How Good Was Barry Sanders Actually?

A career retrospective of one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, Barry Sanders.
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[@al-nur999]

For me, he is the greatest running back of all time.

[@SWIZZ_E]

No doubt.

[@focuseddrew8737]

Yep

[@brianchapman8531]

Definitely the best I've ever seen. He was the highlight for us all every Thanksgiving.

[@nascarfan8891]

sweetness was better

[@TazawaTanks]

Agreed 💯

[@rigger41]

Only thing this video missed was how humble Barry was. I grew up in Detroit watching him play. There were no celebrations, no showboating; he just handed the ball to the ref and moved on. Pure class.

[@roaddawg3217]

Ya, like: Here, I'm done with this for now😂😂

[@mrconfusion87]

​​@@roaddawg3217 Barry Sanders be like: "Just another day at the office!" Hopefully the Lions bring him in as special guest IF/when they make the Bowl!

[@whyhasgooglemessedwithmych1423]

facts

[@MitchJohnson0110]

He handed the ball to the ref and said "i'll be back" lmao

[@Torgo1969]

I always liked when Joe Morris did that for the NY Giants. Been there before, will be in the end zone again soon.

[@drwhite3]

Most talented RB I’ve ever witnessed, I always respected how after he scored he never celebrated, he would just casually hand the ball back to the referee, true legend

[@DonTheMoron716]

That’s a man!

[@jaydebeer7251]

Just a different breed of athlete....

[@scottrackley4457]

He knew he'd be back around in a minute

[@brokl26]

He never played for a dominant team so what he did in career is so impressive. Greatest I’ve ever watched.

[@patrickmontie9583]

He did have Lomas Brown punching holes through the line. After that it was all Barry.

[@steelpenguin1]

@@patrickmontie9583but every team knew he was getting the ball. He was the greatest and that’s coming from a Steelers fan.

[@KurtKaato]

As a Cowboys fan growing up, if Barry would have had Emmitt's line, we would see 2500yd seasons without a doubt! Greatest player to ever touch a football.

[@tstumpf75]

Met him during an NBA all star weekend. He declined an autograph request because he didnt want to draw attention to himself.. he offered to just stick around and hang out with me and my friends.. he stuck around and talked with us for about 20 minutes.. such a down to earth guy.

[@zeric3000]

That shows he is a very humble guy.

[@winoodlesnoodles1984]

Thanks! It is great to hear that someone so amazing can remain that humble. It speaks to how great a person he truly is.

[@andygossard4293]

In contrast, Troy Aikman still sells autographs for $100

[@jerrywayne3467]

@@andygossard4293 how do you know it is authentic

[@jaspervasquez3753]

@@andygossard4293 I would too if I was him

[@Twentykixx]

One would say Barry was one of the greatest football players ever, the greatest running back ever. However, his kindness and humanity as a person is more than the other accolades hands down. I met him with my kids once and he literally held my son so I could get the picture. He signed our jerseys, cards, and was as personable and kind as any person I have ever met. 20-kicks!!

[@pancakenofake7094]

walter payton better imo but im a bears fan so i kinda have a biased opinion lol.

[@Twentykixx]

@@pancakenofake7094 Nah, Barry had no line, shitty QB’s, poor Coaching, and lastly poor ownership. Barry basically carried this team on his shoulders. Think about this… Most teams would load 9 in the box to stop Barry. The receivers were man on man most of the years Barry played. If we had had a good QB, we would’ve been champions with Barry in there multiple times. How can you keep a defense guessing if your QB cannot perform? They could defend him specifically and did so. Poor leadership and ownership was the reason Barry left. He says it was time, but he had no shot at a championship. Why continue. Even today Detroit doesn’t understand football… It’s a laugh!! And the joke is on the fans.

[@prestongarvey9062]

That's really nice. Gotta think he gets asked hundreds of times a day for a pic or autograph.

[@Bibanian-Bubkers]

😏 Definitely So! 👍 Just walks over & hands the pigskin to the ref,no crazy end zone dance or trash talk,or taunting!🤷🏼‍♂️ Pure class!!! 🙂

[@gregoryfilar1783]

100% correct. Worst ownership, worst franchise in all pro sports. They are so delusional that they celebrate the worst pro sports owner in history by rubbing our noses in it and putting that cringe WCF on their jerseys. More appropriate if the jerseys said WTF? Detroit should be evicted from the league.

[@mikhaeldavis6180]

One of the players who made me love football 🏈

[@griffitz100]

well said.

[@byronanderson6667]

After 65 years of watching football, Barry Sanders was the greatest running back I have ever seen. Pure pleasure to watch him dominate the game!

[@paulmeeker1165]

Barry was like a Gayle Sayers on steroids.

[@mem5860]

People say that messi soccer player play like barry after watching bsrry highligh i agree

[@Steve_643]

Never rushing for less than 1,100 yards and only missing 5 games are some of the most impressive things about Barry’s career

[@dillondank5662]

Made ALL PRO every season of his career. Name ONE other player who did that (without using a search engine)

[@Noles4life77]

@@dillondank5662 I bet Lawrence Taylor did

[@SolamenteVees]

Handing the football to the ref after scoring a touchdown too.

[@blairpenny1526]

And did it on the Lions, so basically alone

[@blacklabelholsters1635]

@@SolamenteVees I've always loved the class of that. Now someone gets a pick and they run 80 yards to the other end of the field to show off. That does nothing for me. Barry always said that he just hands off the ball and acts like he's been in the endzone before. His Heisman winning season is possibly the greatest college performance of all time.

[@michaelojeda2098]

This man almost broke the all time rushing record without an offensive line. Crazy

[@jonhannah7542]

Or a fullback. Unreal.

