associated Press]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Sanders finished the regular season with 1,548 rushing yards from a workload of 342 attempts. He led the league in rushing touchdowns, with a career-high 16.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1991 NFL Rushing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1991/rushing.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Subsequently, he was selected to the Pro Bowl and AP first-team All-Pro team and awarded the [[Bert Bell Award]].<ref name=":1" /> The 1991 season was the most successful season Sanders achieved as an NFL player. With a {{Abbr|12–4|12 wins, 4 losses}} record, the Lions clinched the [[NFC Central]] and made the postseason for the first time since [[1983 Detroit Lions season|1983]], with Fontes being awarded that year's [[NFL Coach of the Year|National Football League Coach of the Year Award]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 26, 1991 |title=AP Names Fontes Best Coach |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1991/12/26/ap-names-fontes-best-coach/62507048007/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=The Oklahoman |language=en-US}}</ref> At the time, the 12 wins were the most in a season by the Lions franchise in its history, later surpassed by the [[2024 Detroit Lions season|2024 team]].<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions Team Encyclopedia |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/index.htm |access-date=June 6, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> Having the {{Abbr|No. 2|There are six postseason spots for each conference (AFC and NFC), the first two spots for each conference skip the first round (Wild Card), and into the Divisional Round}} [[Seed (sports)|seed]] in the [[National Football Conference|NFC]], the Lions skipped the [[NFL Wild Card|Wild Card Round]] and advanced to the [[NFL divisional playoffs|Divisional Round]], where they faced the [[1991 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]]. Sanders helped lead the Lions to their first postseason victory since the team won the [[1957 NFL Championship Game]]. In the game, Sanders was held to only 22 yards rushing before he broke away for a 47-yard touchdown run, in which he broke several tackles to close out the 38–6 victory.<ref name=":23" />{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=54-55}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship - Detroit Lions at Washington Redskins - January 12th, 1992 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199201120was.htm |access-date=February 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> In the [[NFC Championship Game]], Sanders was held to eleven attempts for 44 yards in the Lions' blowout 41–10 loss to the eventual Super Bowl-winning Redskins. Sanders finished the postseason with 23 attempts for 113 yards and a touchdown. He would never win another playoff game in his career after that season.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders 1991 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1991/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610044454/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1991/ |archive-date=June 10, 2017 |access-date=February 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":23" />

==== Mid-career (1992–1994) ====
On September 13, 1992, Sanders had 26 attempts for 66 yards against the [[1992 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]].<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders 1992 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1992/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929215536/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1992/ |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |access-date=June 2, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> Against the [[1992 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]] the following week, Sanders recorded 14 attempts for only 34 yards in the 13–10 loss.<ref name=":8" /> On November 22, Sanders compiled 29 attempts for 151 yards and a touchdown against the [[1992 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]].<ref name=":8" /> His rushing total against the Bengals brought his career total to 5,202 rushing yards, passing Sims for a new franchise record.<ref name="pro-football-reference.com">{{Cite web |title=Detroit Lions Career Rushing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/career-rushing.htm |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> Sanders finished his final regular season game with 19 attempts for 104 yards against the [[1992 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]].<ref name=":8" /> Overall, Sanders was credited with 1,352 rushing yards from a workload of 312 attempts and nine touchdowns; his rushing yards total ranked fourth in the league, and his attempts ranked third.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1992 NFL Rushing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1992/rushing.htm |access-date=February 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> He was selected to the Pro Bowl and named an AP second-team All-Pro for the first time.<ref name=":1" /> The Lions regressed from their previous season, posting a {{Abbr|5–11|5 wins, 11 losses}} record for the year, and missed the playoffs after making the conference championship the prior year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1992 Detroit Lions Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1992.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1992 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1992/index.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

During the 1993 season, Sanders appeared to be well on his way to that year's NFL rushing title; however, on November 25, 1993, against the [[1993 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]], after rushing for 63 yards on 16 attempts, Sanders was forced to leave the game with an injury.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders 1993 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1993/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321112201/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1993/ |archive-date=March 21, 2021 |access-date=June 2, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> The Lions revealed after the game that Sanders had suffered a [[Medial collateral ligament|torn medial collateral ligament (MCL)]], and would miss three to five weeks. It was subsequently revealed by a physician that Sanders had also torn his [[posterior cruciate ligament]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gay |first=Nancy |date=December 9, 1993 |title=Sanders' Knee Injury Worse Than Thought |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1993/12/09/sanders-knee-injury-worse-than-thought/62440418007/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=The Oklahoman |language=en-US}}</ref> As a result, Sanders was inactive for the last five games of the regular season.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |date=November 25, 1993 |title=Sanders out with knee injury |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/11/25/Sanders-out-with-knee-injury/3883754203600/ |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=[[UPI]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":18" /> In his final contract year, Sanders and the Lions agreed to a four-year, $17.2-million contract, making him the highest-paid running back in the NFL, and the third-highest-paid player overall, behind [[John Elway]] and [[Steve Young]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 23, 1993 |title=SPORTS PEOPLE: FOOTBALL; Lions' Sanders Receives Richest Pact for Runner |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/23/sports/sports-people-football-lions-sanders-receives-richest-pact-for-runner.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118200535/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/23/sports/sports-people-football-lions-sanders-receives-richest-pact-for-runner.html |archive-date=January 18, 2018 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 23, 1993 |title=Sanders Signs for $17.2 Million |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-12-23-sp-4755-story.html |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Starting in only 11 games due to the injury, he finished in the top ten in multiple rushing categories.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1993 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1993/leaders.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Sanders was fifth in the league in rushing yards (1,115 rushing yards), ninth in attempts (243), and second in rushing yards per game (101.4 rushing yards per game); with a career-low three rushing touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1993 NFL Rushing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1993/rushing.htm |access-date=February 21, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> He was named to the Pro Bowl and an AP second-team All-Pro.<ref name="pro-football-reference.com" /><ref name=":1" /> The Lions finished the regular season with a {{Abbr|10–6|10 wins, 6 losses}} record, clinching the NFC Central and a postseason berth.<ref name=":13" /> The Lions faced their division rival [[1993 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] in the [[1993–94 NFL playoffs#NFC: Green Bay Packers 28, Detroit Lions 24|Wild Card Round]]. Sanders, after being cleared for the game, recorded 27 attempts for 169 yards, the best statistical postseason game of his career; but the Lions lost 28–24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions - January 8th, 1994 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199401080det.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Meerdink |first=Jon |date=2016-12-30 |title=How did the Packers and Lions play five times in 1994? |url=https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2016/12/30/14129054/green-bay-packers-detroit-lions-playoffs-nfl-brett-favre-aaron-rodgers-mvp-1994-five-games |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Acme Packing Company |language=en}}</ref>

{{Quote box
| quote = “We’re learning little by little, the hard way, that when Barry Sanders is not having the day you expect him to have, it’s hard for this team to win.”
| source = –[[Wayne Fontes]] following the 1994 NFC Wild Card Round<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 1995 |title=Packers Tame Sanders, Leave Lions Beaten : NFC playoffs: NFL's top running back is held to minus one yard as Detroit is stunned, 16-12, at Green Bay. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-01-01-sp-15317-story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112011238/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-01-01-sp-15317-story.html |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=February 24, 2022 |website=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>
| align = left
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}}

