The REAL REASON Why Barry Sanders RETIRED Early

#BarrySanders #DetroitLions #NFL
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On the morning of Tuesday, July 27, 1999, Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders was sitting at 15,269 career rushing yards.
That was just 1,457 yards behind the late great Walter Payton on the all-time rushing list. But Payton had played 13 seasons. Sanders had only played 10. No running back in the history of the NFL had accumulated more yards in a 10-year span than Barry Sanders.
The previous season Sanders had rushed for 1,491 yards. And he had just turned 31 on July 16. By all accounts, Barry still had plenty of life in his legs. All he needed was ONE MORE typical season and he’d break one of the NFL’s greatest records.
But that one more typical season never happened. And it’s not because Sanders blew out a knee, or fractured his hip.
Today we'll tell you exactly What Ever Happened to Barry Sanders.
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All images licensed through GettyImages
Host: DeQwan Young
Editor: Kyle McCormick
Writer: JP Grimaud

[@primeobjective5469]

Barry should've claimed his entire team on his taxes, for carrying them all those years.

[@jubei187]

💯

[@coreythomas3633]

LOL

[@vincentgwallacesr3577]

Lol you right

[@deionmyricks5323]

He was there only player 🤣🤣🤣

[@joshuatraffanstedt2695]

Lmao

[@WilliamSarokon]

I am a lucky man at 43 years old to have watched this man play live. Hands down the most exciting to ever play the position.

[@jerrysmith6321]

You are a Lucky man. Barry Sanders is the greatest running back to play The game. He was a Champion.

[@TheRealGoopyGoop]

I saw him play in buffalo 1 time super lucky it was my 2nd game i went to, i was in 5th or 6th grade

[@fan4life34]

I got to see Walter and Barry play there entire careers, and in my oppinion, the were both the best of the best!! 1-A & 1B!!! Walter also was a beast at blocking... Receiving.... And passing 🤔

[@jeromepowell9245]

I agree

[@snow3230]

CJ2K the most EXCITING to play that position

[@gerardparker4220]

“The realization that management no longer cared about winning ‘slammed me harder than any linebacker had ever hit me in my entire career’” poetic

[@joecavazos1786]

He should have played with the Cowboys.

[@viperguyz]

@@joecavazos1786 Cowboys did have a chance to get him but they needed a qb and made a good choice in acquiring Troy Aikman. The Packers however should have grabbed Sanders at number two. If they did and paired him up with Brett Farve those 90’s 49ers and Cowboys would have been in trouble.

[@babyfacenelson2704]

@@viperguyz Facts!! The Packers took Tony Mandarich at 2 and we think Bears fans have regrets.

[@lopezmt5]

@Cousin Vinny - The passing game was deliberately chosen by the because it led to more exciting plays and higher scores that brought in more fan interest and hence more money. The NFL has nurtured and fostered that through rule changes over time. They created the environment so that the "statistics" would bear out what you describe. Very frankly the NBA did a very similar thing with the advent of the three point line and the shot clock. Long range shooting draws in fan interest and money. In video games this phenomenon is called "power creep". Where new characters and powers are continually increasing in power in order to sustain interest and new growth in the game.

[@austinroberson8]

If he played for the Cowboys in their prime he would have run for 3,000 yards.

[@taltalmilal5495]

He never danced or celebrated after touchdowns. He's 100% pure class.

[@janetwhite7786]

Isn't that the truth! Now, every time anyone just does their job a freaking celebration has to go on. You realize where this came from, right? Cassius Clay. When he started with the "I'm the greatest", NO ONE in professional sports would do such a thing. Ppl would leave it to others to give them props. Tooting your own horn was considered crass. I miss those days.

[@UnKnown-nq5hj]

Nothing wrong with celebrating. Barry said he enjoyed when other players did it.

[@flddoc2]

I saw an interview where he was asked about his lack of celebrating and dancing in the end zone. He said when I make it to the end zone I just want to go get a drink of water. Beautiful.

[@UnKnown-nq5hj]

@@flddoc2 he actually said in one that he enjoys watching other players celebrate but that it just wasn't for him.

[@flddoc2]

Un Known I don’t think there were many things that bothered him. I was born and raised in Detroit and for all the people who say they were angry at him for his sudden retirement, there were many, many more hometown fans who totally understood the reason and that he earned and deserved to play for a team who could actually benefit from the guy who worked his ass off for as long as he could simply out of love for the game. Eventually though, it’s not enough and “we gotta see some dubba-U’s boys.” He, along with the Russian line the Red Wings built, truly excited Detroit. Every Thanksgiving we’d go watch the traditional Lions loss and celebrate it. For a guy as large as BS was, who needs that?

[@xcrimsinx]

Sanders was a real player, no flash, no, " Look at me", just a real genuine good human being

[@Halo.-.]

Yep

[@dreameryoung38]

That's why I liked him

[@sk8terboi10003]

No flash? Have you seen his highlights

[@happyhippie54]

@james b so true

[@andyparks6120]

Amen...i miss him.

[@AngelRodriguezFritoLay]

Barry would have had several 2,000 yard seasons if he had the line that he deserved. Pure class act. Respectful of others and an honorable person. Once in a lifetime player.