[@michaelbismarckii9139]

If he'd had that Cowboys line nobody would EVER sniff the record

[@billysr9663]

He didn’t care bout football man he was the best back ever to me

[@jbcool9178]

His O-line is underrated. You can't rush for over 2000 yards in the NFL without an O-line.

[@splash3y3land77]

@@jbcool9178 I'm saying, that man had 1500 yds almost every season, someone gotta be doing something to help em

[@phil4986]

When Barry Sanders was in his prime, it was like the fastest gazelle on earth running from the fastest lions on earth. The moves Barry Sanders made to get away from defenders are otherworldly. No one can ever dispute his greatness.

[@anthonydavella8350]

not true. Barry was quick and fast but didnt have that final gear like some guys. Still the GOAT

[@Skunkgoosefly123]

His whole career was his prime.

[@gaffle7646]

Barry was not fast… his descriptors would be illusive and quick.

[@LionsOnTheHunt313]

@@nbagoats4819 WTF are you talkin' bout man??? He ran a sub 4.4 40! His PR was 4.37 FYI lol.

[@LionsOnTheHunt313]

@@gaffle7646A PR of 4.37 says otherwise bruh lol. People just be sayin anything while knowing nothing.

[@sledzeppelin]

Every time he carried the ball, he created a highlight. Most dynamic RB ever, by a lot.

[@KvnDWr]

3,248 all purpose yards 2,628 rushing yards 37 touchdowns 1 season There's absurd, then there's this. This is on another level. Greatest college and NFL RB ever.

[@Dear.Genius]

and he wasn't a QB!

[@dannichols5010]

Took till Joe Burrow in 2019 to have an individual season as dominant as Barry had. His heisman year was ridiculous.

[@donniedietz77]

and only 11 games

[@stanleysanders9099]

@@dannichols5010 impressive but barry played less games

[@scottrackley4457]

@@donniedietz77 yes, insane

[@matsuiflex]

His sense of humility is one of the many qualities that made this man, in my opinion, the greatest. No team choreographed celebrations, no "in your face" attitude, no over-inflated prima donna sense of self importance; (he) just simply hands the ball to the ref. A real class act.

[@Kurdistani7]

aka walter payton. the truest greatest Back of all time

[@daleolson3506]

They should not show all those garbage celebrations. They look like idiots.

[@sathingtonbigwookie9387]

His dad whooped that into him. I believe BS said thT even after all the accolades, his dad said Walter Payton was better.

[@slimrock]

Barry Sanders and Megatron both were humble on the field. They made me a fan of Detroit even though they weren't my team. Lions still have that grit and their coaching crew now is pretty solid imo. NFC north is always fun to watch.

[@jiaconis]

DEFINITELY!! He’s my ALL-TIME Favorite player at ANY position!!

[@Dblue2369]

What a football legend Barry is. I'm still in awe. Respect 🫶🏿👌🏾💯

[@VincentK.McMahon]

Greatest RB of all time. He finished his career way before time and his stats were still at the top of the mountain, that’s how good he was. Defenses had no answer for this guy. Emmitt Smith wishes he was half the running back Barry was.

[@user-vg4vq4bf3x]

Barry didn't have Troy Aikman he didn't have a Darell moose Johnson he didn't have an elite o line or a true play maker like a Michael Irvin to get the dbs backed off.. many of his runs he ran 10 yards backwards just to gain 1 yard that's how crap his lines were.. people forget Barry is only 10 pounds lighter than Emmitt was Barry had Emmitts line and offense sure the man could of been a 1 cut rb you are dead right Emmitt couldn't hold Barry's jock strap and he knows it.

[@sitizenkanemusic]

As far as I'm concerned, Barry Sanders is the GOAT RB. 100% talented, and still, he was the anti-diva. His dad and mom instilled good values in the man, and he should be one of the few athletes to look up to.

[@urwholefamilydied]

Yep, and the fact that if he had played only one more season he would have the all time rushing yds record speaks a lot, considering he had at least 3 more seasons in him, probably even 4. (He played for 10 seasons... contrast that with Emmitt Smith's 15 and Walter Payton's 13).

[@memo193]

He always reminded me of Wayne Gretzky, one of the greatest running backs if all time, but also one the most humble...mad respect !

[@anthonydavella8350]

Barry was all class and had plenty left when he retired. Imagine him with that Cowboy line

[@ircreg8639]

Totally agree. Brown , Payton, Smith, all great but Barry is the greatest we have ever seen. You only have to watch.

[@brucevandermeulen4170]

He is a great man and still is the best.

[@tizi0728]

Coming from a Cowboy fan and watched them win all the Super Bowls in the 90's with Emmitt Smith, I can honestly say Barry was the best RB I've ever watched.

[@TheR3gi]

What an era of just BEAST

[@BeauTylerMakesMusic]

@@carlb3450 it’s no insult to Emmitt. Smith was a legend among legends. It’s just they Barry was a god.

[@admusic247]

Agreed and I think smith is easy 2. Best ever if we're talking longevity. AND I'm an eagles fan

[@psicodelico8460]

Best comment ever from a cowboy fan. Youre alright to recognize this guys greatness. I agree 100% best rb ever. Raider fan here.

[@PapaLu08]

Man I remember being a little boy watching Aikman, Emmit and Prime Time. That was the best time to be a Cowboys fan.

[@brianmartindale2221]

There's just nobody ever like Barry Sanders. Unique, in it's true meaning, is the word. He really was one of a kind, and that includes his humbleness

[@crollwtide9452]

I had the privilege to get to see Barry run on live TV, and it was definitely a punch in the gut when he suddenly retired. He will always be my favorite athlete.

[@colinmackenzie6277]

In that 5'8" frame stood a complete running back and and an extraordinarily humble human being... He never showboated, no spiking, always returned the ball to the Umpire immediately. A 4 dimensional runner, using negative yardage runs to pull Defenses apart, combined with ankle snapping steps and deep field vision. SIMPLY THE BEST. EVER.