On September 11, 1994, Sanders struggled, as he had 12 attempts for only 16 yards in a 10–3 loss against the [[1994 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]].<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders 1994 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1994/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607081904/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1994/ |archive-date=June 7, 2017 |access-date=June 2, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> Against the [[1994 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] the following week, Sanders improved with a career-high 40 attempts for 194 yards.<ref name=":10" /> For his performance, he was named the NFC Offensive Player of The Week.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Players of the Week |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/players-of-the-week.htm |access-date=February 21, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> On September 25, 1994, against the [[1994 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]], Sanders recorded 18 attempts for 131 yards and two touchdowns.<ref name=":10" /> During the game, Sanders had one of the most memorable runs of his career. While rushing 39 yards for a touchdown, Sanders juked and spun his way to the end zone, causing Patriots safety [[Harlon Barnett]] to spin around trying to tackle Sanders. Barnett later spoke of the moment: "I'm not embarrassed about what happened. I thought I did pretty good. I got in front of him twice", Barnett then added, "I just didn't stay there."<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=December 5, 1994 |title=Cut and Run |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1994/12/05/cut-and-run-the-wizardry-of-detroits-barry-sanders-has-nfl-defenses-wondering-how-in-the-world-to-stop-him |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030102349/https://vault.si.com/vault/1994/12/05/cut-and-run-the-wizardry-of-detroits-barry-sanders-has-nfl-defenses-wondering-how-in-the-world-to-stop-him |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |access-date=February 21, 2022 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |language=en-us}}</ref> Against the [[1994 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], in a 14–9 win, Sanders had arguably the best statistical game of his career, compiling a career-high 237 rushing yards (franchise record), off of 26 attempts; setting the record for most rushing yards in a single game without scoring a touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1994-11-14 |title=Sanders (237 Yards) Steals Show : NFC: He comes through with best game as a pro to lead the Lions over Buccaneers, 14-9. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-11-14-sp-62567-story.html |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Most Rushing Yards Without A Touchdown In A Game |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-rushing-yards-without-a-touchdown-in-a-game |access-date=February 21, 2022 |website=www.statmuse.com |publisher=[[StatMuse]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Most Rushing Yards In A Game Lions Player |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-rushing-yards-in-a-game-lions-player |access-date=February 21, 2022 |website=www.statmuse.com |publisher=[[StatMuse]] |language=en}}</ref> Sanders entered the final game of the season within striking distance of 2,000 yards rushing, but finished the loss to the [[Miami Dolphins]] with only 12 carries for 52 yards.<ref name=":10" /> Nonetheless, Sanders finished first in the league in rushing yards, recording 331 attempts for 1,883 yards rushing and scoring seven touchdowns. His single-season rushing total was fourth in NFL history up to that point.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Rushing Yards Single-Season Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rush_yds_single_season.htm |access-date=February 21, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> He totaled 2,166 [[yards from scrimmage]], which, at the time, was the seventh-most ever in a season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1994 NFL Rushing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1994/rushing.htm |access-date=February 21, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Most Scrimmage Yards In A Season 1910 To 1994 |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-scrimmage-yards-in-a-season-1910-to-1994 |access-date=February 21, 2022 |website=www.statmuse.com |publisher=[[StatMuse]] |language=en}}</ref> As a result of his season, he was selected to the Pro Bowl and named an AP first-team All-Pro after the regular season. Sanders was named the [[Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award|NFL Offensive Player of the Year]] (OPOTY) for the [[1994 NFL season|1994 season]] and finished second in [[Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player Award|NFL Most Valuable Player]] voting behind Steve Young.<ref name=":1" /> The Lions finished the year with a {{Abbr|9–7|9 wins, 7 losses}} record and made the postseason with a [[Wild card (sports)|wild card]] spot.<ref name=":13" /> The Lions faced the Green Bay Packers again in the [[1994–95 NFL playoffs#NFC: Green Bay Packers 16, Detroit Lions 12|Wild Card Round]], after being defeated by them the previous season. On December 31, the Lions lost the game 16–12, with Sanders recording what is viewed as the worst game of his career, having 13 attempts for -1 rushing yards. Of his 13 attempts, six went for negative yardage, and the Lions as a team were held to only -4 rushing yards in the game.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 1995 |title=Packers Tame Sanders, Leave Lions Beaten : NFC playoffs: NFL's top running back is held to minus one yard as Detroit is stunned, 16-12, at Green Bay. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-01-01-sp-15317-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112011238/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-01-01-sp-15317-story.html |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=February 23, 2022 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":10" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=O'Hara|first=Mike|date=January 1, 1995|title=Time for changes?|pages=35|work=[[Detroit Free Press]]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/?clipping_id=74510098&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjk5MjA1NTMxLCJpYXQiOjE2NDU3MjE1NDYsImV4cCI6MTY0NTgwNzk0Nn0.oTR620T1LHBZrlyIs2uUVW0zEy1eYZu9Svm7F-UxFrA|access-date=February 24, 2022}}</ref>

==== Playoff disappointments and MVP season (1995–1998) ====
The 1995 season began against the [[1995 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]]; Sanders recorded 21 rushing attempts for 108 yards.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders 1995 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1995/ |access-date=June 2, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> On September 25 against the [[1995 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]], Sanders had a down game, recording 17 attempts for only 24 yards.<ref name=":11" /> Against the [[1995 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]], Sanders improved with 157 yards from 18 attempts and three touchdowns, including a 75-yard touchdown run, in a 38–20 victory.<ref name=":11" /> Sanders finished with 314 attempts for 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns. For his season, Sanders was selected to the Pro Bowl and named an AP first-team All-Pro.<ref name=":1" /> The Lions posted a {{Abbr|10–6|10 wins, 6 losses}} record and made the postseason with a wild card spot, where they faced the [[1995 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] in the [[1995–96 NFL playoffs#NFC: Philadelphia Eagles 58, Detroit Lions 37|Wild Card Round]].<ref name=":13" /> Sanders had ten attempts for 40 yards as the Lions' rushing game was stuffed by the Eagles' defense. The Lions were likewise overwhelmed by the Eagles' offense and faced a 44-point deficit in the third quarter 51–7, eventually losing the game 58–37; despite teammate [[Lomas Brown]] stating before the game that a Lions victory was "guaranteed".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brookover |first=Bob |date=December 31, 1995 |title=Defense becomes Lions tamers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/183265653/?terms=%22barry%22%20%22sanders%22&match=1 |access-date=June 16, 2022 |work=[[Courier Post]]|via=Newspapers.com |page=8F}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaroo |first=Philip |date=2009-06-05 |title=Philadelphia reporter tells story of infamous Lomas Brown 'guarantee' of 1995 |url=https://www.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/06/philadelphia_reporter_tells_st.html |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=mlive.com |language=en}}</ref> At the time, this was the highest-scoring postseason game in NFL history, with 95 points scored.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sheridan |first=Phil |date=December 31, 1995 |title=Detroit's Brown readily eats words |pages=C1, C7 |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/178329518 |access-date=June 19, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Al-Khateeb |first=Zac  |date=2023-01-21 |title=Highest-scoring NFL playoff games: Breaking down the record for most points scored and in what matchup |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/highest-scoring-nfl-playoff-games-record-most-points-scored-matchup/d9wrhqhqlhuozd2julkkrzt3 |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=Sporting News |language=en-us}}</ref> This record was bested by one point in a 51–45 victory by the [[2009 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]] over the [[2009 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] in [[2009–10 NFL playoffs|2009]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Farmer |first=Sam |date=January 11, 2010 |title=Warner's 5 TDs, Dansby's fumble return cap big day |page=3 |work=[[The Chicago Tribune]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/232856114/?terms=%2296%22%20%22kurt%20warner%22&match=1 |access-date=June 19, 2022}}</ref>