[@r.b.ratieta6111]

For real. If he had played for the Cowboys, 49ers, Packers, or Broncos during that era, he could have had a shot at 20,000 yards. And possibly 2-3 Super Bowl rings.

[@chadtheprogressivelibertar7787]

As packer fan he was electrifying. I started watching football in 1989 and got to see his whole career. He was just insane!

[@randomzero3]

Barry was the most humble superstar I think the NFL has ever seen. Something I always appreciated was how he gave you the show in the play, not in the endzone. He almost always handed/tossed the ball to the referee and jogged off the field when he scored.

[@brianvivickers3712]

Walter Payton was the greatest Running Back, and the most humble of athletes.

[@brianvivickers3712]

I give Barry Sanders his due, he was a great Back. The Lions should have surrendered he with better players that could have helped he and the Lions win a Superbowl.

[@harrymills2770]

The more I learn about Barry, the more I like and respect him.

[@rhyno8644]

People have the nerve to compare Smith and Jackson to Sanders. They both had top offensive lines and Bo Jacksons single back formation stats were terrible at the NFL level. The Raiders were way more successful with Bo Jacksons power run when H.O.F. Marcus Allen decided to play Fullback for him (look it up). Sanders average was about to set the record so high it could never be broken. Emmitt Smith thanked his friend for retiring.

[@006ahenry]

Went to game in atl when I was kid. Barry was the last player out on field, signing autographs for kids, for FREE. An hour or so after the game. He made SURE ALL the kids got something signed. At the time I just felt lucky, in retrospect I was blessed to see one of goats, do what he did. Great player, but all around awesome guy.

[@seansimms9433]

He would respect you, that's how Barry was...as talented as he was he was humble as fuck, ask any fan who saw him play, even opponents, I was a diehard Broncos fan, Barry never rubbed his success in our faces.

[@dreamkasts]

Kyle Snyder Ryan, Kyle knows exactly what he’s talking about (took less than 4 sentence to reAlize that). I’ve never heard of that comparison and I’m definitely dedicated to football and baseball. Although Jackson played he was basically a surprise player ( wasn’t full time). In the betting world the line would move way up with the Raiders once the betting world knew he was playing in a game. Between the Royals and Raiders he didn’t play every game nor did he have too..

[@sammycoleman6804]

Harry Mills i love people who are humble

[@sneakyquick]

I grew up watching barry, gretzky, bo, mj all the goats to this day. Lucky kid.

[@johnmayes5889]

Me to man 80 and 90s best era of sports

[@kennywayne1588]

NO CAP! ME AS WELL WHAT A TIME TO HAD BEEN ALIVE TILL THIS DAY! FACTZ 💯 BRODY.

[@derrickbonner6911]

I'm 48 years old i grew up watching 🏈 before during an after Barry

[@derrickbonner6911]

@Shawn Kemp daaaaaaamn lol

[@IshaBoyTV]

REMEMBER THE CARTOON CALLED ALL-STARS WITH BO, GRETZKY, AND MJ? I LOVED THAT SHOW...BARRY SHUDA BEEN ON IT THO

[@pheynx7573]

Barry doesn't owe anyone an explanation for why he retired. I wish more players would retire the way he did.

[@Jerkyboijb]

Best running back of all time. Imagine if he was running behind Dallas O-line

[@jeremiahratliff4332]

Man, oh, man I hated the Cowboys during those 90's years just the thought of that send chills down my spine to this day.

[@zorro149]

You need to read cowboyscoffeetalk.com/7-reasons-why-emmitt-smith-is-underrated-reason-5-the-offensive-line-and-supporting-cast-argument-is-overblown/

[@brianmcintyre503]

@@jeremiahratliff4332 he still did the cowboys dirty in 91. Made emmit look average. And for the record I respect the hell out of emmit

[@Boshyballs]

@@zorro149 emmit's smith's backups combined for more yards per carry then he did. Barry sander's had a 5.2 average and his backups averaged 3.2. no bigger discrepancy in league history. stop with the nonsense hit pieces.

[@indigenousways666]

Yo i talk mad ish about Smith, put him behind the lions oline and see if he can do what barry did!

[@funzjag]

Barry Sanders is a good man, a quality human being.

[@seankimble9216]

Never a Scandal.. True Ambassador.. Salute Sanders.. Did I mention he was a Beast!!!!

[@kenc2018]

Love that guy. Give him Emmits front line and his numbers would still be untouchable. Give most other running back Barrys front line and theyd be nobodies

[@kenstar3692]

Ken C I don't believe that. Barry was and is great. One of the greatest ever. But with emmitt's line the dynamics change. Barry strived on confusion and out of position defenders. I think it would have been different with well defined holes and big guys throwing defenders out of the running lane. That wouldve restricted barry's improvisation a little. I think he would have had great numbers no matter what. Untouchable.....no

[@kenc2018]

I see your point. Not as good for either if they switched. I was also writing while arguing the same with a friend who is a Cowboy fan

[@kenstar3692]

@@kenc2018 you were absolutely write on that second part. Give 70% of these half backs Barry's line and they would be garbage. Barry was something else

[@cannaday728]

you can only speculate...Emmitt holds the record and the Lombardi Trophy

[@kenc2018]

I know. There are more than a few players like that. Marino comes to mind

[@jimritzheimer7465]

Just imagine what the NFL would be like today if more players were like Barry.