[@charlesg7926]

Agreed. Extremely thick bones, super strong joints/tendons/ ligaments, dense muscles and explosiveness. He wasn’t tall but he was built like a brick

[@shadowsanddust2]

I always point to his Yards Per Carry as the Go To Stat.

[@nathanlawson313]

Barry is actually closer to 5'5 - 5'6. I'm 5'9 and stood right next to him. The top of his head came up to my CHIN. But each of his thighs were thicker than my waist!!

[@JustMe-ws2pe]

I concur

[@barasrizalnewapartmentfirs6663]

Umpire is for baseball ⚾

[@larryholtcamp3291]

Simply the best. He could have played 5 more years and rush for over 20,000 yards. Watching him through his career on Thanksgiving every year was always a treat.

[@plecoguy]

Just imagine if he was able to play now.

[@mwbrada]

I was fortunate enough to see Barry live at the Silverdome on Thanksgiving twice. I was also at the Jets game when Barry broke 2000yds but we also lost Reggie Brown. 😪

[@mwbrada]

The fact that he also mentioned his respect for Walter Payton's record, when it was easily observable that Barry could have smashed it and taken it to possibly unachievable heights makes me respect him as a human being of great character even more.

[@cygnusx-3217]

It wouldn't have happened. When a player loses the desire to play, he's finished. If you play without desire you're also likely to get injured. He had 10 incredible seasons. That's his resume.

[@arnoldjack7956]

Are you a lions fan

[@borood1188]

“Of all the players I’ve faced there is only one who I feared, because he could beat you at any moment, and that was Barry.” - Reggie White

[@mrconfusion87]

If the Fords set up a better team around him, imagine how damn good the 1990s Lions could have been...

[@bbenner3400]

@@mrconfusion87 Imagine if he had the 90s Cowboys o-line.

[@Kendro311]

I was a teenager when Barry became a Lion. Dude was a miracle and a source of hope for the team. I practically worshipped the guy. And as a Lions fan, and knowing they aren't great, and Barry stayed loyal and could have easily gotten even better numbers with a better team, but he stayed. Detroit loves this man. And I actually dropped a few tears when I heard he had retired. You're the best Barry.

[@f18cowboy50]

I remember watching him as a kid. He'd run into a crowd, then reappear somehow, and keep going. This dude should have Super Bowl rings.

[@jimmyonthecorner]

Not with the lions

[@cellaa70]

The lions never went and got a good QB to go with them WRs they had but they made a lot of money off of Barry

[@jpeezie3192]

The lions were absolute trash. Barry was something special though maaaaan

[@AaronPICAR]

The lions are cursed for never building a winner around Sanders

[@pixurguy4915]

If the Packers had drafted him instead of Tony Mandarich he would have rings. Absolutely scary running back. He was a potential 65 yard run every time he touched the ball.

[@user-cq6dg6ql9j]

I grew in a household of Giants fans and my dad would switch the game over to Detroit anytime they were on offense just to watch Barry. He was can’t miss TV.

[@updem]

The definition of G.O.A.T It was a pleasure growing up watching him play for my hometown team.

[@ccdice4434]

imagine how many more yards he would have rushed for with a team like Washington.He was amazing humble confident and the best .

[@buggemon3607]

Barry covered more yards East and West in a game than most backs covered yards North and South in a season. Best I've ever seen and I'm a die-hard Bears fan.

[@ernestp.worrell8871]

Bear down! Yea though Barry and randy might not be the goats at their positions they are the two most exciting players in football all time.

[@edwardpark247]

haha so true

[@2face219]

Say it again they dont hear you 😎

[@johnstrawb3521]

1:40 - imagine a coach so abysmally bad he doesn't recognize he has a backup running back capable of 200+ yards a game.

[@wyliestivers2634]

I'm with you, Bears fan and loved Sweetness but Barry was just plain ridiculous.

[@ProductGrower]

His career didn’t end too soon. He preserved his mind, so he could remember being the 🐐

[@franciscomontes5153]

Well said!

[@iProvidings]

On the contrary...he preserved opponents ankles cause he'd be breaking them every week.

[@cjstats1514]

He never really got hit hard bc of how elusive he was. Don't think he preserved his mind.

[@adotintheshark4848]

Playing for the Lions would make any player want to retire

[@Monk-Amani.]

@@adotintheshark4848 • Hate to agree, but I do. Michiganer. Peace

[@scottmenin9501]

As an Eagles fan, I'm glad we didn't have to face him twice a season. It's even more remarkable when considering how many times he was tackled for losses!

[@JayTide]

I grew up in Michigan Lions fan obviously. Some of his greatest runs were 2 yard losses. I'm not kidding. It took so many different defenders to coral him.

[@mdon718]

So humble with great character. GOAT.

[@IanSinclair77]

I helped Barry back in 1999 at the Pontiac Best Buy. Talked for 10 minutes about a computer. Was just as nice as you'd think. He didn't want attention and everyone left him alone. The security manager told me if he wanted to take anything, nobody was going to try to stop him. 😀

[@BeckhamDillinger-pu9yc]

🤔

[@IanSinclair77]

@Charlie's Hairpiece uhhh ok. You win. It didn't happen. I made it up. 25 years later in IT founded on this lie.

[@jefft2546]

@Johnny.Wadd.Holmes Whatever drugs you're on, please share

[@tawon1984]

If he did take something no one could catch him anyways 😅

[@sandrost4243]

@@charlieshairpieceBill Simmons? 😂 Yeah he is a shining beacon of knowledge. Barry's numbers speak for themselves. I'm going to assume you are a troll bc everything you just said was utter trash.

[@puppy14]

I’m in my late 30’s, and this dude was the best running back I’ve ever seen. His retirement was a shock.