In 1996, during the first game of the season against the [[1996 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]], Sanders recorded 24 rushing attempts for 163 rushing yards.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders 1996 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1996/ |access-date=February 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> Against the [[1996 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]], Sanders had nine attempts for only 36 yards.<ref name=":2" /> On November 3 against the [[1996 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]], Sanders had 20 attempts for 152 yards and a touchdown.<ref name=":2" /> Against the [[1996 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]] on November 17, Sanders had 16 attempts for 134 yards and a touchdown.<ref name=":2" />{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=73}} Against the [[1996 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]] the following week, Sanders had 21 attempts for 107 yards and a touchdown.<ref name=":2" /> Sanders had 20 attempts for 134 yards and a touchdown against the Vikings, but a missed two-point conversion attempt after his touchdown resulted in the Lions losing 22–24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions - December 8th, 1996 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199612080det.htm |access-date=February 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> In the final game of the season, he recorded 28 attempts for 175 yards against the [[1996 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]].<ref name=":2" /> Overall, Sanders finished the regular season first in the league in rushing yards with 1,553 rushing yards from 307 attempts. He scored 11 rushing touchdowns, and had 97.1 rushing yards per game, which was first in the league.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1996 NFL Rushing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1996/rushing.htm |access-date=February 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> At this point in his career, Sanders had 11,725 career rushing yards, seventh all-time, and ranked eighth all-time in career rushing touchdowns, with 84.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Career Rushing Touchdowns Leaders Through 1996 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rush_td_career_1996.htm |access-date=February 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Career Rushing Yards Leaders Through 1996 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rush_yds_career_1996.htm |access-date=February 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Career Rushing Attempts Leaders Through 1996 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rush_att_career_1996.htm |access-date=February 26, 2022 |website=Pro-Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> The Lions regressed, posting a {{Abbr|5–11|5 wins, 11 losses}} record, and failed to make the postseason after three straight playoff seasons from 1993 to 1995; though Sanders still made the Pro Bowl and was named an AP second-team All-Pro.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":13" />

Before the start of the 1997 season, Fontes was fired after nine seasons coaching the Lions, and replaced by [[Bobby Ross]]; Sanders was saddened by Fontes' firing, believing he deserved another chance at coaching the team.{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=76}} On September 7 against the [[1997 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], Sanders struggled on the ground, having 10 attempts for only 20 yards, but recorded 102 receiving yards and a touchdown.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders 1997 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1997/ |access-date=June 2, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> On October 12, Sanders dominated with 215 yards from 24 attempts and two touchdowns against the Buccaneers, passing [[Jim Brown]] to be the fourth-ranked career rushing leader in NFL history, with 12,513 career rushing yards; he also caught a seven-yard touchdown pass.<ref name=":5" />{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=80}} Against the [[1997 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]], Sanders had another stellar performance, compiling 24 attempts for 216 yards and two touchdowns (including one of 80 yards).<ref name=":5" /> With the win, Sanders became the first running back with ten consecutive games with 100 yards rushing in a season, and became the first running back to have three touchdowns of 80+ yards in a season.{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=81}} Against the [[1997 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]], Sanders had 19 attempts for 167 yards and three touchdowns, passing [[Eric Dickerson]] to become the second-ranked rusher for career yards behind [[Walter Payton]]<ref name=":5" />{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=81-82}} On December 21, 1997, Sanders entered the season finale against the [[1997 New York Jets season|New York Jets]] needing at least 131 rushing yards to reach 2,000 for the season; both teams needed a win to clinch a playoff berth.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cote |first=Greg |date=December 19, 1997 |title=2,000 reasons why Barry is MVP |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/643719793/?terms=%22barry%20sanders%22%20%22whupping%22&match=1 |access-date=June 10, 2022 |work=[[The Miami Herald]]|via=Newspapers.com |pages=8D}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> Sanders reached the 2,000 mark on a two-yard run; finishing the game with 23 attempts for 184 yards and a touchdown; helping the Lions edge the Jets 13–10.<ref name=":5" />{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=83}} Sanders had a season that is considered among the greatest ever by a running back.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Swartz |first=Bryn |date=March 20, 2009 |title=The 10 Greatest Running Back Seasons in NFL History |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/142064-the-10-greatest-running-back-seasons-in-nfl-history |access-date=March 4, 2022 |website=[[Bleacher Report]] |language=en}}</ref> He recorded 2,053 rushing yards, which was first in the league that season, from 335 attempts and 11 touchdowns, becoming just the third running back in history to reach [[2,000-yard club|2,000 rushing yards]] in a season. For his accomplishments, he credited his [[offensive linemen]], stating: "Without them, I wouldn't have run far at all."{{Sfn|McCormick|2003|p=106}} Sanders rushed for 100+ yards in the season's final 14 games, an NFL record.<ref name=":5" /> With 2,358 total scrimmage yards, he broke the single-season record for scrimmage yards that was held by [[Marcus Allen]]; his record would be surpassed two seasons later by [[Marshall Faulk]], who in turn was bested by [[Chris Johnson (running back)|Chris Johnson]] in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Yards From Scrimmage Single-Season Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/yds_from_scrimmage_single_season.htm |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> Sanders was named to the Pro Bowl and AP first-team All-Pro, and awarded the Bert Bell Award. Sanders was also awarded his second NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award, and the [[Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player Award|NFL Most Valuable Player]] (MVP) (co-won with [[Brett Favre]]).<ref name=":1" /> The Lions posted a {{Abbr|9–7|9 wins, 7 losses}} record and clinched a wild card spot as the No. 5 seed in the NFC.<ref name=":13" /> Sanders and the Lions faced the Buccaneers, who were playing their first home postseason game since 1979.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers Playoff History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/playoffs.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Sanders had 18 attempts for 65 yards as the Lions lost 10–20 in the [[1997–98 NFL playoffs#NFC: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20, Detroit Lions 10|Wild Card Round]], after starting quarterback [[Scott Mitchell (quarterback)|Scott Mitchell]] left the game with an injury in the third quarter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - December 28th, 1997 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199712280tam.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-12-29 |title=Buccaneers 20, Lions 10 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1997/12/29/buccaneers-20-lions-10/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref>

