Barry Sanders First Game for the Lions...The Build Up, First Carries...and Touchdown

[@TA_Sports]

Consider supporting the work at TA Sports to secure more highlight videos of football greats (including early access to upcoming videos!): www.patreon.com/user?u=84283896 Check out Emmitt Smith's story, the build up to him becoming a Cowboy, his first game and season: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnbEnmSEaJmNsLM

[@gen-ave8547]

Lmao why doesn’t Pontiac exist? That’s news to my ears as a Detroit native

[@mikecocchiara]

You know what I think we should do? I think we should sit him until late in the 3rd quarter😂😂

[@dennisaeschliman730]

​@@gen-ave8547😊😊😊😊

[@benelias3556]

Oh my gosh don't ever try and get a job as a commentator the only thing that woke me up is my phone rang

[@TA_Sports]

@@benelias3556 😂

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

There will never be another #20. Pure class always.

[@markg.7865]

Remember before Barry had #20, we had the great Billy Sims, too bad his career was cut short!

[@rickhammond2473]

@@markg.7865 Walter Payton and Tony Dorsett were not to shabby.

[@markg.7865]

@@rickhammond2473 Yes, but they didn't play for the Lions or wear #20.

[@rickhammond2473]

@@markg.7865 Dorsett 40 yard dash time 4.3 Sanders 4.37 I remember watching Dorsett run more explosive Dorsett time was the quickest last year if he played and he ran in the 70's and 80's.

[@033Fritz]

Ya but Sanders could change direction & somehow maintain that speed. There are many, but none like…

[@axgreenious9400]

I met Sanders after his rookie season at a sports-card show. He was my hero when I was a kid. Barry is the GOAT! Never gets old watching his highlights.

[@tucanazo96]

He is definitely NOT the goat !

[@houdini8o8]

@@tucanazo96 considering the offensive line he had to work with he is!

[@tucanazo96]

NO @@houdini8o8

[@mykcorleone24]

I know what u mean. I met Shabba - Doo when I was young. A hero of mine. I still watch footage of his and am in complete awe.

[@corydriver7634]

The most impressive part; he acted like he’d been there before. No dance, no spike just hand the ball to the official and carry on. Loved Barry Sanders.

[@Tim.1113]

Exactly. He had a job to do and he did it in spectacular fashion. No silly celebration like you see now. I loved that he always looked for an official to give the ball to. So humble.

[@bobzab1957]

Yea he held it all in and didnt release it and used it during the game to slow everything down most waste the adrenaline screaming dancing spiking the ball. Holding all that energy in will make u a god. See everything in slow mo yet moving at the speed of light lol

[@jiggyjay682]

He did it his way. But, to say that is better than someone who celebrates doing " Their " job. GFYM baby boy.

[@Tim.1113]

@@jiggyjay682 You’re an angry little guy. You don’t have to agree with other people’s opinion but don’t get pissy and tell to GFY.

[@williamhager855]

Unlike that douchebag Emmitt smith who had to take his helmet off and act like it was all him. Barry was true class!

[@jimgaul67]

As a suffering Lions fan for 38 years, Barry was so fun to watch that it took the sting out of the many team losses.

[@dabndangle]

Hey buddy we ain't suffering now more. I think my childhood dream will come true this year or next year

[@jimgaul67]

@@dabndangle hey….. just watched the Lions win their fifth from here in Wisconsin. I like their coach and the team is playing on a high level. I hope you’re right on the SB.

[@justicejustice1800]

Tell death do us part I will b a Lion

[@kdevinturner8778]

At least you didn't have to put a paper bag over your head and cut eyeholes and an "oh no": Mr. Bill mouth hole in it, like "The Aint's" from New Orleans. That would have been a fun, hilarious, and just plain good time to be in NOLA at the time. Can't beat "The Aint's".

[@danor6812]

Grew up a Packer fan. But when we played the Lion's. Watching Berry Sanders was fantastic. It was like look at him go. Then thinking. No, wait get him. LOL

[@rstew6060]

Once in a lifetime RB and I'm glad I was around to watch him play. Just amazing what he did year in and year out for 10 years. No disputing who was the Greatest Running Back, averaging 5 yards a carry with that team was just unbelievable! He was electrifying and will go down as the Greatest running back ever to play this game!