[@mcole442]

The Detroit Lions will do that to you.......ask Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford.......🙄

[@jdmikeg4]

Barry is the greatest of all time but in my opinion...BO JACKSON was the best running back we will ever see. Unfortunate he only played part-time and then got injured.

[@GHOST91141]

Put Barry Sanders behind that early '90s Dallas Cowboys offensive line & he is shattering the rushing record books

[@Vinny.X]

His retirement was sad. Barry deserved the record. He deserved better from the Lions.

[@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61]

@@GHOST91141 that is it right there he got tired of the lions he took his last contract and made the best of it although Emmit Smith wasn't a bad running back it takes a whole team to win something the lions to this day haven't realized. The Hershel Walker trade did it for the cowboys a deal we will never see again

[@sonsofliberty75]

Barry is one of a kind and literally the greatest running back the NFL has ever had!

[@user-ts9ug9fu5d]

He was the best pure running back ive ever seen ❤ i will never forget you my bro❤

[@mhh2409]

He truly is the GOAT of all running backs. We never seen anyone like him before or after.

[@dbradandthem2727]

Emmitt Smith

[@theofficial8858]

Derrick Henry in 3 years

[@montymqueen4428]

@@dbradandthem2727 overrated

[@BST-lm4po]

Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, & Eric Dickerson were special talents.

[@vsupreme9386]

No one surpasses sweetness at RB

[@geraldjacobs2376]

In Detroit back in the day, we had gotten sickenly use to losing with the lions, but once a lion fan you can't desert just cuz the team plays poorly, year after years . Barry brought the sunshine to Detroit. We weren't wining Superbowls but we had the star player of the league and while we still wanted that Superbowl , just watching Barry play took the place of it. He was like a Superbowl each week in a town where the sun hadn't shined for years. All of this because of running back who while being great, he was a gentleman, humble, always doing something for the community, sacrificing himself on and off the field. He was the best. His parents raised him so well that they deserve a award for unleashing a perfect citizen , generous with his time for others, unabsorbed with himself , who would do his family proud in all situations. Detroit won the Superbowl each year Barry was there. Thank you, Barry Sanders.

[@robertramsey653]

Bro, that was from the heart.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@mikeway2223]

I grew up in that era and in Michigan. I completely agree.

[@cellaa70]

Only if the GM went after a good QB it would have taken a lot of pressure off of Barry I was a Ravens fan that always turned when Barry was on TV fun to watch him do his thing

[@Tonyhouse1168]

They interviewed him last night on Thursday Night Football; I swear, he still looks like he could pick up a ball and pound out 2,500 yards easy. He and Walter Payton are my top 2 all time. Just sheer greatness

[@sean1316]

He was the greatest running back of all time hands down no contest.

[@rooroo5363]

My dad had Barry Sanders at his first ever card show as a rookie in 1989. He went on to win NFC offensive rookie of he year! Fun fact: Young Barry had one 'endorsement deal' - he only wore Levi's jeans. That's because Levi's custom made jeans for him, since he had a 32" waist and... 34" THIGHS!!

[@jimgaul67]

What I liked about Barry is what he did after scoring a touchdown. He epitomized the saying” when you score a touchdown act like you’ve been there before “. Another example of his humility. If he did not retire early he would have exceeded E. Smith’s rushing record. Imagine if he would have had Dallas’ offensive line 😳

[@musicantd]

One of the smartest things he ever did retiring before getting seriously messed up.

[@BillyTwoSquirrels]

If Barry Sanders had Dallas' O-line it wouldn't have helped him. Fact is, he benefitted from the Lions Run and Shoot system. Why? Because it spread the field and allowed him to use his elusiveness in the open field. Yes, he could be stopped in the backfield too, but it also meant a ton of open space once he got through the line. And by the way, Detroit had a number of good offensive lineman over the course of Sanders career. Lomas Brown was an All Pro and multiple time Pro Bowler. Kevin Glover was one of the best Centers of his eras, Plus they had consistency for several seasons. The Lions weren't the Cowboys, but they were pretty solid.

[@ianburns1175]

Barry Sanders was a perfect fit for Detroit's system....Herman Moore was Detroit's deep threat which gave Barry his space. If Detroit had an above average QB they could of challenged Dallas in the early to mid 90s. Detroit also had to battle Joe Montana then Steve Young in San Francisco and then Farve and the Packers

[@samm9074]

@@BillyTwoSquirrels I was looking for this comment and always thought the same haha. Everyone says the lions o-line was trash , but I agree with you, by the time Barry got the ball there were ton of defenders close to him or who overran the play since it was so easy to get across the o-line. Even though it might have been hard to beat those defenders in his face, once he did, there was a lot of space for Barry to do his thing and the defensive levels were vulnerable . I can’t believe nobody has ever seen this.

[@danealey4084]

He would just drop the ball after entering the endzone and move off the field. He had nothing to prove to anyone and needed no insanity they get away with nowadays. Be More Like Barry.

[@Gwatchum]

Barry and I graduated from Oklahoma State the same year, and I had the privilege of watching Barry and Thurman Thomas line up in the same backfield. I witnessed many of Barry's collegiate records in person. He and Walter are the greatest running backs to play professional football.

[@floydmills8963]

Watching Barry Sanders was a privilege to all of us that had the opportunity. The fact that he went out there and did his job, without saying he's the best, or doing stupid dances in the end zone shows that he might have been the best to ever play the game.

[@Rivethead242]

The greatest running back i've ever seen. And to top it all off he is a humble human being. I got the chance to meet him.

[@doogboh]

Same here -- and ditto!

[@kennycai8695]

All I have to say is this: if you can still perform at a top level despite your entire team being consistent garbage, you are that good. This is why I will never talk smack about Barry Sanders or Joe Thomas (former offensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns).