On September 13, 1998, against the [[1998 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]], Sanders recorded 185 rushing yards from 26 rushing attempts with three touchdowns in the 34–28 loss in week 2.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders 1998 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00/gamelog/1998/ |access-date=June 2, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> Sanders had 22 attempts for 69 yards in a 6–29 loss against the [[1998 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]].<ref name=":7" /> On November 26, 1998, against the [[1998 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]], Sanders had a down game, with 20 attempts for only 33 rushing yards; the Lions were still victorious 19–16 in overtime.<ref name=":7" /> Against the [[1998 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]], Sanders had 18 attempts for 102 yards.<ref name=":7" /> In Sanders' final game of his career, on December 27, 1998, he had 19 attempts for 41 yards in a 10–19 loss against the [[1998 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]].<ref name=":7" /> Sanders capped off his final season with 1,491 rushing yards (fourth in the league), from a career-high 343 attempts (fifth in the league), and four touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 NFL Rushing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1998/rushing.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He was nine yards short of completing five straight seasons with at least 1,500 rushing yards. He was selected to his tenth Pro Bowl, and named an AP second-team All-Pro.<ref name=":1" /> The Lions struggled despite Sanders' performances, going {{Abbr|5–11|5 wins, 11 losses}}, and failing to make the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 Detroit Lions Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1998.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1998/index.htm |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Retirement ==
[[File:Barry Sanders.JPG|thumb|Sanders in 2005|alt=A picture of Sanders in a black shirt and looking at the camera.]]
On July 27, 1999, Sanders announced his retirement from pro football, the day before Lions training camp was set to start. His retirement was made public by faxing a letter to ''[[Wichita Eagle|The Wichita Eagle]],'' his hometown newspaper.<ref name=":23" /> In the letter, Sanders wrote:<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 28, 1999 |title=Barry Sanders' retirement statement |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68704210/barry-sanders-retirement-fax/ |access-date=February 23, 2022 |work=[[The Wichita Eagle]]|via=Newspapers.com |pages=7A}}</ref> <blockquote> "Shortly after the end of last season, I felt that I probably would not return for the 1999–2000 season. I also felt that I should take as much time as possible to sort through my feelings and make sure that my feelings were back with conviction. Today, I officially declare my departure from the NFL."</blockquote>He left football healthy, having gained 15,269 rushing yards (the most ever by any NFL player in a 10-year span).<ref name=":1" /> He retired within 1,457 rushing yards of [[Walter Payton]]'s career rushing mark of 16,726 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathews |first=Ian |date=September 13, 2019 |title=No One Agreed With Barry Sanders Decision To Retire And 20 Years Later, He Has No Regrets |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ianmathews/2019/07/25/no-one-agreed-with-barry-sanders-decision-to-retire-and-20-years-later-he-has-no-regrets/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> It has been speculated that Sanders would have surpassed the record if he had not retired early, a view held by [[Emmitt Smith]], the eventual holder of the record.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 2, 2002 |title=Emmitt: Sanders would still be king if he didn't retire |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/2002/1102/1454748.html |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref name=":23" /> His father praised him for his decision, saying that it "took guts."<ref name=":23" /> Sanders would later describe his hesitance to retire, and that he waited "till the last minute."<ref name=":23" /> His retirement voided $20.9 million in collective salary and bonuses, along with millions of dollars in endorsements.<ref name=":18" />

Sanders' retirement came somewhat unexpectedly and was a matter of controversy. Two years earlier, Sanders had renewed his contract with the Lions for $34.56 million over six years with an $11 million signing bonus.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 21, 1997 |title=Lions put Sanders atop the NFL's salary heap |url=https://www.deseret.com/1997/7/21/19325021/lions-put-sanders-atop-the-nfl-s-salary-heap |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=[[Deseret News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> The Lions demanded that he return $7.37 million of the bonus.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 15, 2000 |title=Arbirator says Sanders must pay back $1.8 million |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/2000/0210/348935.html |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Sanders' agents refused, and the Lions filed a grievance with the NFL.<ref name=":25">{{Cite web |title=Sanders reverses on retiring; Star may play if Lions let him go, agent says |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1999-09-15-9909150033-story.html |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=[[Baltimore Sun]] |date=September 15, 1999 }}</ref> On February 15, 2000, an arbitrator ruled that Sanders had to immediately repay $1,833,000 (one sixth of the bonus), with three sixths of the bonus to be repaid over each of the three years Sanders had left on the contract provided he stayed retired.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 16, 2000 |title=Sanders To Keep Lion's Share of Bonus |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/sanders-to-keep-lions-share-of-bonus/article_2fc3a8d0-4841-5524-b7ac-cce8cafe8933.html |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=[[Buffalo News]] |language=en}}</ref> Before the ruling, Sanders offered to pay back the entire bonus in return for him being traded to another team or his release.<ref name=":25" />

It was thought by some that Lions head coach [[Bobby Ross]] himself may have actually been the reason for Sanders' early retirement, but in his autobiography ''Barry Sanders: Now You See Him'', Sanders praised Ross as a head coach who had nothing directly to do with his retirement. It was more his frustration with the management and direction of the Lions and the resulting lack of success that contributed to his retirement, as Sanders revealed in his autobiography: "My retirement letter didn't even hint at my frustration, because I didn't want to take shots at people as I left.{{nbsp}}... Management had let quality players slip away. We'd been losing for years. Now we were right back where we were when I arrived." He wrote: "A goal that I still hadn't realized was playing in the Super Bowl, and all of the statistical achievements didn't put the team any closer to playing in the big game."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Monarrez |first=Carlos |date=July 22, 2019 |title=20 years later, Barry Sanders 'not sure' he'd change 'clumsy' retirement |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/07/22/barry-sanders-retirement-detroit-lions/1780256001/ |access-date=January 14, 2020 |website=[[Detroit Free Press]] |language=en}}</ref> Sanders has since patched things up with the Lions, rejoining the organization in a paid role as a team ambassador in 2017, and they dedicated a bronze statue to him outside Ford Field in September 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2017 |title=Barry Sanders returns to Lions as an ambassador |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2017/07/21/detroit-lions-barry-sanders-team-ambassador/500177001/ |access-date=January 14, 2020 |website=[[Detroit Free Press]] |language=en}}</ref>

On November 21, 2023, ''[[Bye Bye Barry]]'', a documentary film about his decision to retire while approaching the all-time rushing record, was released on [[Amazon Prime Video|Prime Video]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2023 |title=Popular documentary 'Bye Bye Barry' sheds new light on Barry Sanders' decision to retire from Detroit Lions |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/popular-documentary-bye-bye-barry-sheds-new-light-on-sanders-decision-to-retire-from-lions/ |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=CBS News - Detroit|agency=Associated Press |language=en-US}}</ref>

==NFL career statistics==
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="6" | Legend
|-
| style="background:#ffff00; width:3em;"|
| [[NFL MVP]] and [[Offensive Player of the Year|OPOTY]]
|-
| style="background:#ffd700; width:3em;"|
| NFL Offensive Player of the Year
|-
| style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|
| Led the league
|-
| '''Bold'''
| Career-high
|}