[@joshlewis575]

In all the years since Barry, I've yet to see anyone close to moving like that man could. Craziest part is he was snatching Achilles and ACLs running on concrete and carpet. The fact he could stop and start and juke so much without blowing his own ACLs running a majority of his games on that garbage turf is astounding. Glad I got to see him too, simply amazing

[@nicodio2709]

Just for comparison's sake: Jim Brown Games: 118 Rushes: 2359 Yards: 12312 TD: 106 Yards per carry: 5.2 Barry Sanders Games: 153 Rushes: 3062 Yards: 15269 TD: 99 Yards per carry: 5.0 That 35 game differential is big, Brown averaged 104.3 yds per game, so even if you made it 100 ypg, that would be another 3500 yds, which would put him at +15800 yards. Never saw Brown, Sanders is my favorite rb, but Brown truly was devastatingly brilliant. Emmitt Smith and Frank Gore played forever, you could make the arguement for Brown, Sanders and Payton as the best three all time.

[@MarkF.-gy4zy]

@@nicodio2709 The difference between Jim and Barry was that Brown had a decent to good line to run behind, Sanders didn't have a lot of help.

[@nole8923]

@@MarkF.-gy4zyAgreed. It’s the same reason Dan Marino never got a Super Bowl ring.

[@thepolkadotdoor5007]

True Barry fans know he's the second best RB to ever play. That's quoting his number 1 supporter verbatim: his father.

[@StevenGist-u7m]

No words can explain the greatness of Barry. Pure talent!!!

[@markg.7865]

He left too soon!

[@kdevinturner8778]

I am confused a little bit. Are you talking about Barry Sanders or Barry Manilow? They are both fantastic artists. You would not be wrong for either. Your comment made me forget where I was, for a small while. Thank you for that.

[@michaelbailey5736]

Always a total classy guy. Great player, great teammate and a great man.

[@lowkeyholmes7148]

Barry Sanders in my opinion is the best running back that ever played football 🏈! Imagine if Barry had Dallas Cowboys lineman blocking for him back then. Barry is the truth, my favorite runner back!

[@hectormunoz6498]

If he would have had any line, qb he would have put up 25% more yards and TDs

[@lowkeyholmes7148]

I definitely agree

[@mww4612]

No one can deny that Barry Sanders Is the Goat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Superz3ro]

The Dallas offensive line often gets praised, however, it was hard to tell who made whom, Emmett Smith or the O-line. But the Denver Broncos offensive line that blocked for Terrell Davis was definitely unmatched, and extremely skilled. Throughout the nineties, no matter who they put in the backfield, produced a thousand yard rusher. Davis obviously a two thousand yard rusher, and Dallas’s offensive line never did that… 🤔

[@zackjay71]

Fact. Best ever.

[@kmik4466]

Oilers fan but loved Barry Sanders. What a humble star. Score a TD and just hand the ball to ref.

[@brianbutlerbk]

That's the way it should be!

[@JBGAMBIT]

Just because you celebrate doesn’t mean you’re not a humble person; there’s a reason they call it entertainment. There are 8 billion people with 8 billion different personalities. Bird and many others celebrated and were serious trash talkers, but humble off the court.. no one complained about his celebrations, not even his opponents?? And McEnroe?? Geez!!! but he was highly celebrated for his antics, and few complained. Seems it’s always been like that throughout history though… hmm 🤔 Why do you expect the fans celebrate, and not the players?? 🤔 Enjoy the game and hold the judgment 😊. Just watching Barry run should be fun enough.

[@markg.7865]

Oh I miss the Houston Oilers, Luv u Blue!

[@thepolkadotdoor5007]

That's just old school theatrics. There is a mentality that to do spectacular things and carry on with a small thing to a giant aura is an example of great discipline this also can be seen as arrogance. It's perspective, people love Barry Sanders so it's humility a favorable adjective but let it be a player who is unlikable by the populous it'd be arrogance.

[@JBGAMBIT]

@@thepolkadotdoor5007 👍 What people perceive as “arrogance”, is often Projection, or just plain old jealousy and envy. But to be clear, the underlying issue is Race. When Larry bird, McEnroe, Gastineau, Ainge and other white “trash talkers”graced their perspective sports, they and their antics were embraced and lauded over. They were said to be brave and ultra-competitive. But if you’re an AA? You’re said to arrogant with bad sportsmanship?? 🤔

[@barrylippard1846]

Barry, the best juker in the NFL. I’ve always liked the Lions logo and colors.

