Barry Sanders Research Papers

“It’s off to the races!” says Mark Champion, a Detroit Lions announcer, describing Barry Sanders breaking off on a long run (n. p.). This is just one of Barry’s many great runs being described by the Detroit Lions radio announcer. From being benched most of his high school football career to being a pro football star, Barry Sanders went through a lot to get to where he was. Sanders grew up in a small town in Kansas and went on to be a stellar running back at Oklahoma State University, to later be drafted by the Detroit Lions. He worked hard day in and out, and eventually it payed off. He was one many looked up upon, but he always stayed humble. Barry Sanders was a fascinating person, a great football player, and an iconic figure in our history.

Coming into the NFL, once again Barry was doubted because of his size. Although, he was still signed with once of the largest rookie contracts ever, signing for $6.1 million for five years and a $2.1 million bonus. His family’s home back in Kansas then went from a three-bedroom home to a 11-acre estate. Coming into his rookie year, he didn’t play the first two games or a few other games, but he still managed to break the franchise record for single-season rushing yards (1,470 yards) with 90 carries less than the previous holder, Christian Okoye, and 24 receptions and 14 total touchdowns. Along with this, he was awarded with the Rookie of the Year and a spot on the All-Pro team. In his second season with the Detroit Lions, he continued to show how much talent he had. He won his first of four rushing titles and was the Lions’ offensive MVP again. He was only ten yards away from breaking the single-season rushing record, but he passed on the opportunity to break the record and had the coach play the backup because they were up by so much. Barry Sanders continued to break records and play some great football until he came to his most successful season where he went off. In his ninth season, Barry was the third player ever to rush for more than 2,000 yards. He was voted the MVP by Pro Football Writers of America, Sports Illustrated, Associated Press, and many others. Then finally, in his final season, he reached second place in all-time rushing yards (today third). He finished the season with a franchise record of 343 carries and received his 76th total 100-yard game. He finished his final game of his career, all with the Lions, and in 1999 he shocked the world as he retired at just 31 years old. He was elected to the NCAA Hall of Fame in 2004, the Pro Footbal Hall of Fame in August of the same year, and had his jersey retired by the Detroit