[@pavilionhd8983]

Empty 😂

[@marshmcclory487]

There are many great players in today's NFL. No need to put down one generation to elevate another. I doubt Barry would agree with you, anyway.

[@stephblurry5002]

He was and still is my favorite of all time. I was about 17 when he walked away. I cried after the shock wore off, man he was the greatest thing I ever saw on the field.

[@kassdremusic]

2many Likes same

[@themadlad8540]

You cried? Bro that is the dummest shit i have ever seen.

[@tohitAC0]

I was 22 and very upset. It hurt

[@thku4grace]

I had the joy of watching him play, though I could care less about the Lions, I was always a fan of Barry Sanders. IMHO, he is the goat.

[@gusls3317]

Same thing over here....Even though I'm a huge cowboys fan.... But Barry is the GOAT...

[@janetwhite7786]

@@gusls3317 Right you both are...Barry IS the G.O.A.T.

[@kirgeez-gaming]

This hurt me and I wasn't even a Lions fan. I rooted for that man just as much as I rooted for my actual team.

[@newera5238]

Eagles fan allday everyday! But my favorite RB is Barry, I've alwayed wished he won a ring😑.

[@dreameryoung38]

The man was love by a lot of opposing fans,I to was one of them

[@dee6965]

They should give Barry a statue right at the entrance of Ford Field! Greatest Lion of all time!

[@user-hv6ov3pm3f]

For sure in Stillwater,Oklahoma

[@reycarradaras2853]

Facts him n his teammate Herman Moore...the Lion's father Megatron 💯

[@anthonyslazas2898]

Like that saying anything LOL

[@ericparker163]

Barry Sanders is the single most exciting player to watch in the entire history of the NFL. It goes beyond just the Lions. If he had the Cowboys line from that era.....2500 yard seasons would’ve been possible.

[@SuperGamefreak305]

Yo I feel you but this is probably the greatest football player of all time... you can't name 1 RB that has done what Barry has done...

[@gvincent7162]

I still remember watching the game against the Jets when Sanders reached 2000 yards. One of my favorite NFL moments...and I'm a Bills fan

[@Code_Made]

Same. Panthers fan

[@StukInBuf]

@Matt Murdock 716(opener): I believe that, had the Buffalo Bills made an offer to Detroit, trading Thurman Thomas for Barry Sanders at that juncture in 1999, it may have helped both teams. It would be a value-for-value trade. But, then again, the owner of the Bills at the time(Ralph Wilson) was just as miserly as the Lions' owner.

[@ericparker163]

Every game that Barry Sanders every played against the Bucs. He took those jokers to the woodshed every single time. I never considered myself a Lions fan, I don’t know how anyone could resist being a Barry Sanders fan.

[@richardevans4878]

Probably one of the two or three greatest pure runners alongside Gale Sayers and OJ Simpson but the best all around running back was Walter Payton hands down

[@Rad86..]

These new age athletes need to watch this and take note! All time great showed the most humility

[@r0bbyinchins]

Barry was the classiest superstar athlete in history... Never a ignorant t.d. dance or a spike after a score... The man was a role model.. Unfortunately very few NFL superstars followed in his humble footsteps....

[@Hxncheaux]

are you a fan of the nature boy ric flair?

[@timmb2672]

Barry put up his numbers running for his life GOAT! Not with gapping holes and a great offensive line. Literally running for his life.

[@robertjones2289]

timm B the reason he was so great is bc we had no line get your facts straight Emit smith and Walter Payton had a line that’s why they are so high in the record if Barry had 10 seasons with the cowboys or the bears would completely destroy them

[@timmb2672]

Robert Jones you obliviously can’t read or don’t comprehend. You are saying the exact thing I said but telling me to get my facts straight. Lol 😂

[@rarebreed6420]

And he bought those terrible lineman rolexes and they still didnt block for him...damn shame

[@ODANNEK]

The two greatest lies ever told were that the Devil doesn't exist and Barry not having a run blocking offensive line. Lomas Brown by himself went to 7 straight pro bowls 1990-1996. Six of those seasons with Barry Sanders. But I'll let you guys continue to run with that myth.

[@Boshyballs]

@@ODANNEK that's not a myth. His line was consistently ranked in the bottom half of the league. Whenever the Lions played any decent defense they constantly had defenders in the backfield. They had a few good players and some.pro bowlers. But they had some of the worst offensive line men in the league also. Barry averaged 5.2 yards a carry. The rest of the runningbacks averaged 3.2 yards per.carry. no bigger discrepancy in NFL history for any of the long term.greats. emmit Smith's back ups... actually averaged more than he did...per carry. I keep hearing this like.that his bad line was a lie. Usually by people who weren't alive or didn't watch football.back.then. people love to hate Barry Sanders because he was unconventional. But truth is...he was all they had for 10 years. Bad Coaching and bad owners. Truth is they would of have been 1-15 every year with out them. I'm sick of hearing about the dam pro bowlers. When they only had two...in ten years and they didn't even play together. One pro bowler....with 4 bad lineman doesn't equal great blocking. Please.stop spewing shit you read on the internet.....and learn to think for yourself. If you didn't watch the bad offensive line and the bad lions for 10 years you have no idea what you are talking about.