===Regular season===
{| class= "wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="2"| Games
! colspan="7"| Rushing
! colspan="6"| Receiving
! colspan="2"| Fumbles
|-
! GP !! GS !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Y/G !! Lng !! TD !! FD !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! FD !! Fum !! Lost
|-
! [[1989 NFL season|1989]] || [[1989 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 15 || 13 || 280 || 1,470 || 5.3 || 98.0 || 34 || 14 || — || 24 || 282 || 11.8 || 46 || 0 || 0 || '''10''' || 0
|-
! [[1990 NFL season|1990]] || [[1990 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 16 || 16 || 255 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| 1,304 || 5.1 || 81.5 || 45 || 13 || — || 36 || '''480''' || '''13.3''' || 47 || '''3''' || 0 || 4 || 2
|-
! [[1991 NFL season|1991]] || [[1991 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 15 || 15 || 342 || 1,548 || 4.5 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| 103.2 || 69 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| '''16''' || — || 41 || 307 || 7.5 || 34 || 1 || '''18''' || 5 || 1
|-
! [[1992 NFL season|1992]] || [[1992 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 16 || 16 || 312 || 1,352 || 4.3 || 84.5 || 55 || 9 || — || 29 || 225 || 7.8 || 48 || 1 || 7 || 6 || 2
|-
! [[1993 NFL season|1993]] || [[1993 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 11 || 11 || 243 || 1,115 || 4.6 || 101.4 || 42 || 3 || — || 36 || 205 || 5.7 || 17 || 0 || 6 || 4 || '''3'''
|-
! style="background:#ffd700; width:3em;"|[[1994 NFL season|1994]]|| [[1994 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 16 || 16 || 331 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| 1,883 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;" | 5.7 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;" | 117.7 || '''85''' || 7 || 76 || 44 || 283 || 6.4 || 22 || 1 || 16 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[1995 NFL season|1995]] || [[1995 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 16 || 16 || 314 || 1,500 || 4.8 || 93.8 || 75 || 11 || 72 || '''48''' || 398 || 8.3 || 40 || 1 || '''18''' || 4 || 2
|-
! [[1996 NFL season|1996]] || [[1996 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 16 || 16 || 307 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| 1,553 || 5.1 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| 97.1 || 54 || 11 || 81 || 24 || 147 || 6.1 || 28 || 0 || 5 || 4 || 2
|-
! style="background:#ffff00; width:3em;"|[[1997 NFL season|1997]]|| [[1997 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 16 || 16 || 335 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| '''2,053''' || '''6.1'''|| style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| '''128.3''' || 82 || 11 || '''86''' || 33 || 305 || 9.2 || '''66''' || '''3''' || 11 || 4 || 2
|-
! [[1998 NFL season|1998]] || [[1998 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 16 || 16 || '''343''' || 1,491 || 4.3 || 93.2 || 73 || 4 || 65 || 37 || 289 || 7.8 || 44 || 0 || 10 || 3 || 1
|-
! colspan="2"|[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00.htm Career] || 153 || 151 || 3,062 || 15,269 || 5.0 || 99.8 || 85 || 99 || 380 || 352 || 2,921 || 8.3 || 66 || 10 || 91 || 44 || 15
|}

=== Postseason ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="2"| Games
! colspan="7"| Rushing
! colspan="6"| Receiving
! colspan="2"| Fumbles
|-
! GP !! GS !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Y/G !! Lng !! TD !! FD !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! FD !! Fum !! Lost
|-
! [[1991–92 NFL playoffs|1991]] || [[1991 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 2 || 2 || 23 || 113 || 4.9 || 56.5 || '''47''' || '''1''' || 0 || '''9''' || '''45''' || 5.0 || 10 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[1993–94 NFL playoffs|1993]] || [[1993 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 1 || 1 || '''27''' || '''169''' || '''6.3''' || '''169.0''' || 44 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[1994–95 NFL playoffs|1994]] || [[1994 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 1 || 1 || 13 || −1 || −0.1 || −1.0 || 7 || 0 || 0 || 3 || 4 || 1.3 || 3 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[1995–96 NFL playoffs|1995]] || [[1995 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 1 || 1 || 10 || 40 || 4.0 || 40.0 || 9 || 0 || 2 || 2 || 19 || '''9.5''' || 11 || 0 || 1 || '''1''' || '''1'''
|-
! [[1997–98 NFL playoffs|1997]] || [[1997 Detroit Lions season|DET]]
| 1 || 1 || 18 || 65 || 3.6 || 65.0 || 15 || 0 || 3 || 5 || 43 || 8.6 || '''15''' || 0 || '''2''' || 0 || 0
|-
! colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandBa00.htm Career] || 6 || 6 || 91 || 386 || 4.2 || 64.3 || 47 || 1 || 5 || 21 || 111 || 5.3 || 15 || 0 || 3 || 1 || 1
|}

==NFL records==
* Seasons with 1,500 or more yards rushing (5)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most seasons with at least 1,500 rushing yards, NFL history |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask?q=most+seasons+with+1%2C500+or+more+yards+rushing |access-date=March 6, 2022 |website=[[StatMuse]] |language=en}}</ref>
* Consecutive games with 100 or more yards rushing (14)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kruse |first=Zach |date=2024-01-21 |title=Packers RB Aaron Jones sets franchise record for consecutive games with 100 rushing yards |url=https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2024/01/21/packers-rb-aaron-jones-sets-franchise-record-for-consecutive-games-with-100-rushing-yards/ |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=Packers Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Games with 100 or more yards rushing in a season (14)
* 150+ yard rushing games (25)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most games with at least 150 rushing yards, NFLhistory |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-games-with-150-rushing-yards |access-date=March 6, 2022 |website=[[StatMuse]] |language=en}}</ref>
* 150+ scrimmage yard games (46)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most games at least 150 scrimmage yards, NFL history |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/most-games-with-150-scrimmage-yards |access-date=March 6, 2022 |website=[[StatMuse]] |language=en}}</ref>
* First running back to have two 80+ yard touchdown runs in a game{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=80}}
* Most negative rushing yards in a career with -952

== Awards and honors ==

=== NFL ===
* [[Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player Award|NFL Most Valuable Player Award]] ([[1997 NFL season|1997]])
* 2× [[Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award|NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award]] ([[1994 NFL season|1994]], [[1997 NFL season|1997]])
* 4× [[List of National Football League rushing champions|NFL rushing champion]] (1990, 1994, 1996, 1997)
* [[List of National Football League annual rushing touchdowns leaders|NFL rushing touchdowns leader]] (1991)
* 10× [[Pro Bowl]] (1989–1998)
* 6× [[All-Pro|First-team All-Pro]] (1989–1991, 1994, 1995, 1997)
* 4× [[All-Pro|Second-team All-Pro]] (1992, 1993, 1996, 1998)
* [[Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team|PFWA All-Rookie Team]] (1989)
* [[Bert Bell Award]] (1991, 1997)
* [[NFL 1990s All-Decade Team]]
* [[NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team]]
* No. 20 retired by the [[Detroit Lions]]
* [[Pride of the Lions]]