[@words911]

So fun to watch growing up. He made the impossible possible

[@Ezoangelofdeath]

I think when you get as many football fans who arent Lions fans agreeing on one player being the greatest ever, that says much, he was humble, smart, on a level of his own, and basically could have done it without a line with some of the O-Lines he suffered with, the man was quietly the greatest ever, the Jordan of RB's, we will never see anything like him again, and I for one am just glad I was alive when he played.

[@Franktank111]

Lions/Browns Super Bowl. LFG ✌️

[@cosmo1eleven855]

Never say there will never be a great RB like him again. Time marches on and somebody else wikl come along eventually who everybody will say is the second coming of Sanders.

[@bobloblaw9791]

As a kid of the 70s I’ve seen most of the greats. Barry was special. Not a Lions fan either, but I do pull for them to get that first SB !

[@Dreyden-]

Selected to play in the Pro Bowl each of his 10 NFL seasons, Sanders held nearly every Lions' rushing record and numerous all-time NFL records, at the time of his retirement

[@Adam.Rushing]

Yup, 10 seasons.....not 9! lol

[@Dreyden-]

@@Adam.Rushing who said 9?

[@Adam.Rushing]

@@Dreyden- The TA narrator at 1:43, 6:05, and 6:36. I'd bet what probably happened is he did the math (1998-1989), but forgot to count the first year. At 9:10, he also said Barry out-rushed the Phoenix "Defense"....oops! lol.

[@toolrammsteindeftones]

The greatest! Before direct tv, i looked forward to Thanksgiving game. The best.

[@KingTheRat]

I knew a few people who went to Oklahoma State in the late 80s when Barry was there. And they can testify that Barry Sanders was a really humble and polite guy. Barry is the GOAT Running Back even if he doesn't hold some of the records.

[@wolfdenauto3417]

Don't forget that OkieSt team at one point had Thrurman Thomas and Barry Sanders in the backfield. How they didn't win a title or nearly win a title is beyond me.

[@maxvaldez6987]

Hard to win anything when you play in the same conference with the Oklahoma Sooners lol

[@roberthathcock3958]

@@maxvaldez6987 Yes, OU had more 5* players by far. They were an all pro team.

[@timwillits3795]

Not only a great running back, but a fantastic person in his life off the field.

[@TA_Sports]

Agreed!

[@rTr0n]

I read this as “not a great running back” and was about to report you lol

[@timwillits3795]

@@rTr0n LOL

[@TA_Sports]

😆@@rTr0n

[@mprattyh3]

I'm so lucky that I got to see Barry play 🐐🐐

[@mblythe21]

I grew up in Michigan. I was never a Lions fan because, well, the were terrible. It's good to see them turning the corner and doing well. I hope they finally have a string of good years and make a Super Bowl. All you Lions fans deserve it.

[@warrenpuckett4203]

Yep the Pontiac Putty Tats. But maybe better this year?

[@mikeeclipse]

​@@warrenpuckett4203 same here. I hated the Lions as a kid but loved Barry Sanders. I am 42 and just now starting to get exited about Detroit football. Beat the Superbowl champs this year and just win by a big margin this week. I just wish Calvin Johnson was still around to experience a good Detroit team. Stafford as well. Both deserved better.

[@jquazz4095]

Everyone who grew up in Detroit in the 70's, loved the Lions, but had a secondary team.This was because the Lions were out of all playoff contention by week 3.

[@warrenpuckett4203]

@@jquazz4095 I remember the Pontiac Putty Tats.

[@goneflying140]

I quit watching football when Barry retired. It was so great to sit and watch a Lions game with my Dad and 3 brothers when Barry was playing. We always knew he would do something great while we were watching.

[@TA_Sports]

So many people have great memories of watching Barry, very rarely disappointed

[@Riles3152]

He only started 13 games his rookie season...and STILL ended up with almost 1500 yards rushing 😲

[@traviswright3343]

Thank you for this. He’s still the best in my book. I enjoyed watching him more than any other running back of the time

[@TA_Sports]

Glad you enjoyed the clip, no doubt of his greatness with the football in his hands!

[@timeversman9804]

He scores his first TD and no ridiculous celebration.

[@flutebasket4294]

He never celebrated a single touchdown. I remember as a kid being amazed by his discipline compared to the other players of that time -- neverminded the ridiculousness we see today....

[@vajuarez0193]

You would think it was his X TD of his career. Today’s players would have had a choreographed routine planned out since their freshman year in college.