[@farakhhanif]

First the Lions sucked the life out of Barry Sanders. Years later, they did the same to Calvin Johnson.

[@imapackersfan741]

farakhhanif Yup, don’t know why they need to make a video when everybody who knows who Barry Sanders is knows why he left

[@picafavo3466]

How the hell did they go 0-16 with Calvin

[@imapackersfan741]

Top 10 Sports Cause the lions suck, always have sucked and will continue to suck. As a packers fan you really just have to feel sorry for them

[@mikef5484]

Im a Packers Fan aye shut the fuck up

[@j_ray6393]

Im a Packers Fan Last time I checked... we’ve swept you guys this year. So if we suck, what does that make the packers?

[@birdman9043]

Barry had the best moves of any back I have ever seen, I am watched him live at OSU. Shame he had to play his Pro games for the Lions. Humble and the BEST.

[@anthonysmith8155]

Thank-You so much for acknowledging Barry for the greatest RB that ever lived. He was undoubtedly just that.

[@Call_Me_Echelon]

Barry is my favorite running back of all time. It was incredible watching him play. I was disappointed when he retired. The least the Lions could've done, after all he did for that organization, was release or trade him so he could play on a team that would've given him a chance to win a Super Bowl before he retired. One of the greatest to have never won one.

[@corners3755]

Agreed. Im not as lions fan but ill never like them because of how they treated Barry Sanders after what he gave to them for a decade. Classy dude that they tried to walk all over because hes a nice guy. I will always root for them to loose now. They deserve it.

[@brandenvibez4378]

As a native of Detroit & Lion fan this broke my heart when he retired. Just like when Calvin Johnson retired.

[@elinelson9188]

Branden Thomas same

[@peterf4620]

Branden Thomas Yep!

[@nileharding3137]

Man ive been a lions fan since the 80s every year i get hopeful and every year i get heart broken i thought the 89 -90 season was our year but alas mark ripen and the redskins killed that dream 😢 now im so jaded i barely watch a game i still wear my barry jersey proudly though truly one of the greats on and off the field #20 barry sanders

[@nileharding3137]

@@RDB32 god i hope so bc im tired of being let down every season

[@johndoe-mn4is]

You guys could probably put together an all time team that looks very impressive

[@mssandy5494]

Barry Sanders was the reason I started watching the NFL. He was amazing!

[@dreameryoung38]

Him and other players like him.I dont like all the show boating and arrogance

[@xDreMack]

Same here

[@antoniomitchell1883]

@@dreameryoung38 people will celebrate achievements on and off the field.

[@HILLBILLYinHELL]

I remember watching Barry Sander and how amazing he was! I mean there were some good defenses back then and even they were not able to stop Barry from running where he wanted to go. I think he didn't want to break Payton's record. I appreciate that he was respectful as great of a player as he is/was. No matter who you want to compare him too Barry was something special to watch and I am very happy I got to watch this man play!

[@BarcelonaBlitzer]

Wow, I learned a lot about Barry Sanders! What an amazing player, but truly a humble and fantastic person! Hope he is happy and well! From a Packers fan

[@craigpaulson3503]

Awesome of you to say. Thank you Packers fan. -Lions fan 😁

[@Code_Made]

Same from a Panthers fan

[@jacobsladder6715]

He is..

[@DanielMartinez-iw7pl]

Wow didn't know the packers could have drafted him!

[@henrylicious]

Pack fan here. Even if Barry was on the Lions, I always have respected his demeanor on and off the field. Feel the same way about Megatron.

[@arthurralstonwakeupblackpe5940]

Barry Sanders was the greatest running back of all time he ran the ball like a powerful truck with a ballet presence....

[@deeramz]

Arthur Ralston@wake up black people Alvin Kamara has a similar play style.

[@sideswipe8469]

Arthur Ralston@wake up black people ...Barry was unable to play the the “i-formation” with 9 defenders in the box. That was Emmitt Smith’s specialty. I always believed that you need to look at the 1994 game between the Cowboys and the Lions and you can see the completely two different running styles of these two great running backs. Emmitt was the greatest power runner of all time. Barry was the greatest beautiful runner of all time. Emmitt was the greatest batting average/RBI running back of all time. Barry was the greatest home run hitting running back of all time. They always say that if Barry had Emmitts offensive line that Barry would have the all-time rushing record. We may never know. The fact of the matter is, in the first two games of 1997 the Lions attempted to use the same style of offense that the SuperBowl winning Cowboys during Barry Sanders 2053 yard season. The first two games didn’t go as planned. The results were: No. Yards. Vs 15. 33. Falcons 10. 20. Buccaneers After realizing that Barry wasn’t built for a 9 man front the way Emmitt was they decided to scrap the Cowboys “i formation “ and went back to their 4 wideout formation which left Barry the only back in the backfield. That drew away 2 extra defenders from the box to account for the wide receivers. That was the magic formula that Barry needed to propel him to his 2000+ yard season. What made Emmitt great vs what made Barry great were two completely different styles of running. Emmitt was consistent in getting your team the tough up the gut yards needed which didn’t help him with his yard average but it kept the chains moving and it ground down the opposing defenses. Barry on the other hand given a 7 man front was a dancer. He danced behind the line of scrimmage looking for that one opening that would spring him loose for a massive gain. That oftentimes resulted in him being tackled for a loss which in turn put his team behind the chains. I remember watching a game in which Barry was bottled up for just 30+ yards late in the 4th quarter. The commentators gave the opposing defense props for holding him to just that. Then it was almost like on queue, Barry broke loose an 80 yard run. Before that play, Barry had a yard average of maybe 2 per. But after that, his yard average jumped to over 6 per. That’s how Barry got most of his yards throughout his career. I tend to believe that it’s more of a coin toss as to who the GOAT was between Emmitt & Barry. That’s due to the explanation from the above essay.