===College===
* [[Heisman Trophy]] (1988)
* [[Maxwell Award]] (1988)
* [[Walter Camp Award]] (1988)
* [[Big Eight Conference|Big Eight]] [[Big Eight Conference football#Conference Players of the Year|Offensive Player of the Year]] (1988)
* [[List of unanimous All-Americans in college football|Unanimous All-American]] ([[1988 College Football All-America Team|1988]])
* Second-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[1987 College Football All-America Team|1987]])
* First-team All-[[Big Eight Conference|Big Eight]] ([[1988 All-Big Eight Conference football team|1988]])
* [[AP All-Time All-America college football team]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-15 |title=Deion Sanders, Tim Tebow headline AP All-Time All-America team, honoring 100 years of college football greats |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/deion-sanders-tim-tebow-headline-ap-all-time-all-america-team-honoring-100-years-of-college-football-greats/ |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Oklahoma State Cowboys football#Retired numbers|Oklahoma State Cowboys No. 21]] retired<ref>{{Cite web |last=Galli |first=Brad |title=Barry Sanders getting a statue, jersey number retired at Oklahoma State |date=July 22, 2021 |url=https://www.wxyz.com/sports/barry-sanders-getting-a-statue-jersey-number-retired-at-oklahoma-state |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=WXYZ}}</ref>
* Oklahoma State Cowboys Ring of Honor<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Dave |date=2021-07-22 |title=Sanders to be honored in OK St.'s Ring of Honor |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/31864521/oklahoma-state-induct-barry-sanders-ring-honor-nov-13 |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
Sanders is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in the history of the NFL, being ranked No. 1 by [[Bleacher Report]] and in the top ten by other media outlets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Horner |first=Tyler |date=July 2, 2014 |title=Top 25 Running Backs in NFL History |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2115558-top-25-running-backs-in-nfl-history |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=[[Bleacher Report]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brandt |first=Gil |author-link=Gil Brandt |date=June 15, 2017 |title=Gil Brandt's 25 greatest NFL running backs of all time |url=https://www.nfl.com/photos/gil-brandt-s-25-greatest-nfl-running-backs-of-all-time-0ap3000000815786 |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=NFL.com |publisher=[[National Football League]] |language=en-US}}</ref> When he retired, Sanders was ranked second all-time in career rushing yards with 15,269 rushing yards, sixth all-time in career rushing touchdowns with 99 rushing touchdowns, and second all-time in career rushing attempts with 3,062 attempts. As of 2022, Sanders is still ranked in the top ten in all three statistics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Career Rushing Touchdowns Leaders Through 1998 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rush_td_career_1998.htm |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Career Rushing Yards Leaders Through 1998 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rush_yds_career_1998.htm |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Career Rushing Attempts Leaders Through 1998 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rush_att_career_1998.htm |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |publisher=[[Sports Reference, LLC]] |language=en}}</ref> Over his entire career, Sanders averaged 1,527 rushing yards per season, and 99.8 rushing yards per game, the latter stat second to Jim Brown.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Weiss |first=Will |date=October 3, 2001 |title=Monday Night Football - Classic MNF: Barry's last hurrah |url=http://www.espn.com/abcsports/mnf/s/classic/sanders98.html |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> He never went below 1,000 yards in any of his ten seasons and has the second-most career 1,000-yard rushing seasons, with ten.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most seasons with 1,000 rushing yards, NFL history |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/who-has-the-most-1000-yard-rushing-seasons |access-date=June 9, 2022 |website=www.statmuse.com |publisher=[[StatMuse]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> Sanders was a notable bright spot on a Lions franchise that had endured years of unsuccessful play, helping to lead the team to their first playoff victory in decades.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeGetmon |first=C. |date=December 10, 2009 |title=Detroit Lions: A Retrospective Of Failure. |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/306294-detroit-lions-a-retrospective-of-failure |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=[[Bleacher Report]] |language=en}}</ref> At the same time, Sanders only won one playoff game throughout his ten-year career, with [[NFL Network]]'s Derrin Horton stating: "Not even Barry Sanders... could pull Detroit out of the playoff snakebit," in reference to the team's postseason failures.<ref name=":24">{{Cite episode |title=Top 10 Snakebitten Franchises |series=NFL Top 10 |series-link=NFL Top 10 |network=NFL Network |date=July 31, 2009}}</ref> The Lions' overall unsuccessful play was noted for possibly being a reason for Sanders' early retirement.<ref name=":0" /> His number 20 was retired by the Lions on November 25, 2004, along with Sims and [[Lem Barney]] (who wore the same number).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hackenberg |first=Dave |date=November 26, 2004 |title=Lions have 20-20-20 vision |url=https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2004/11/26/Lions-have-20-20-20-vision/stories/200411260102 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=[[Toledo Blade]] |language=en}}</ref> Sanders was also honored by the Lions when they inducted him into the [[Pride of the Lions]], the franchise's ring of honor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 30, 2018 |title=Lions to add three Legends to Pride of the Lions |url=https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-to-add-three-legends-to-pride-of-the-lions |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=[[Detroit Lions]] |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2023, the Lions also immortalized Sanders with an 8-foot bronze statue located outside of [[Ford Field]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodyard |first=Eric |date=September 16, 2023 |title=Lions unveil Barry Sanders statue in ceremony at Ford Field |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38417118/lions-unveil-barry-sanders-statue-ceremony-ford-field |access-date=November 26, 2023 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

Throughout his career, he achieved Pro Bowl and All-Pro status in all ten of his NFL seasons.<ref name=":1" /> Sanders was named first-team All-Pro six times; and named second-team All-Pro four times. Sanders was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1994 and 1997, awarded two Bert Bell Awards, and was named to the 1990s NFL All-Decade team. Both the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] and [[Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame]] enshrined him on August 8, 2004, and August 21, 2005, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlson |first=Jenni |date=August 21, 2005 |title=2005 Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame Legends of the fall Barry Sanders and Thurman Thomas are together again for induction into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2005/08/21/oklahoma-sports-famebrlegends-fallbrbarry-sanders-thurman-thomas-together-induction-oklahoma-sports/61929383007/ |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=[[The Oklahoman]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/players/barry-sanders/ |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] |language=en}}</ref> At the age of 36, Sanders became the second-youngest player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones  |first=Jonathan  |date=July 29, 2022 |title=Niners training camp 2022: Bump in road at practice won't slow Trey Lance's roll, plus Deebo deal on horizon |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/niners-training-camp-2022-bump-in-road-at-practice-wont-slow-trey-lances-roll-plus-deebo-deal-on-horizon/ |access-date=July 31, 2022 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> In 2019, Sanders was named to the [[National Football League 100th Anniversary All-Time Team|NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL 100 |url=https://www.nfl.com/100/all-time-team/roster |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=www.nfl.com |publisher=[[National Football League]] |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2007, he was ranked by [[NFL Network]]'s ''[[NFL Top 10]]'' series as the most elusive runner in NFL history, and in 2012 was placed No. 1 on their list of the greatest players to never play in a Super Bowl.<ref name="NFL Top 10 Elusive Runners">{{cite web |author=NFL Network |date=May 28, 2008 |title=Top 10 most elusive runners in NFL history |url=http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/09000d5d8087474a/article/top-10-most-elusive-runners-in-nfl-history |access-date=September 9, 2013 |website=www.nfl.com |publisher=[[National Football League]]}}</ref><ref name="NFL Top 10 Superbowl Miss">{{Cite web |date=January 30, 2012 |title=Some all-time great players never even reached Super Bowl |url=http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/story/09000d5d8267672f/article/some-alltime-great-players-never-even-reached-super-bowl |access-date=September 9, 2013 |website=NFL.com |publisher=[[National Football League]]}}</ref>