[@Mjones4949]

Best running back in league history.

[@p3arljam26]

He played and respected the game as it should be. He didnt taunt other teams, he didnt look for attention and he handed the ball to the ref. I am a Steelers fan but i loved watching Barry Sanders.

[@davidreynolds1516]

As a Life long Lions fan, it was an Honor to have been around to see him. But the one scene that took my breath away was Mike Utley blocking! No kidding.......my heart sank just as if he were lying on the field tonight!!! Thumbs Up, Mike!!!👍

[@caseyinmi1315]

no argument. . . greatest ever

[@charlesm7589]

OK, just a minor point the Silverdome was named for the city of Pontiac, MI. Not the Pontiac auto company. So, 'Pontiac' still exists.

[@frederickbradford7799]

@@charlesm7589 school em they cant be affiliated. either ignorance or simple fan

[@charlesm7589]

@@frederickbradford7799 😄

[@ianmichelson768]

And, the city was named after the Pontiac Indian tribe. The name goes way back.

[@frederickbradford7799]

@charlesm7589 did u read the guy commentin bout pontiac as a tribe, he playin right? gotta be trollin so umma leave it alone

[@ianmichelson768]

@@frederickbradford7799 Pontiac Indians were a true, numbnuts. Google is your friend.

[@scatman8403]

Barry Sanders is the best RB ever. My favorite player and he is the reason I played football.

[@christiangreaves3911]

He was a wizard. A true unicorn. I hate the lions and when I heard he announced he was retiring I literally I felt sad. The same sadness I felt when Montana retired. We’d never see anything like him again. What a loss.

[@Sully4Real]

One of the greatest if not the greatest running back of all time in my opinion!! His moves were amazing! If he would’ve had a good offensive line there’s no telling how many more TD’s and yards he would’ve had that’s for sure!

[@mikemontgomery7337]

No one can blame him for retiring. He had to be so frustrated with the team he was on. But he stayed loyal and didn't demand a trade.

[@user-tz9jh6pv2j]

I think he did want a trade. In his book, it mentions that they tried to get the Lions org to release or trade Sanders, but they refused. So he retired, then they came after him for millions. During the arbitration is when it came out that Barry offered to return the bonus in full if they would release or trade him, but Lions just wouldn't. Basically, Lions would rather they destroyed Barry's career than to ever let him play anywhere else

[@jamesgreene8891]

The Barry Sanders game against Nebraska during his Heisman season is really something to watch & recap...

[@TA_Sports]

Noted. I'll see what I can do!

[@joepeters8926]

3 of the best running backs, Barry, Walter Peyton, and Jim Brown! Many others, but these guys I believe were the top 3!

[@walterarrit5511]

Brown was a wife beater.

[@Wh4L205]

Bo Jackson

[@ericwitham9576]

I agree but Jim Brown is number 1 Barry second

[@markg.7865]

Gale Sayers and Eric Dickerson are right up there as well. Let's not forget Earl Campbell he was one of my favorites.

[@ericwitham9576]

@markg.7865 I agree with Gayle and Earl but injuries hurt there careers Gayle was a BEAST

[@Him12742]

My claim to fame is I was at this game I was 11 years old! We got season tickets the season before and for 6 or 7 years after. I’ll never forget it! I’ve been around a lot of cool events over the years and nothing can compare to that crowd the day and the anticipation of Barry becoming a Lion! I was horse for a day or 2 after lol great video!

[@chadp5916]

If Barry would have had the line that Emitt Smith had Barry would have crushed league records. There were times Barry ran for 50 yards to move the ball 10! Barry was the epitome of class, he should be the model for all players to emulate on and off the field.

[@roger3958]

Exactly this.

[@michaeltilley8708]

He could easily have had Smith’s record even in Detroit, but that wasn’t something he needed it seemed. Never seen his equal.

[@Ragtime4]

If Barry played I formation maybe he never would have lasted 10 years. The Mouse Davis offense was great for him.

[@kdevinturner8778]

Barry Sanders was one of top 2 of the greatest and classiest running backs of all time. Mr. Jim Brown was also one of the only two of those on that list too. Studs. Amazing football players and men.

[@mafiosino]

God he was so fast. Got to see him on a Monday Night Football game I’m San Francisco. The man had wheels!

