NFL legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders experienced a “health scare” related to his heart over Father’s Day weekend and said Friday he is “taking this opportunity to prioritize my health and well-being.”
.@Lions @NFL @NFLPA @ProFootballHOF @HeismanTrophy @okstate pic.twitter.com/1fGb790PlK
— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) June 21, 2024
Sanders, who turns 56 in July, didn’t disclose details about the medical incident but said “it was unexpected and served as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant about our physical well-being, even when we are feeling fine.” He went on to thank the medical professionals who cared for him and added “my family and I are thankful for your prayers and support during this time.”
The Detroit Lions, who Sanders spent his entire NFL career with from 1989-1998, shared a “get well soon” message to Sanders.
🙏 @BarrySanders pic.twitter.com/GDwaLN7NRC
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 21, 2024
Selected as the third pick of the 1989 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State, Sanders went on to have one of the most prolific careers of a running back in the league’s history. He was the 1989 Offensive Rookie of the Year, 1997 MVP and led the NFL in rushing four times over 10 years. He is one of just eight backs ever to reach 2,000 yards in a single season — he rushed for 2,053 during the ’97 season. Sanders accounted for 18,190 yards from scrimmage and 109 touchdowns before retiring, suddenly, just ahead of the ’99 campaign.
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Sanders remains an active fan of the Lions, frequently posting about attending games and practices, and recently took the stage of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit with mayor Mike Duggan to announce the team’s second-round pick of Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Required reading
- Lions’ most memorable Thanksgivings: Barry Sanders runs wild in 1995, 1997
- NFL 100: At No. 27, Barry Sanders’ big runs stunned even his Lions O-linemen
(Photo: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)