[@JackJones-ic4ro]

But without the accolades

[@rodneygordon8429]

When you know your great, you don't have to show off, just show up and show out with class and that he did... The most Classical player of all-time.

[@Irishhaf]

As a life long Bucs fan, I loved to watch him run and yet dreaded the inevitable explosion against us every time we played no matter how good our Defense was we knew it was inevitable.

[@moss8448]

he was and is a class act

[@likemyshortsplease]

Barry _"Now You See Me, Now You Don't"_ Sanders #GOAT

[@tomthumb641]

Barry left because he knew who really controls the NFL and didn't want any part of it. Good for you Barry. Much respect.

[@coryburns1905]

So true the NFL has proven now they fix games

[@ritterlott9914]

Never Watching Again. Saints fan 2019

[@camerondavis8356]

If management doesn't want to win, what's the point of playing if you play to win? Conspiracy or not, he knew he was just pissing in the wind.

[@camerondavis8356]

@John MacArthur I believe it's possible. Yes, i saw that article about Mrs. Brady being a witch. I also found it highly suspicious the Patriots became the dominant team immediately after 9/11. I remember when Pittsburgh played Arizona in the Super Bowl, my friend said no way will they let AZ win. He was right. I'm a Chiefs fan. I found it very odd the Mexico game was cancelled last year, "special refs" were assigned to the game in LA, 8 or 9 penalties were called on the Chiefs in the first quarter. These games are rigged on some level. I stopped attending and watching NBA for that reason.

[@camerondavis8356]

@John MacArthur Oh i know I've been to a Republican delegate convention. I've seen how "votes" happen.

[@karlfortuin5794]

I met Barry back.in the summer of 94 at a lions training camp he never expressed any cockiness he was very devoted to the game & the lord jesus he was very respectful amazing guy that you could ever have a good conversation with I wanna thank you for your amazing skills & your love to the city of detroit 🦁🏉

[@warsofparadigm]

Liked as a die-hard Giants fan. OBJ forever!!!

[@tinapangallo600]

i met Barry. i have on video somewhere, i had a patriots jersey on, patriots phone case.... i asked him for his autograph. he responded "i was never a patriots" i told him i can appreciate the greatest of all time. he signed a mini helmet for me and was about to hand it to me and said "nevermind, i dont want to give it to you". clearly he was joking around, he gave me the autograph and a picture, he was always my favorite even though he wasnt a patriot but the sense of humor from him made me like him more. BARRY SANDERS BEST EVER ! (give him walter paytons offensive line or emmit smiths and he would have shattered 3,000 yards in a season)

[@hmackprotection1]

Barry is without question the greatest running back of All time, PERIOD

[@derrickbonner6911]

Gale Sayers Barry had the most runs for losses in history Sayers ran with with grace an style. Sayers Jim Brown then then everybody else

[@hmackprotection1]

Derrick Bonner you’re full of HorseShit! If Barry played on a championship caliber team the way Jim did with the Browns, Barry would’ve had even more positive yards. And I couldn’t care less about “running with grace”.. Jim is Top 5, Gayle is Top 10, but no running back has Ever EVER! Played the positive better than Barry. #1 Barry #2 Jim #3 Walter #4 Eric #5 Peterson #6 Gayle #7 Emmitt #8 OJ #9 Bo #10 Faulk

[@powerfulcornelius3285]

@@hmackprotection1 Damn right!

[@derrickbonner6911]

@@hmackprotection1Jim Brown made his own yards either over you or thru you aint no skit this way fake back this way either over you or thru for Jim Brown. Barry made so many jukes he use to fake out his own offensive line

[@derrickbonner6911]

Barry got one of the best burst in NFL history quick fast elusive but if his ankle tweeked slightly he sitting out

[@fulaan1]

We’ll never see another running back with Barry’s ability

[@wesleypriddy8698]

No.....we wont. That is both great and terrible at the same time.

[@robertgardner1126]

I think saquan Barkley is the closest I've seen. Still not as good but close

[@sodica81]

Napoleon Kauffman was very good

[@WoWmeVids]

I like Nick Chubb, reminds me a lot of Barry’s elusiveness and speed.

[@jasonmcneil7993]

Yo dont forget bo jackson yo

[@petefromoz7053]

As a Dallas fan from Australia I can safely say that Barry Sanders was the greatest running back of all time. Some of his plays were just breathtaking.