[@dirtymikesnow]

We were going to church in jackson in the early 90s, and we would always listen to Mark Champion and Jim Brandstatter on the way home and then never miss the rest of the game on one of the 4 channels we had (unless the game was blacked out). Barry is the GOAT.

[@jessicagiven3869]

Imagine if Barry Sander was with the the 90 's Bills.

[@martywhitten3419]

Imagine if Barry had Emmit's O line 🤔💪💪💪

[@jessicagiven3869]

@@martywhitten3419 imagine if Barry played with today's Lions

[@clay5677]

These old videos make me realize how any top 30 back in today's game would be a first ballot hall of famer 30 years ago. Bigger, faster, stronger.

[@seanrhodes542]

Greatest RB of all time 🎉

[@mikewood571]

His highlight reels are crazy. But video does him no justice. Seeing him live u really get a feel of how fast and elusive he was.

[@TA_Sports]

I am sure he was amazing to watch in person!

[@bubbakemp5817]

This video would be much better if the commentary was silent and it let the announcers talk! In my opinion, Barry was and still is the best back ever! Imagine if he ran behind the line that Emmitt Smith had!

[@TA_Sports]

In order for KZbin to allow me to post the video, I have to add my rambling :) I have an uncut version that is fantastic but rules is rules. I hope your enjoyed the footage nonetheless.

[@TK-mf2fr]

100%

[@stevegage3914]

I remember being at the Pontiac Silverdome watching Barry at the Thanksgiving game against the Bears back in the day. What an amazing game that was.

[@cranky322]

the city of Pontiac does in fact still exist. the Silver Dome was demolished several years ago.

[@playdiscgolf1546]

I’m assuming he meant the car brand, but it was not named after the car brand. Lol

[@TA_Sports]

Yup, I flew the helicopter into the mountain on that one. My bad.

[@KennedyCombat]

Thanks for not ruining the video with music. Had no idea that it was a rare Mel Gray catch to get the needed yardage.

[@sbenn6917]

And that's how it's done. You score the touchdown and you get over onto the sidelines. You don't act like you just discovered the cure for cancer.

[@listennow1537]

I love your narrative and retelling of History

[@TA_Sports]

I hope you enjoyed the footage!

[@LuciferMornStar]

Barry was a beast! I was a Walter Payton fan. I remember seeing him and thinking he ran exactly like sweetness! I still think he did,which was by no means a insult!

[@jaysayres9935]

GREAT MAN …the best to be as a running back. Very Humble always give his best game every day. In football and in life. Thank you Barry

[@keithjones8889]

Never even been to Michigan but, I think Barry was the GOAT❗ Imagine if he would have had the line Emmitt had in Dallas❗//or better yet// what if he had ran behind the "Hogs" in D.C.❗ If he had played more years he would own every record to this day ❗👍🥇👌🙃🏈🙂

[@puppethound]

People always say that, but imagine if Barry and Detroit had the passing offense that Dallas had as well, that would take some yards off of Barry Sander's career. Emmitt was a beast and took advantage of his opportunities.

[@keithjones8889]

@@puppethound You just answered your own question ❗ If all you have is a running game the defense keys on it❗ Emmitt played "15" seasons ❗ Barry "retired early" and only played "10" seasons❗ If Barry had played five more years like Emmitt he would only need 39 yards a game to pass him ❗Hell, Barry could run 39 yards on one carry and sit on the bench for the rest of the game and still break Emmitt's record ❗😂🏈🤣

[@spannerturnerMWO]

Barry Sanders is my first pick for my all time real life fantasy team. You always knew he would give you 110% and then some. No drama. Just a man who loved what he did and played hard. A true inspiration and role model for young athletes.

[@p90x1011]

Pontiac city is still alive.

[@TA_Sports]

Yup, my bad.

[@ericwilliams7775]

Amen And how WONDERFUL it would’ve been for us the fans & the NFL. I can remember watching him play every single Thanksgiving day, and it just hurt - playing with high school lineman 😢

[@jasona1106]

Raiders fan but I watched every Barry Sanders game I could have them all on disc now. My favorite player all time

[@greggfridline4260]

Barry was like Michel Jorden of football, you had to watch them play every game because they can do something amazing at any time.

[@jerryryan5760]

He was born with special gifts: He used them well : special man ❤

[@nicholasb8799]

Just a great era.....no gangster tattoos and dreds everywhere...no massive celebration after every tackle or touchdown....I miss those days.

