Sports
Barry Sanders
born 1968 · football running back
Heisman Trophy winner who spent all ten NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions, widely regarded as one of the most elusive running backs in football history.
- Born
Wichita, Kansas
age 58- Birth name
- Barry David Sanders
- Detroit years
- 1989–1998
- Field
- Sports
01 / The Detroit story
The Detroit story
Sanders arrived in Detroit as the third overall pick of the 1989 draft, chosen over cornerback Deion Sanders on head coach Wayne Fontes's recommendation, and wore number 20 in tribute to former Lions star Billy Sims. He was Offensive Rookie of the Year in his first season and never slowed down: his zigzagging cuts and stop-start acceleration made him nearly impossible to tackle in the open field, and he led the NFL in rushing yards four times. In 1991 he helped the Lions to their first playoff win since 1957, and in 1997 he rushed for 2,053 yards, sharing the NFL Most Valuable Player award with Brett Favre. He played his entire career at the Pontiac Silverdome and donated part of his signing bonus to his childhood church. In 1999, while still performing at a high level and only 1,458 yards from the all-time rushing record, Sanders unexpectedly retired, a decision that stunned Detroit and the league. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Highlights
- 1989 Heisman Trophy winner at Oklahoma State before joining the Lions
- Led the NFL in rushing yards four times (1990, 1994, 1996, 1997)
- 1997 NFL Most Valuable Player, shared with Brett Favre
- Retired in 1999 just 1,458 yards short of the career rushing record
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004
02 / Their Detroit places
Their Detroit places 1
Where they lived, worked, performed and liked to hang out. Closed and demolished places stay here too, because they are part of the city's history.
Played here · 1989–1998
Pontiac Silverdome
Demolished · 1975–2013
His entire NFL career was played at the Lions' Pontiac home; the domed stadium was demolished in 2017 after standing empty for years.