[@TinhNguyen-ux9gp]

Iam from michigan and every sunday we got to watch the best running back in the league play for a terrible team and organization

[@Markuspt.2]

Me: *sees title of video* Also me: “bc he got tired of carrying the team”

[@mustacheman7169]

T-swizzle342 X2 image if he played for the cowboys😯😯

[@joecoolberry911]

So sad, reminds me of the whole Calvin Johnson thing 😔

[@nutzagutz]

T-swizzle342 X2 yeah I think I agree

[@KaineFolse-xu2he]

@@barchaosmaster339 not two of the greatest,THE two greatest. Both were unstoppable but retired early due to garbage Lions teams

[@user-co1gi7yd2r]

Kaine Folse you really think barry and calvin occupy the num 1 and 2 spots for greatest offensive players?

[@TruBlue357]

🤔 He Left Because The Team Sucked! Same reason why Mega-Tron left.

[@bles05]

Damn i forgot cj retired for the same reason

[@jamesgrathoff9523]

This is not true at all. Lol

[@bennyhill2296]

And tate

[@tublisvaj8966]

James Grathoff it true, lions suck and there is no point. Asked any football legend players once u hit 30 u want to win a championship, u want a ring and once u realize that isn’t going to happen because ur team refuse to trade u and u know ur team suck so there is no point

[@ugenewalker4497]

TruBlue82 true they did not build shit around this man

[@drfoo4341]

I loved the way he acted when he scored like he been in the end zone before!

[@janetwhite7786]

Aint that the truth! Now they all want a medal for doing their jobs and act, when they do, like it has never happened before and may never again. No class at all. Barry was the last.

[@kentjohnson5544]

Greatest of all time. Great guy too, always modest and unassuming. We won't see his like again.

[@jaahnnn]

He didn't mention how he never celebrated tds. Just classy about everything. I feel sorry for ppl who never got to see him play

[@jacknasty5832]

That was one of my favorite things about him. The celebrations these days are out of control. Now players celebrate any significant play like they just won the superbowl. Crazy.

[@gullah_hawk21geechee84]

If never celebrated then why bring it up...

[@mikewhitney8615]

Just to bug a moron like you. @@gullah_hawk21geechee84

[@patrickstewart3446]

And he had the best End Zone celebration of all time - he just handed the ball to the ref. :)

[@TruBlue357]

That wasn't a celebration!

[@waltquietpro6023]

@@TruBlue357 exactly!

[@scottmcmillan5085]

Barry acted with class! No show boating, no gloating, no chest pumping, no dabbing, no muscle flexing or throat cutting motions. Just humble class. My all time favorite football player, and my second all time favorite pro athlete behind the captain, Steve Yzerman.

[@markmoore4895]

He'd been there before...and he knew he'd get there again...why gloat!?!

[@RichardRennes]

@@markmoore4895 You should be asking that of nearly EVERY player in football NOW and in the last 20 years.

[@jdmagicmusic]

i've just subbed you, thanks for this! Barry Sanders was by far the most incredible running back to EVER play the game!!! and he was, and remains, a GREAT guy!

[@katandpapa]

You did a great job presenting! Barry Sanders has always been one of my favorites along with Walter Payton.im a die hard Denver Broncos fan, but I totally respect and admire Barry Sanders. Great video! BE SAFE,GOD BLESS!!!

[@Gypsy_Trails]

The most electric RB EVER! Sincerely, a Vikes fan!

[@austinryan9382]

Barry knew the Lions organization wasn't committed to winning, so he walked away... Also he's proven to be right, Detroit hasn't won a playoff game since he left.

[@carloshoward8845]

So true

[@CP-lo2bh]

I believe that and also why c.j. left early. Look at all the different coaches, top draft picks, G.M.'s etc. they have had over the years yet remain losers. The one constant is ownership which I believe is content with mediocracy.

[@markcole8887]

Austin Ryan 😨😰😭

[@markcole8887]

C P that’s FORD Motor Co. Can you believe that!/? Wow...

[@stevensfootballandbasketba2560]

NMRz

[@warsofparadigm]

Barry was the only thing worth watching on thanksgiving day during his playing years. He was the epitome of a true NFL football player IMHO. Much respect to the bro. Be well "B."

[@leonmaliniak]

When you watch all the highlights of all the great running backs of all times, and there were many, BARRY SANDERS stands out as the absolutely most elusive and creative one of them all. He was like a water bug who could jitterbug back and forth, go left and right at will, as if his knees were made out of TITANIUM . His ability to change directions and to stop on a dime at full speed and then go in a new direction were in a class by themselves. The UFO of running backs. And this type of running ability is not just all about having great physical gifts, because saying that would just trivialize the magnificence of his achievements. To do what he did repeatedly in weaving in and out and around hordes of defenders it also takes phenomenal MENTAL skills and thinking things out in real time at breakneck speeds...like a computer processor working out a path through a minefield. Just brilliant all around and more importantly a beautiful and kind and generous human being and not a spoiled athlete with a swollen head. A running back for the ages.

[@arturosuarez2421]

The greatest running back of all time to never win or appear in a Super Bowl. Period.

[@nitrowitaquestionmark]

Barry Sanders is beast mode before beast mode

[@liggonsreacts21]

Nitroboi_ Gaming true but with dazzling runs not bruising like Lynch or csonka

[@Adam-sg8sg]

Larry csonka says hi.