[@Kambejammin]

Exactly

[@sbdftw1702]

You really can’t talk smack about Barry even if you wanted to. Amazing player and person. I don’t think anybody will ever do what he did statistics wise.

[@mrq2044]

You do know during Barry's 10 years in Detroit they made the playoffs several times, right? They just couldn't win except in 92

[@robertb9461]

@@mrq2044 yep. From 91-99 they made the playoffs 6 times. They had several players that made the probowl, we're all pros(including on the online). The team wasn't devoid of talent by any means.

[@deandrenicholas2545]

@@robertb9461 they most certainly weren't.

[@jordy7540]

Didn’t even watch the video yet, just wanted to respond to the title He is the best ever. Thanks Barry!

[@drewt1717]

Barry and Best both begin with B

[@MHB48615]

Hanging the game up at 30. He had his health and I’m sure he had the respect of every other football player in the league as well as the fans for what he accomplished. Gotta luv it. Class act all the way.

[@PokeProfPoke]

Easily the best ever running back. Quick, nimble, intelligent and indomitable. Respectful and humble a very good role model for those who look up to him.

[@crosbonit]

There is no question about that. That doesn't take anything away from the other great running backs, but this guy was elite of the elite.

[@nascarfan8891]

walter payton was better

[@lionheart4529]

@@nascarfan8891 stop the 🧢!!! Walter is dead so now what? 😂

[@Lordlt82]

@@nascarfan8891 I am a life long bears fan and can tell you walter is not better. Had more heart but not more talent.

[@crosbonit]

@@Lordlt82 Thanks for speaking the truth. WP was awesome, but Sanders was just on another level all by himself.

[@cfairfax85]

Greatest RB of all time imo. Watching his whole pro career was a pleasure.

[@bobbyb.4468]

Indeed. I know Emmitt Smith is the all time rushing leader but, two things. First, he played behind the best O-line, likely of all-time, and second, he played something like 6 seasons longer. Barry played for a sheet franchise, and during that time, ran circles around opponents and Emmitt.

[@Fister_of_Muppets]

Agreed. Watched him play almost every game, it was inspiring. Guy had vision and moves that were unreal. Can't imagine how many nightmares and broken ankles he gave to defense.

[@jasonhutter7534]

Best I've seen in my lifetime. He carried the Lions to the playoffs on his legs alone. If the Lions would have - or could have - built a team around him, who knows what they could have done.

[@jasonhutter7534]

Im 52, btw.

[@jim007]

Jim Brown is the GOAT.

[@mikeabendroth8337]

As a Lions fan for my entire life, there's a saying we had about him at the den: Barry might not always get you 10, but he'll often get you 50. He is the GOAT on the gridiron. Any future RBs should study every tape they can about him; his moves, his workout regimen, his diet, his stretching routine, everything.

[@andrewsolis2988]

The GOAT! His humbleness coupled with greatness is something we will never see again!

[@tfromcali89]

Greatest running back of all time , no debate

[@Peakfreud]

Always see that "No Debate" line when someone is desperately fishing for a debate ...

[@kevinuchiha6830]

@@Peakfreud fr

[@robk6831]

So what about pass blocking? Thats not part of a rbs game?

[@Peakfreud]

@@robk6831 Thats a fair critique, one I feel is negated by having to stack 8 in the Box and draw the safeties in. Herman Moore was an Average receiver Number 2 on any other team but for a couple of seasons he looked like Jerry Rice. He had a 1600 yrd season. And not just the receiversScott Mitchell and Rodney Pete was below average ,

[@Peakfreud]

@@robk6831 Who's your #1 or Top 3 I'm not out to discredit your picks, too many players on a football team to have a high quality Run Back substituted and tank the team For instance I think If you substitute say LaDainian Thomlinson for Emmitt the Results would be the same for both teams.

[@KingxJiji30]

Greatest RB ever. Give him a line and he would’ve won every award for a RB

[@jbcool9178]

When it comes to just running the ball, Barry is the best hands down. Overall, Sweetness is the greatest running back ever

[@Jeremy_810]

This. I remember him having to shake would be tacklers in the backfield more times than not.

[@Da_Infamous]

If the lions would have traded him after his 3rd year detroit could have asked for the 3 best players from ANY TEAM and that team would have been better for making that trade..... if that would have happened Sanders would have needed to grow a third hand for ALL the superbowl rings he could have won

[@Brian-dh9lp]

@@jbcool9178 you'd have to add Jim Brown to that argument.

[@markhunter9313]

Give him a different team dynamic like say the Dolphins, he and Marino might’ve won it all…🤔

[@checkitout611]

Barry was the best pure runner ever in my opinion. Especially for doing what he did while on the not so great Lions. No one ran like him then or since. Best all around (blocking, catching, running, etc) RB for me is still Walter Peyton. I also liked Bo Jackson and wondered what could of been if it was his only sport and he didn't get injured. Loved watching Bo run! Power and speed. Barry and Bo also didn't showboat which I very much respected.

[@DonTheMoron716]

Right. They scored and handed the ball to the ref.

[@MorbidUrge]

Class , Respect and Talent. Barry Sanders has them all. My personal all time favorite.

[@NemoArtics]

He is a greater man than he was a running back and you can't find men like him in the NFL anymore. GOAT!

[@stevenbrown5210]

You mean quitters?

[@NemoArtics]

@@stevenbrown5210 hey, when the fire goes out, no point in playing. its harder to quit when one is so accomplished. huge props to the GOAT.

[@mikemurphy8714]

Hands down GOAT. If they were to elect an actual real life Captain America tomorrow. He'd be a prime candidate. Class act and the greatest human athlete of all time

[@richhava]

Damn skippy..... Barry was his own man - a caring, giving And genuine man who never saw himself as anything but another fellow human being. I met him once when I worked for the Detroit Free Press Sports Department and I was able to here stories about Barry from Mitch Albom, Bill Roose and others and nothing but kindness..... It took me a few years to forgive him for leaving the game the way he did - but I forgave because my anger was rooted in selfishness. Barry went out the way he did because he wanted nothing to do with all the hoopla that would have surrounded him Announcing beforehand was not an option. He does not like to be openly praised about his talent because he desired to be just another guy on the bus riding home from a long day of work. Do not get me wrong - I am awed everytime I watch his highlights but I will best remember him for....... Either handing the ref the ball or setting it down nicely in the end zone is the only reaction you got when he scored a TD. In a game today where you celebrate like a maniac after a sack to make it second and 15, and then get out on your ass the next play when the opposing receiver catches a first down play and then he acts like he score a TD. I hate that shit and my love for football Has dropped to if it were not for fantasy football - I could care less

[@donaldindividual-1]

He’s 2x as Emmit Smith and Jim Brown. Earl Campbell is my personal favorite.

[@garretindall2820]

Barry was the ENTIRE DETROIT LIONS OFFENSE, no blocking, no good defense, no good coaches. And teams STILL COULD BARELY GET A HOLD OF HIM 😳🤯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ninjamitch9374]

That’s crazy……

[@michaelwicklund]

As a lions fan he’s had a good o-line most years and we definitely did have some good defenses we just didn’t have a qb or coach which is why he didn’t win. Love the guy tho

[@dontaetrowell5011]

Barry, Herman Moore & Brian Blades are the only Lions I really remember from that time.

[@leomartin1903]

I remember hearing something about Barry having a non-compete clause in his contract. He COULDNT LEAVE THE LIONS if he wanted to. He got tired of being on a team where HE HIMSELF "was" the TEAM. It's a trip that in Downtown Detroit during Barry's run, It was a 25 story building painted in an image of Barry running the football. As soon as he retired, the painting came down WITH THE QUICKNESS.

[@carefulilickwindows6881]

@@michaelwicklund O line was middle of the pack - bottom of the league most of his career. If PFF was a thing back then I think PFF would trash that O line 😂

[@willlee4678]

Barry Sanders was and is class personified. GOAT RB

[@Terror832]

His negative runs are better than almost every running backs positive runs. Tackling him is like trying to tackle a hyper dog after a doorbell ring.

[@redsteak6694]

Emmit smith>>>>

[@dtice69]

@@redsteak6694 Emmit Smith's team >>>>

[@o.i.c.uvanish9169]

@@redsteak6694 Emmitt tard.

[@Malik7-]

Emmit o line>>>>

[@eduardopina5233]

@@redsteak6694 As a Cowboys fan, you couldn’t be wronger. Barry was head and shoulders above Emmitt in pure talent and running ability. Emmitt had arguably the best o-line in football history. Barry had better 1-1 numbers even though he had to run behind a terrible line. Credit where it is due. Emmitt was great and consistent. Barry was in a category of his own (still is)

[@chloehennessey6813]

If you ever met Barry you’d never be able to tell he was/is the greatest running back ever. He’s such a nice guy. He helped me to my seat even coming into our suite at the stadium. My crutches were killing me.

[@nikolaivista920]

There have been only two players in the NFL that I paid a ticket just to watch them play: Jerry Rice and Barry Sanders. The GOATs at their positions!

[@GarageMuzik]

A living Legend that will be talked about for centuries to come.

[@motownXJdad9565]

hearing the crowd absolutely roar in the Dome when Barry broke a big run or got a TD is something ill never ever forget. it still gives me goosebumps. i really wish he had a better offensive line, and there would be ZERO doubt by others that he is the greatest of all time. Detroit loves our heros, Gordie Howe, Stevie Yzerman, Barry Sanders, Isaiah Thomas, Kirk Gibson all get mad love and loyalty from Detroit to this day👍

[@sexgod57able]

Well....They're all phenomenal!!!

[@aweewa5659]

Always enjoyed watching Sanders and Darren Sproles.

[@targetegrat]

The eye test shows that Barry is the GOAT. He might not have the rushing record but it took Emmitt a long time to get it. Look at it this way defenses knew that Barry was the focus of the offense and could not stop him. The defense knows you will get the ball and still can't stop you. Thats GOAT status to me.

[@travno6441]

You not gonna mention Megatron?!!?

[@griffitz100]

good comment.

[@2badger2]

I remember in 1994 Sanders ran for 1800 yards and Smith ran for 1500 yards. Some reporter watched every game and came up with a amazing fact. On Smith's runs he would get hit after 4 yds and gain about 1 yd more while Sander's would get hit after 1 yd and gain 4 yds after. The offensive line for Dallas was so good!

[@wingracer1614]

Smith was kinda of the perfect combination of RB, OL and scheme. The scheme and OL did a great job of making the holes. Smith's job was simply to not hesitate. Take the ball and just explode through the gap with no delay. And so yes, most of the time no one touched him until he was 4 or 5 yards deep. He made it look easy but the talent on Smith's part was just how quickly he got that 4 or 5 yards deep. If he had been any slower, those gaps would have closed on him. Sanders didn't need a gap, he just needed a little space to maneuver

[@dillondank5662]

Eddie Lacy could have made the pro bowl with that cowboys O-line. Emmitt smith couldn't hold a candle to Barry's talent

[@dirkdiggler8794]

Larry Allen, Nate Newton, Eric Williams, sheesh...