[@deadalready7467]

Barry Sanders was pure CLASS. Humble, Hard Working, Man of Few Words. Of Lions, waste his talent even in the 1st game. Waiting till late in the 3rd. He still gets a TD & 77yards. What a Talent. Side Note: Lions take Mike Utley in the 3rd round of the same draft. Injury plagued until 1991 when he started every game @ Left Guard. Than, tragedy in the 12th game against the LA Rams, paralyzed chest down. #60, U see flashes of him thru out the video. Many Blessings All 🙏🇺🇸💪

[@GullibleIgnorantGreedyIndiffer]

He could have scored 100 TD with a full career. BEST RUNNING BACK EVER !!!

[@tmr9069]

My sister was an endzone girl for the Lions from 84-94 , we got to see every game for free. Barry was amazing. Seeing him in person for every homme game was something I'll never forget. In today's NFL Barry would be the ultimate weapon. The Lions really never made a commitment to throw the ball to him, even tho he had great hands. He's the GOAT.

[@jjuice05]

Pontiac does still exist! Barely, but it’s still there.

[@TA_Sports]

Yup, my bad!

[@unusallife6326]

As a young Steelers fan he made Thanksgiving great because I got to watch Barry.

[@AlanSmithback-iz9wr]

Loved how he always handed the ref the ball. Classy dude

[@opticalmixing23]

I remember him. Use to love watching him run as a child

[@johnshields6852]

No one was as elusive as Barry, he was so tricky, when he retired I was shocked. But the time he did play it was a joy to watch him run.

[@bombasticbushkin4985]

This kid's going to be great!

[@4everoldskool626]

Hands down, Thee best running back of all time!!

[@charleswenn6088]

I was there with my dad. Great memory.

[@nailbombx2311]

I will never forget this! We were so pissed he didnt get in the game right away! It was a massive..I told you so moment!

[@12mitchster]

Wayne Fontes!!!! Best player’s coach ever! And Barry….. no introduction needed, simply the best!

[@marccasadei6943]

Pontiac doesn't exsist anymore? It is actually still there, the city didn't fall to ruins after the Lions pulled out of town. Had many great times at the Silverdome, I was sad to see it taken down. And Barry is the GOAT!

[@scottpollack1007]

If Barry would have been on a Team with a “Decent” offensive line, his stats would be THRU THE ROOF! What I liked about him the Most was the fact that he was Incredibly HUMBLE! He was a True Gentleman both on and off the field! I truly believe that Barry Sanders was the Greatest Running Back in the History of the NFL with one exception………………BO JACKSON! If Bo wouldn’t have sustained his Hip Injury, he would probably lead in every Offensive Category on the Books! BO WAS THAT GOOD! He also played Professional Baseball! What an Athlete! Sad that Barry only played 9 Seasons in the NFL! He got out before time destroyed his body! I applaud him for that decision!

[@Ragnarok_LionsFan]

GOAT!!! There is nothing to argue to say otherwise. Most recognize this... Anyone who doesn't just likes to hear themselves talk. The fact he's the best type of human being is just a bonus. He could've been an arrogant, and cocky asshat and it wouldn't have mattered with the way he carried the ball with zero support. Fact is that there will never be another Barry Sanders... Sure its POSSIBLE to see another with the same skill set, i doubt it... But you'll certainly never see that skill set paired with how humble he was, and overall, just a great human. How lucky I was to grow up with a role model like Barry. Shame kids these days dont have someone like that.

[@mykehunt2430]

There is no one I would rather watch run the ball, this dude is a bad ass!!

[@jasonmiller6800]

The “commentary” is legendary. Criqui and Trumpy

[@TA_Sports]

I appreciate that!

[@chrisculley3756]

It was kind of interesting I thought Barry actually started earlier than 89 so that was pretty interesting to go back and really see what you're actually was. Man I loved watching Barry Sanders he was the greatest running back to ever play the game. I know some people will have some arguments with that. But that just means you're crazy dude never had a really great team you never had a really great offensive line. But he made things happen that no one else could do. He had unbelievable quickness and I'm really good turbo boost quick meet of speed wasn't a top-end guy but when he needed it he had a turbo jet. It's interesting that the game has changed so much and running backs of become kind of a secondary player. But man watching him do what he did as a young man in high school and then in college and even out of college. He was a highlight reel every week. RLTW 3/75

[@donwilber1628]

Pontiac doesn't exist anymore??? Okay, the car doesn't but the city certainly does. My mom took my preschool aged daughter to a suburban Detroit restaurant, and Barry was seated at the next table. My daughter, like many young kids looked over the booth, to where Barry was sitting. Mom was so excited when Barry smiled and said hello to her. What class act. Thank you Barry for all those years of excitement!

