Just recently, former NFL running back Barry Sanders was given another chance to live after surviving a big health scare. This prompted the Detroit Lions to send an encouraging message to one of their former players in his time of testing.
Drafted 3rd overall by the Detroit Lions in 1989, Sanders immediately made an impact, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Over the next decade, he established himself as one of the league’s premier players.
The former Lions star led the NFL in rushing yards four times, including a historic 2,053-yard campaign in 1997 that earned him NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards. Despite his small stature (5’8″, 203 lbs), Sanders was renowned for his exceptional agility, quickness, and ability to make defenders miss. He was selected to the Pro Bowl 10 times and named First-Team All-Pro 6 times.
In 1998, he surprisingly retired at the age of 30, just 1,457 yards short of surpassing Walter Payton as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. He cited the Lions’ organizational issues and declining team performance as factors in his decision. Nonetheless, Sanders finished his career with 15,269 rushing yards, 99 rushing touchdowns, and a legacy as one of the most dominant and entertaining players of his era. The Lions retired his iconic #20 jersey in 2004, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame that same year.
Earlier this month, Sanders experienced a health scare involving his heart. Once his experience was publicized, the Lions sent out a message to one of the greatest to ever play for the franchise, as seen in a tweet on the team’s official X account.
According to the former NFL star, he suffered a health scare during the weekend when Father’s Day was celebrated this year. Fortunately, the Lions legend was rushed to the hospital where he received immediate medical attention.
Hopefully, Sanders will make a full recovery in due time and not experience any complications. Nevertheless, the ex-running back should take his time to focus on his health and wellbeing as soon as possible.
