Sanders, Barry (1968-…), ranks among the greatest running backs in football history. Sanders combined speed, strength, and an ability to make quick changes of direction as he ran. He was also a durable player, though he was relatively small for a running back at 5 feet 8 inches (173 centimeters) tall and weighing about 200 pounds (91 kilograms).
Sanders was born on July 16, 1968, in Wichita, Kansas. He attended Oklahoma State University from 1986 to 1989, winning All-American honors and earning the 1988 Heisman Trophy as the best college player of the year. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL) in 1989 and was named Rookie of the Year. He played his entire professional career with Detroit. By the end of the 1997 season, Sanders had broken several rushing records. Sanders was selected the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1997, sharing the award with Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre. He announced his retirement after the 1998 season. Sanders ended his career with 15,269 rushing yards. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
