Barry Sanders
In 1988 at Oklahoma State, Sanders authored one of the greatest seasons in college football history, rushing for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns to win the Heisman Trophy. The Detroit Lions drafted him third overall in 1989, and he immediately won Offensive Rookie of the Year. He became a superstar in 1988 and one of the most electrifying runners the NFL has ever seen.
Heisman Explosion
Barry Sanders grew up in Wichita, Kansas, and broke out as a junior at Oklahoma State in 1988. His 2,628 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns set NCAA records and earned him the Heisman Trophy. The Detroit Lions selected him third overall in the 1989 draft.
Lions Legend
Sanders dazzled defenders for a decade with cuts and spins that made him one of the most exciting runners ever. He won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1989, rushed for 2,053 yards in 1997, and shared NFL MVP honors that season. He made the Pro Bowl all ten years.
Sudden Exit
In 1999, with the all-time rushing record within reach, Sanders abruptly retired at age 31. He finished with 15,269 yards, then third all-time. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004 in his first year of eligibility.
Career Timeline
- 1988Wins Heisman with record 2,628 rushing yards
- 1989Lions draft him third overall
- 1989Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
- 1991Leads Lions to NFC Championship Game
- 1994Leads NFL in rushing yards
- 1997Rushes for 2,053 yards in a season
- 1997Named NFL Most Valuable Player
- 1999Abruptly retires at age 31
- 2004Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame
Biggest Hits
- Sanders rushed for over 1,000 yards in every one of his 10 NFL seasons.
- He retired at 31 while less than 1,500 yards short of the all-time rushing record.
Portrait: Erik Drost · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons