A man of few words, but one of the best running backs of all time, NFL legend and former Detroit Lions Hall of Famer Barry Sanders decided to go public and reveal that he experienced a “health scare” during Father’s Day weekend. Sanders’ scare was heart related.
While he did not go into specifics or provide an update on his condition, Sanders wrote on social media that he is “taking this opportunity to prioritize my health and well-being.”
“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,” Sanders wrote. “I am grateful for the amazing doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals for providing me with needed care. My family and I are thankful for your prayers and support during this time.”
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:’iHns20GrQHJYWJeLDqMNtw’,sig:’c1zFpULI-KjWHeRhvSdluQGCFOl_lgDsYTd-kZas8FA=’,w:’594px’,h:’396px’,items:’2149617564′,caption: true ,tld:’com’,is360: false })});Sanders, 55 years-of-age, currently serves as an ambassador for the Lions. He was recently seen in April at the 2024 NFL Draft, which took place in the ‘Motor City’, Detroit. During the draft coverage, Bill Belichick said that Sanders was the most difficult opponent to prepare for and bring down during his 49 years as an NFL coach.
The Lions put out their own social media post of support saying, “Get well soon Barry.”
In September 2023, the organization unveiled a statue outside Ford Field of Sanders, the first player in franchise history to receive such a prestigious honor.
Sanders was one of a kind and was a six-time All-Pro while starring for the Lions from 1989 to 1999 before his sudden retirement at age 31, like his idol Jim Brown before him. One of the most electrifying players in league history, Sanders is fourth on the NFL’s career rushing list with 15,269 yards in just 10 seasons, including 2,053 yards in his MVP season of 1997. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.
Sanders spent his entire career with the Lions, who selected him with the third overall pick in the 1989 NFL draft after his Heisman Trophy-winning season with the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
In January, Sanders and former 49ers Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana served as honorary captains for the NFC Championship game, which was won by the San Francisco 49ers over Sanders’ beloved Lions. In November, Amazon Prime released a documentary featuring Sanders chronicling his career and his controversial decision to walk away from the game despite being less than 1,500 yards away from breaking Walter Payton’s all-time career rushing record.