[@TheMrBmurray]

Eh...Barry could avoid defenders like no other. Lynch was more like mowing anyone down that got in his way.

[@alexmundy5923]

I was literally just about to type this.

[@chrisstorey4119]

Terrible comparison

[@Nagnullat]

I'm a huge Bears fan. Watching Sanders run was as awe-inspiring as it was frightening. He was incredible.

[@greenyweedy9439]

One of my greatest memories was at 13 years old I was in a commercial with Barry Sanders at the golf course

[@mikeway2223]

Greeny Weedy I have a memory of him signing a lion colored football for me in person and I was in awe. Such an amazing player to watch each week growing up in Michigan. Now I’m 38 and still remember those games fondly. It was so fun watching him scramble and make the opposing team look silly.

[@Jrjj42]

Anyone who didn’t get to see Barry, Bo or Vick as a falcon play, they truly missed out. I have never seen anything like them.

[@dominics7565]

Vick was great for sure

[@fan4life34]

Or anyone who didn't get to see Walter payton, he was so incredible on the football field!

[@kornival117]

When an employee of any occupation refuse to step back to their former place of employment, you know it's because of management

[@zHumanfactor]

Great presentation. Barry was the greatest running back in NFL history. He was mesmerizing. I haven't seen another with his ability.

[@seanchristophersynthesizer6999]

Barry was sure incredible....and a class act! I love your channel, TPS! I wish I had your skills in front of the camera. Keep up the fantastic work! :)

[@derrickbonner6911]

Barry left the Lions because they refuse to make the team a winner by picking up players to help them win so Barry retired he only wanted to play for Detroit

[@djpro1782]

He wanted to force the Lions to trade him and didn't want to hold out or be Prima Donna

[@arrjee9474]

Derrick Bonner But the narrator said Barry would return the sign on bonus only if the Lions released or trade him. Why did he even bother to sign the last contract? He could’ve let it expire and go to another team.

[@derrickbonner6911]

@@arrjee9474 u know how it go in pro football they sign somebody to a nice contract only to release that person a season or two later i do know Barry went to management an said i want to win wat are we doing to field a winner i guess the answer he got was the wrong answer so he said I'm done

[@derrickbonner6911]

@@arrjee9474 Barry gave many interviews saying lil stuff but he wanted to win

[@djpro1782]

@@arrjee9474 He re-signed because he had a new coach, a 2,000 yard season and the Lions just needed help on Defense to win a Superbowl. But the Fords cheaped out and refused to re-sign players and Barry was stuck with 4 years left. When he finally did ask to be released, he had ZERO leverage.

[@jdaddyrizzo]

Imagine if the Packers had drafted Barry at 2 instead of Mandarich. Barry Sanders with Brett Favre... woulda been unstoppable.

[@slitherking621]

No

[@bobafatty111]

No

[@jasonmoffatt9961]

😿

[@tetlowracingteam]

If Green Bay would have drafted Sanders at 2 in '88, they probably would not have traded for Favre in '93.

[@ganrice2984]

@@tetlowracingteam with Don Majowski and Barry, that would work. Ron Wolf would have stayed in NY, and trade with atlanta for Favre. Super Bowl 32 wiuld have been GB vs. NYJ

[@byrondevon5983]

I applaud this well constructed and informative video! All hail to Mr. Sanders and all that he’s done for the NFL and the Detroit Lions.🙌🏾 -byrondevon

[@charlesbaldo]

Barry Sanders was sweetness, I loved watching him run. As for Retiring Barry Sanders is in the same league as Jimmy Brown. Retire at the top of your game. Thanks for a good video

[@JDilli]

Barry was just a special person, never seen another NFL Player with a demeanor like his, just a special dude, and that's coming from a life long Vikings fan.

[@millercrowe3870]

Also a Viking fan and he was always a class act. Sad day when he retired. I loved his TD celebration just hand the ball to a ref.

[@therealchristaholic]

FOOTBALL IS NOT ABOUT CLASS

[@jonBreezy]

Barry Sanders= best running back ever

[@-ktb-_-btk-4373]

Jonathon Brzezinski u forgot about Walter Payton

[@jonBreezy]

Walter Payton ain’t best running back, the nicest but not the best

[@picafavo3466]

Jonathon Brzezinski Jim Brown is so much better

[@yesitsme5882]

Bo Jackson if he wasn’t injured so early

[@picafavo3466]

Grandma stole my lotion Bo might be tenth at most but he wanted to play baseball more than football

[@croutonm6030]

Retiring early gave Sanders the “what if” factor in discussions of who is the GOAT. Walter Payton died shortly after this knowing he was on top. Barry cemented his legacy with talent, class, and mystique.

[@whateves1187]

Barry may be the greatest player to have ever played period. Not best RB or even football player but the best individual to ever play any sport under the sun. Thanks for the memories Barry.

[@ericparker163]

AddyAliChris2011 2011 It was a time when I loved that the Lions always played on thanksgiving. Barry Sanders is truly a one in-a-lifetime player. I doubt we’ll ever anyone else like him take the field again.

[@andrewjames7438]

He’s great, but there is at least 20 off the top. He doesn’t have a championship.