[@question_it_701]

Actually he set his team up for 2nd and long and 3rd and long because he was in search of that "highlight reel" run. Which, he got quite often. Buuuut "highlight reel runs" don't equate to winning in the NFL. In the NFL, your goal should be to win games, not say "hey everyone, look at me" . Sanders holds the ALL-TIME record for most rushes with 0 or less yards, and the ALL-TIME record for total negative yards. Again, the NFL is about winning. Just taking the 2-4 yards available on 1st down helps you win. Backing up, juking, hoping you can break one, hurts your teams chances of winning. Which is a huge factor on why their record was a measly 74 wins and 79 losses when Barry played. He was a highlight reel master. When it came to helping his team win, he failed. Miserably.

[@otisgt]

@@question_it_701 who was their QB? Their WRs? Their best defensive players? Those teams were garbage. Barry’s the reason they were 500 instead of last in the league. You’re insane if you think he doesn’t make your team better. Even with those negative runs, he still had positive yards on 91% of his carries and averaged 5 yards per carry.

[@fge00]

Even if you weren't a Lions fan you would tune in to a game just to watch Barry Sanders. He is the GOAT running back hands down!

[@CandideQuixote]

Everyone and I mean everyone liked him and watching him play back then. No one said bad stuff about his personality or game. Just admiration and awe. The only debate amongst people was his place on the GOAT list. Still arguably the best ever.

[@slidingbolt2236]

Barry Sanders is the greatest of all time bar none. Period. And I love how he did it. Extremely humble and hardworking and didn’t do it for the money or the stats. When he wanted to stop, he stopped, with no regrets. He left at the top on his own terms. What a legend.

[@question_it_701]

Actually he set his team up for 2nd and long and 3rd and long because he was in search of that "highlight reel" run. Which, he got quite often. Buuuut "highlight reel runs" don't equate to winning in the NFL. In the NFL, your goal should be to win games, not say "hey everyone, look at me" . Sanders holds the ALL-TIME record for most rushes with 0 or less yards, and the ALL-TIME record for total negative yards. Again, the NFL is about winning. Just taking the 2-4 yards available on 1st down helps you win. Backing up, juking, hoping you can break one, hurts your teams chances of winning. Which is a huge factor on why their record was a measly 74 wins and 79 losses when Barry played. He was a highlight reel master. When it came to helping his team win, he failed. Miserably.

[@TheVlad1616]

@@question_it_701 he didn’t have much around him his whole career.

[@bigred9991]

@@TheVlad1616 that's false.... he had a hell of a team for the prime of his career they just couldn't get over the hump because of what Tim said, he couldn't keep his offense on schedule like Emmitt. That means staying out of 2nd and long and 3rd and longer.

[@TheVlad1616]

@@bigred9991 it’s Ben along time, but I don’t recall them having a “hell of a team” ever. It was Barry, a WR or 2, and that’s about it. Rodney Peete was the best QB he had. How much if those zero yard runs were because of his OL where guys were in the backfield before he could get to the hole.

[@mikepgh6529]

@@bigred9991 Emmit was surrounded by hall of famers, on both sides of the ball. That comparison is a joke. Name me Barry’s HOF Qb? HOF receiver? HOF linemen? HOF Lion defenders? Put Emmit on the Lions and he doesn’t have near the career as Barry. Put Barry on the Cowboys and they still lift the Lombardi’s.

[@ApocalypseNowWithEli]

I watched his entire career and to this day nobody really comes close. His retirement still shocks me to this day. Looking back it was probably the right move for his health.

[@malcolmrevels7836]

Naw he wanted to win n the loins was not gonna trade him

[@cdawg_sf]

I can watch Barry highlights all day long. Breathtaking

[@TazawaTanks]

Regardless of where he is on the all time yards list, in my opinion, he’s the greatest running back of all time. I had the pleasure of watching him play live at a MNF game.

[@kfordham281]

The most exciting player I ever watched. I remember when he retired, such a sad day for the NFL.

[@Chig232]

The Greatest Running Back of all Time. He still holds two records that are rarely talked about; Most yards after being hit in the backfield, and Most yards after first touch. Just think what this man would have done with the Cowboys line, this is why Emmitt Smith said Barry Sanders was the Best. And I'm a Dallas Fan, have to give respect to the Great ones.

[@nerdly44]

He is the greatest RB of all time. There is no question in my mind. However, often overlooked is how great of a human being he is as well.

[@danshowlund]

Barry, Mike Tyson and MJ are the three athletes whose old video clips make me nostalgic for my childhood. All three were larger than life and routinely did things my 10 year old brain couldn’t wrap my head around.

[@UnKnown-nq5hj]

Take out Tyson & put in Floyd Mayweather & you have the top dogs of their sport

[@Diabolicgoat]

Dont forget about Bo

[@caljerm]

also Bo Jackson and Shawn Kemp

[@josephperry1823]

I agree gotta add Wayne The Great One in there too.

[@wpriddy]

I read the great one's life story. I came to one conclusion, afterwards. If I were writing a fictional novel about the most dominant athlete of all time, I would not go nearly as far as his actual life. When you read his accomplishments, it seems made up. My favorite: Wayne scored more goals than anyone else in history. He also had the most assists in history. (In hockey, an assist and a goal are both counted as points. Not in game, but in record keeping.) If you take away all of his goals and only count assists, he still has more total points than anyone else in history. And it was accomplished in 300 fewer games. Anyone who hasn't should at least read his Wikipedia entry. It is astonishing. Utter dominance from childhood on.

[@montimiller2743]

I remember seeing Barry run crazy during his Junior year at O.S.U. when he won the Heisman, everyone who was watching then knew he was special and when he set foot in the NFL Sanders took it up to even another level and became the best ever to do it!!!

[@andrewhatez7955]

Barry is a solid person first, a good human being. After that, he will forever be known as the single greatest running back--pound for pound, that ever graced an NFL stadium.

[@cecilioquintero2898]

Hands down the greatest RB of all time. On a personal note he gave me a my dad some of the greatest memories watching him play, and that’s something that could never be repaid. Thank you Mr. Sanders!