Sanders led the NFL in rushing yards four times (second to Brown), and in rushing touchdowns once in 1994. He co-won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 1997 (with [[Brett Favre]]) after rushing for 2,053 yards in 16 games, becoming the third running back to surpass 2,000 yards. In the same season, Sanders totaled a record 2,358 yards from scrimmage, later surpassed by both [[Marshall Faulk]] and [[Chris Johnson (running back)|Chris Johnson]]. By the end of his career, Sanders was known as "one of the game's most electrifying runners", as described by the Pro Football Hall of Fame; this was a view shared by ''[[Sports Illustrated]],'' who described him as "running circles around NFL defenses with an electrifying style unlike anything the league has seen."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Zimmerman |first=Paul |date=December 8, 1997 |title=Lion King Barry Sanders Is Running Circles Around NFL Defenses With An Electrifying Style Unlike Anything The League Has Seen |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1997/12/08/lion-king-barry-sanders-is-running-circles-around-nfl-defenses-with-an-electrifying-style-unlike-anything-the-league-has-seen |access-date=June 9, 2022 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name=":16" /> His 1989 season is regarded as one of the best all-time by a rookie running back, ranked No. 3 by NFL analyst Elliot Harrison, and No 4. by [[ESPN]] analyst Jeff Merron.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=Elliot |date=April 29, 2015 |title=Top rookie seasons of the Super Bowl era: Running backs |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/top-rookie-seasons-of-the-super-bowl-era-running-backs-0ap3000000488801 |access-date=June 9, 2022 |website=www.nfl.com |publisher=[[National Football League]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="ESPN best rookies">{{cite news |last=Merron |first=Jeff |date=September 2003 |title=LT best NFL rookie of all time |work=[[ESPN]] |url=https://www.espn.com/page2/s/list/nflrookies.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 12, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070816144913/http://espn.go.com/page2/s/list/nflrookies.html |archive-date=August 16, 2007}}</ref> In 1999, an ESPN survey of journalists, athletes, and other sports figures ranked Sanders as the 76th greatest North American athlete of the 20th century.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ESPN.com: Top N. American athletes of the century |url=https://www.espn.com/sportscentury/athletes.html |access-date=June 9, 2022 |website=www.espn.com |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref>

Although he sat behind fellow Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas on the [[depth chart]] for his first two collegiate seasons, Sanders is considered one of the greatest college football players of all time. His Heisman trophy-winning season in 1988, in which he set single-season college football records for most rushing yards gained, touchdowns scored, and total scrimmage yards (among other records), is often considered the greatest individual college football season ever, ranked No. 1 by ESPN and Sporting News.<ref name="ESPN Page2">{{cite news |last=Merron |first=Jeff |title=Best individual college football seasons |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/page2/s/list/collegefootball/seasons.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924190445/https://www.espn.com/page2/s/list/collegefootball/seasons.html |archive-date=September 24, 2016 |quote=The only serious question when composing this list was 'Who's No. 2?'}}</ref><ref name=":15" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Iyer |first=Vinnie |date=January 14, 2020 |title=CFB 150: Top 10 individual single-season performances in college football history |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/top-10-individual-single-season-performances-in-college-football-history/1s4bv13g9pu8o1r7j5hztadnik |access-date=June 9, 2022 |website=[[Sporting News]] |language=en}}</ref> In commemoration of the 150th year of college football, Sanders was honored during [[Half-time|halftime]] at the [[College Football Playoff National Championship]] game on January 13, 2020, as the No. 9 player of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nagel |first=Cody |date=January 14, 2020 |title=Barry Sanders included among ESPN's Top 150 players |url=https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma-state/Article/Oklahoma-State-Barry-Sanders-ESPN-top-150-players-142163986/ |access-date=January 14, 2020 |website=GoPokes |publisher=[[247Sports]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

In contrast to many of the star players of his era, Sanders was noted for his on-field humility.{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=93}} Despite his flashy playing style, Sanders was rarely seen celebrating after the whistle was blown; instead, he handed the ball to a referee, and was never tempted into celebrating any further.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hruby |first=Patrick |title=Burning questions: Barry Sanders |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=hruby/061120&src=mobile |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> He was recognized for putting his team's success over his stats, as shown when he denied a request from head coach Wayne Fontes to return to play in a game so that he could gain enough rushing yards to become the rushing leader for that season.<ref name=":12" /> He disliked speaking to the press, and rarely spoke about his accomplishments publicly.<ref name=":23" /> When reflecting on his career, ESPN described Sanders as a "humble superstar."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trotter |first=Jake |author-link=Jake Trotter |date=August 23, 2018 |title=Inside Barry Sanders' record-setting, Heisman-winning (and nap-taking) 1988 season |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/24440133/the-untold-stories-barry-sanders-record-setting-1988-season |access-date=June 11, 2022 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:Barry J. Sanders (16493479564).jpg|thumb|Sanders' eldest son, [[Barry J. Sanders|Barry]], playing for the [[Stanford Cardinal football|Stanford Cardinal]]]]
Sanders is a Christian.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders Christian Faith {{!}} Detroit Lions |url=https://faithonthefieldshow.com/barry-sanders-christian-faith/ |access-date=June 8, 2022 |website=Faith on the Field |language=en-US}}</ref> He and his wife, Lauren Campbell Sanders, a former news anchor for [[WDIV]] in Detroit, filed for divorce in February 2012 after 12 years of marriage.<ref name=":26">{{Cite web |last=Zaldivar |first=Gabe |date=February 27, 2012 |title=Barry Sanders Divorce: NFL Legend and Lauren Campbell Reportedly Splitting |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1083149-barry-sanders-divorce-nfl-legend-and-lauren-campbell-reportedly-splitting |access-date=February 3, 2023 |website=[[Bleacher Report]] |language=en}}</ref> Sanders' brother, Byron, was the starting running back at [[Northwestern Wildcats football|Northwestern University]], and would be selected by the Chicago Bears in the 9th round of the [[1989 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1989 NFL draft |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1989/draft.htm |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Byron was cut by the Bears two months after joining the franchise.{{Sfn|Crompton|2008|p=29}}