[@TA_Sports]

I was thinking car brand, bonehead comment on my part for sure. Great story about Barry, a class act for sure!

[@roynave9212]

I agree. Barry tanks among the greats. It really comes into perspective how amazing he was when you factor in the Detroit front line compared to the other great running backs.

[@kdevinturner8778]

Love watching the old nostalgic stuff. The uniforms, the helmets, the stadium (Pontiac is no more? Wow.), the technology, the culture of the time. Beautiful to watch. Yes. Barry Sanders was a beautiful person and talent to watch run the football. I loved the way he calmly and politely flipped the football to the referee after a touchdown. Just like he did it many times before. Class act for sure.

[@brettbamford2023]

Pontiac still exists. It’s the County seat in the County North of Detroit. But the Silverdome is gone.

[@kdevinturner8778]

@@brettbamford2023 👍Makes more sense. Thx.

[@brettbamford2023]

@@kdevinturner8778 You’re welcome.

[@amirharris473]

I met Barry Sanders in Home Depot on Southfield Road between 12 and 13 Mile about 15 years ago. He wasn't a limelight type of person. I remember it like it happened yes. He was in the aisle buying screws by himself. I said hello to him and he said hello. We just kept shopping. He is a very humble Man.

[@tomcole4736]

He had many years left in him, He was the consistent humble player, alwyas loved how when he scored he did not go nuts doing gimmicks but when he ran by the ref he simply gave him the ball.....we dont have players that have that kind of respect for the game anymore....football has changed, the game has changed, the players have changed

[@ripteye]

He was the greatest ever not sure why anyone would even question that.

[@kevinarmstrong6957]

The best RB of all time . Hands down . He would have shattered all records if the Lions released him and he didn’t retire early .

[@BEATSbyDGIB]

I use to watch his highlights before my high school football games

[@donaldholderdoc2910]

All class from his 1st touchdown till last. He always casually hands the official the ball and saunters back to the sideline.

[@papalozzi8038]

GREATEST RUNNING BACK EVER!! Humble and SUPER nice!!

[@usernameisjonah]

I saw Barry Sanders coming out of the Aloha Stadium after practice. There was a big crowd to see him. This was in 1993 when they were there for the All Star game. I saw Deion Sanders there too but at Restaurant Row near the Studebaker bar.

[@michaelholland6533]

That was awesome, man. Thank you!

[@jakeMontejo3272]

One of the saddest days in my life was the day I heard he retired. He was the greatest RB I ever saw and my fav football player of all time. I never put my heart into any sports after that day.

[@chadwhite2277]

We Michagainers miss watching the great Barry Sanders. Greatest Lions player ever or will ever be.

[@BobbySanders-bf2fr]

Love you Barry

[@johnhulse4124]

I feel like Barry knew he was blessed with his athletics gifts, but knew that Life could have just as randomly granted those abilities to someone else, and because this was true, self pride had no place in his career. His humility is just as impressive to me as his professional life.

[@richardcoronado4081]

Barry Sanders was a class act.. no ego.. no showoffs.. Humble player. All he cared about was just playing football and being the best running back that he could be, and he turned out to be one of the best ever.

[@miked8227]

Sad seeing Mike Utley playing enjoying a professional football life and then witnessing his tragic injury. Yes I was there during the Rams game when there was delay during the game which at the time we couldn’t determine what exactly happened.

[@paulhildum2309]

I don't know what "best running back" means because it is a team sport, but Mr. Sanders turned more -2yd runs into 20+ yd highlight runs than anyone else I can think of and I'd watch a Lions game just to see his magic. ...and him handing the ball to the ref after a TD... we need more of that attitude, and not just on the football field.

[@TomFest]

I loved watching Barry run even though I'm a viking fan. One game when we played them, in like 1989 or 90, we didn't tackle him. We ran him out of bounds a few times. He was awesome, best running back I've ever seen I think.

[@mrrutty]

Loved using Barry in Tecmo Super Bowl!

[@jersincl]

You never ever so Barry Sanders showboat after a play. He would set the ball down and just go back to the huddle. The man was humble !!!!

[@garywright7826]

Yes ... He was and still is the greatest rb ever !