[@jeffbond2944]

Yes the best ever ! Humble , no drama or spotlight , the best running back of them all !

[@jpeezie3192]

Once in a lifetime player for sure. Glad I got the opportunity to experience such greatness

[@mattgeiger9988]

Barry was always a class act, not just a great running back but also a good dude.

[@JoeMCool]

I, for one, consider myself extremely lucky to have witnessed all of his NFL greatness in my lifetime. It was a remarkably sad and stoic day when he announced his retirement -- a truly puzzling and confusing moment that *still* haunts fans like me.

[@PortlandEast]

I hate seeing huge chocolate families

[@wellnesspathforme6236]

There was nothing puzzling about it. His team refused to build around him, so he had no chance to win it all, he had a huge chance of getting injured as he aged, and he already felt he had plenty of cash for his lifestyle. That's 100% rational. Blame the Lions disorganization.

[@robertmccarthy4528]

Blame Detroit for that

[@someperson8151]

He struggled in his final season. If 4.3 ypc is a struggle. It was subpar for him. He's a career 5.0+ ypc. He lost a step.

[@Anatime714]

​@@someperson8151That's because he was over it at that point. He could have averaged 5.0+ but lost the passion for the game.

[@seandonoghue8197]

Barry was probably the most exciting player to ever play the game.

[@ChairmanMeow1]

Ive seen a lot of great running backs in my time, but I struggle to compare anyone to Sanders. He was just on another level. Only guy Id put on his level is Payton.

[@j.pesquera]

They should've mentioned how humble and professional he was as a pro football player as well. Something that has been completely lost on today's diva players. I have the upmost respect for Barry, and he absolutely destroyed everyone on the field and never showboated or bragged about it.

[@markcook3570]

Walter Payton great but humble also....

[@ryangordon133]

@Josh Traffanstedt yeah he was taught that way but his father was also a piece of garbage that treated him like trash.

[@answerman9933]

@@ryangordon133 So you are saying that Barry Sanders was able to overcome his father's bad side? Great for Barry.

[@ryangordon133]

@@answerman9933 exactly. The man overcame incredible hurdles. He will always be the GOAT. No one is overcoming him.

[@bp5558]

LeBron could learn a lot from Barry, but that would take sincere humility

[@Reaper-cs9xm]

As a bears fan there's never been a running back to strike so much fear in the game than Barry now that he's long gone he is the most missed player I will ever lay My eyes upon

[@skarath]

As a Pistons fan there has never been a basketball player that struck so much fear in the game as Michael Jordan. Now that he is long gone he is the most missed player I will ever lay my eyes upon.

[@tjstevens001]

Walter was that kind of player also.

[@charleslandrum514]

Always has been and always will be my all time favorite player to watch play the game! His ability to make adjustments at full speed and completely outsmart and out maneuver anyone in his way was absolutely magical!!!

[@BastardZombieKiller1]

The greatest running back in the history of the sport. Hands down the 🐐 GOAT 🐐

[@stuarthill1356]

I saw Barry come into an OSU game after Therman Thomas already ran for 200 yards in the first half and Barry did the same in the second half of a game. Impressive to have both men on the same field.

[@briansoares6796]

Shit!

[@sidneyrash9718]

Barry AND GALE SAYERS

[@Slikk750Blokk]

He was my absolute IDOL growing up! To watch him run the football was like nothing else before or after in sports history! The Lions were ALWAYS terrible, but you'd tune into their games just to watch Barry run the ball! Even his off games where he'd get stuffed for -5 yard runs, they were just poetic! He'd get contained, like 6 carries for 6 yards... then bust out a siiiiickkkk 70 yard touchdown! Insane

[@thegorn68]

How were they "always terrible"? They went to the post season 5 different seasons during Samders' time with the team.

[@jamescarter3130]

Before even watching i know he is the best i ever saw. I have been watching NFL since 1972.

[@Mma-basement-215]

I seen his whole NFL career I was 10 when he started and 20 when he retired listen everyone new he was the greatest running back of his time and arguably all time he was the only player every time he got a carry or touch the ball he could take it to the house people would hold there breath every single time

[@bobmanns3623]

Clearly the best ever at the position. I loved his humility.

[@jeremyness2395]

My god his college numbers as a junior were absolutely insane!!!

[@jamespenny9482]

Capital G bruh, capital G.

[@jeremyness2395]

@@jamespenny9482 danG my bad. i freskinG always forGet that god Gets a capital G bruh

[@fukkitful]

Yes, averaging 7.6 yards per carry is insane.

[@dillondank5662]

You spelled *untouchable* wrong

[@tri3pleagent]

Greatest college season ever. Period.

[@alcoholfree6381]

Barry Sanders is amazing; I loved to watch him run, his dazzling runs on a mediocre team was jaw dropping. The only thing that saddened me was his early exit from the NFL! We miss you Barry, one of the greatest to ever step onto a football field.

[@MrTwenty20video]

Great video. He was a gem in the league. Thank you.

[@jamescaricola6439]

I met Barry a handful of times threw a mutual friend about 8 yrs after he walked away from football. I’m going to say what everyone says about Barry and that as a person he’s so humble. By no means the typical sports superstar. Really just a regular guy kinda quiet. IMO the best Rb ever

[@DSPHistoricalSociety]

"Afraid to get hit" is not the same as "so incredible he could make anyone miss"

[@KerryFairbanks]

Yes, Barry is not ignorant as he said himself "I'm not the type that can run through defenders so I had to find another way around"

[@Nickecho7979]

Growing up watching all these guys was an amazing time in my childhood. Bo Jackson & barry sanders were the ones I loved watching. Among all the other great players. Good job barry.

[@peterjustinger6318]

Packers fan... Barry was the most amazing athlete, and running back ever ! His moves and quickness were just sick ! His humility was Inspiring !!!