Sanders has four sons: [[Barry J. Sanders]], Nick, Nigel, and Noah; the youngest three are from his marriage to Campbell.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=Chuck |title=In Residence: Lauren Sanders - Detroit Home - Winter 2010 - Detroit, MI |url=http://www.detroithomemag.com/Detroit-Home/Winter-2010/In-Residence-Lauren-Sanders/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318080049/http://www.detroithomemag.com/Detroit-Home/Winter-2010/In-Residence-Lauren-Sanders/ |archive-date=March 18, 2011 |access-date=January 15, 2014 |work=Detroit Home Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders |url=https://www.barrysanders.com/about.html |access-date=January 28, 2023 |website=www.barrysanders.com}}</ref> When the couple divorced, Sanders requested joint custody of them, while Campbell kept their medical coverage.<ref name=":26" /> Sanders' oldest son, Barry J. Sanders, played running back at [[Stanford University]] from 2012 to 2015, and Oklahoma State University in 2016.<ref name="espn.go.com">{{Cite news |last=Sayles |first=Damon |date=January 7, 2012 |title=Barry J. Sanders commits to Stanford |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/story/_/id/7436402/espu-150-barry-j-sanders-commits-stanford-cardinal |access-date=January 15, 2014 |work=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Trotter |first=Jake |author-link=Jake Trotter |date=February 11, 2016 |title=Barry J. Sanders to transfer to Oklahoma State, can play in '16 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/14761502/barry-sanders-son-barry-j-sanders-plans-transfer-oklahoma-state-cowboys |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> In 2022–2023, his son Nick played basketball at Michigan State University. In 2003, Sanders co-wrote his autobiography, ''Barry Sanders: Now You See Him: His Story In His Own Words,'' with Mark McCormick.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Barry Sanders Now You See Him: His Story in His Own Words |url=https://www.allbookstores.com/Barry-Sanders-Now-You-See/9781578601394 |access-date=June 11, 2022 |website=www.allbookstores.com |language=en}}</ref> He has reportedly donated to several charities, under the condition that they do not disclose his participation in any of them.<ref name=":21" />

Sanders introduced ESPN's ''[[Monday Night Football]]'' game between the [[Chicago Bears]] and the Lions on October 10, 2011.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 8, 2011 |title=Barry Sanders to open MNF sans song |work=[[UPI]] |url=http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2011/10/08/Barry-Sanders-to-open-MNF-sans-song/UPI-86401318083352/ |access-date=October 8, 2011}}</ref> In April 2013, Sanders made it to the finals of the vote to be on the cover of [[EA Sports]] ''[[Madden NFL 25 (2013 video game)|Madden NFL 25]]'', which celebrated the game's 25th anniversary, by beating head coach [[Ron Rivera]] in Round One, running back [[Marcus Allen]] in Round Two, linebacker [[Ray Lewis]] in Round Three, quarterback [[Joe Montana]] in the quarter-finals, and wide receiver [[Jerry Rice]] in the semi-finals. In the final round, he defeated running back [[Adrian Peterson]] to become the next cover athlete, the first player to appear on the cover of ''[[Madden NFL|Madden NFL Football]]'' more than once (he appeared in the background of the ''[[Madden NFL 2000]]'' cover).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vote for EA Sports' 'Madden NFL 25' Cover Athlete - SportsNation #MaddenCoverVote - ESPN |url=http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/feature/madden25cover |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517033035/http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/feature/madden25cover |archive-date=May 17, 2013 |access-date=January 15, 2014 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref><ref name="ESPN cover choice">{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2013 |title=Barry Sanders wins Madden vote |url=https://www.espn.com/sportsnation/story/_/id/9208257/barry-sanders-wins-madden-25-cover-vote-adrian-peterson-minnesota-vikings |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604234350/http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/story/_/id/9208257/barry-sanders-wins-madden-25-cover-vote-adrian-peterson-minnesota-vikings |archive-date=June 4, 2013 |access-date=June 10, 2013 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref>

In December 2024, Sanders opened a new car wash in [[Madison Heights, Michigan]].<ref name="i463">{{cite web | title=Barry Sanders opens new car wash in Madison Heights | website=WXYZ 7 News Detroit | date=2024-12-21 | url=https://www.wxyz.com/sports/barry-sanders-opens-new-car-wash-in-madison-heights | access-date=2025-01-06}}</ref> On [[Father's Day]] weekend in 2025, he announced that he had suffered a heart attack the previous summer, and had a three-day hospital stay before being released after treatment. This led him to begin production of a documentary to educate the symptoms of [[cardiac arrest]], especially for former athletes more tempered to ignore instances of pain, like himself.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pouncey |first=Colton |date=June 13, 2025 |title=Lions Legend Barry Sanders Opens Up About Heart Attack, Hopes to Educate in New Documentary |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6423192/2025/06/13/lions-barry-sanders-heart-attack-documentary/ |access-date=July 27, 2025 |work=[[The Athletic]] |publisher=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of National Football League career rushing yards leaders|List of National Football League rushing yards leaders]]
* [[List of National Football League annual rushing touchdowns leaders]]
* [[List of National Football League rushing champions]]
* [[List of NCAA major college football yearly rushing leaders]]
* [[List of NCAA major college football yearly scoring leaders]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

== Works cited ==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{Cite book |last=McCormick |first=Mark |url=https://www.amazon.com/Barry-Sanders-Now-You-See/dp/1578601398 |title=Barry Sanders: Now You See Him: His Story In His Own Words |publisher=Emmis Books |year=2003 |isbn=1-57860-139-8 |location=Indianapolis}}
* {{Cite book |last=Crompton |first=Samuel Etinde |url=https://archive.org/details/barrysanders0000crom/mode/2up?q=roof |title=Barry Sanders |publisher=[[Chelsea House]] |year=2008 |isbn=9780791096673 |location=New York |url-access=registration}}
* {{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* {{Official website|http://www.barrysanders.com}}
* {{Profootballhof|187}}
* {{College Football HoF|2129}}
* {{Heisman|barry-sanders}}
* {{Footballstats |pfr=S/SandBa00}}
* {{cite web|url=https://worldfamousalumni.com/where-did-barry-sanders-go-to-college/|title=Where Did Barry Sanders Go to College|website=World Famous Alumni|access-date=July 22, 2023|archive-date=July 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722004609/https://worldfamousalumni.com/where-did-barry-sanders-go-to-college/|url-status=dead}}

{{Navboxes
| title = Barry Sanders—awards and honors
| list1 =
{{1988 NCAA Division I-A College Football Consensus All-Americans}}
{{Heisman Winners}}
{{Maxwell Award Winners}}
{{Walter Camp Award}}
{{Sporting News College Football Player of the Year}}
{{1989 NFL Draft}}
{{LionsFirstPick}}
{{Lions1989DraftPicks}}
{{Detroit Lions}}
{{Detroit Lions retired numbers}}
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{{Pride of the Lions}}
{{Detroit Lions All-Time Team}}
{{AP Offensive Rookies of the Year}}
{{AP Offensive Players of the Year}}
{{AP NFL MVPs}}
{{Bert Bell Award}}
{{NFL rushing yards leaders}}
{{NFL rushing touchdowns leaders}}
{{10,000 rushing yards club}}
{{2,000-yard club}}
{{NFL1990s}}
{{NFL100}}
{{2004 Football HOF}}
{{Pro Football Hall of Fame members}}
{{Madden NFL games}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sanders, Barry}}
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:African-American Christians]]
[[Category:All-American college football players]]
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[[Category:American philanthropists]]
[[Category:College Football Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:Detroit Lions players]]
[[Category:Heisman Trophy winners]]
[[Category:Maxwell Award winners]]
[[Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players]]
[[Category:NFL Most Valuable Player winners]]
[[Category:NFL Offensive Player of the Year winners]]
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[[Category:NFL players with retired numbers]]
[[Category:Oklahoma State Cowboys football players]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Detroit]]
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[[Category:Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:Walter Camp Award winners]]
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