[@tohitAC0]

@@andrewjames7438 that's one of your reasons? You could be the back up kicker and have a championship. Who let this clown comment?

[@Kiddman32]

About 5 minutes into the video, you have that still shot of Sanders with three Vikings defensive players closing in on him... Most people who never saw Sanders play would say. "He's surrounded!". Those who HAVE watched him would say, "Looks like a fair fight..."

[@pernellgary2403]

That's right

[@agirlyman]

I still remember how angry I was at Coach Wayne fontes for not pushing Barry Sanders to break the rookie record for rushing I think he sat out the third quarter maybe most of the second half, I'm still pissed about it. And I used to hate emmitt Smith because people would argue that he was better and then I would say what if Barry Sanders had the Dallas offensive line how many yards would would he have rushed for? That usually shut them right up. Because of the first person Barry Sanders saw was a defensive back, he would have rushed for 2000 yards maybe even three thousand yards. DB's didn't stand a chance against Barry Sanders you made most look stupid, and that was just with his jukes don't think he couldn't run people over he was the strongest dude on the team. Barry Sanders greatest running back of all time. Note: I gained so much respect for Emmitt Smith when he acknowledged the greatness of Barry Sanders in his Hall of Fame speech I think it was.

[@janetwhite7786]

I've always thought it was a shame that O.J. played for the Bills. What if he had had a real team around him? Now, of course, he's a murdering, lying p.o.s.

[@hazetiva]

That was a great video! Thank you for all the work! Im a Denver Broncos Fan I was always amazed at Barry Sanders skills. Sure we had Terrell Davis, when Barry didn’t report to Lions camp I was hoping and Praying the Broncos would sign him. Then he retired I was blown away!

[@CoreyDavisEMTP]

Just came across this video, and gotta say it was outstanding. Well done!

[@abnjimmy2324]

I loved watching Barry play as a kid, will always be my favorite NFL player. Even as a child I knew I was watching something special. And shout out to Megatron, I wish that that had both kept playing. Best two players of all time at there positions. They would hold all the records if they didn’t cut their careers short.

[@brianmcintyre503]

Megatron was great but he was not Jerry rice. Barry however is the best.

[@editorrbr2107]

And we shall never see his like again. Thank you for this. 🤜🏼

[@keithmccullum6873]

I'm a 9ers fan, but Barry is the greatest rb. Hands down. Thank you Barry for the great memories. All love

[@tomswill9189]

Thank you for this. This man is definitely in a class by him self. Incredible bumblebees. He retired on his own terms. Not nobody else's.

[@ediehl007]

Sounds like a saint to me. Not many folks are like him. That's unfortunate.

[@LuketheCatholicGuy]

Erich Diehl yes it is 🙁

[@gullah_hawk21geechee84]

WHO DAT

[@ediehl007]

@@gullah_hawk21geechee84 Barry Sanders

[@luckthegambino5809]

Best RB of all time. And it’s not even close

[@DeCurtaRican]

Luck The Gambino : Sorry, but the “and it’s not even close” part is bullsh*t. IMO, the greatest RB in NFL hustory is still Walter Payton. Ladainian Tomlinson, Jim Brown, Adrian Petersen, Eric Dickerson, Emmett Smith, Earl Campbell, Bo Jackson, Marshall Faulk, Marcus Allen, O.J. Simpson, Gayle Sayers, and Herschel Walker we’re also close or better. Remember that a RB’s stats depend a lot on his O-Line. All of the guys I mentioned were deadly.

[@richardmcdermott2411]

Agree and no line

[@chrome2l]

Sanders and Payton the top two. Amen

[@sweeches]

ghjkghk Payton, Brown, and Campbell in his prime are better than Sanders. The others are in the ball park, some are way closer than others. Sanders isn’t the best at his position, he isn’t even top 5 NFL players all time. Tired of lions fans disrespecting all time great RBs

[@Harryberkowtz]

Sweeches ! You must be high . He is better than everyone you named and it’s not even close!!!

[@harrymuhammad9835]

I saw him in Whole Foods in Miami years ago.I said "I admire what you did", he said"thank you "while walking away from me ,never once making eye contact. Years later I told Desmond Howard about the encounter with Sanders, figuring he would have some insight with the Michigan connection. He said"Yeah man,that's Barry,a man of few words"

[@tommygunn940]

Great job on the video. I watched it all the way through.

[@benmartin7090]

No views 22 likes 16 comments I want what KZbin is on

[@kaydenhuffstutler4587]

Me too

[@wraith6456]

Shark Martin ur profile pic is the same as my discord profile pic lol

[@caleb8807]

stfu with your hOw tO gEt LiKeS oN yOuTuBe

[@nutzagutz]

Shark Martin same dude

[@benmartin7090]

Wraith cool

[@jamesm3471]

Barry Sanders was simply class.

[@dominics7565]

He's a class act for sure

[@mr.wonkastyle2558]

Classiest guy and my childhood hero thanks for the memories

[@mikesea9190]

Almost every time Barry touched the ball it was highlight film material. It was always strange why he quit. Thanks for the great video. Too many adds though.

[@gevang6346]

One of the greatest running backs if not the best. But a better person on and off the field.

[@conchobar]

No athlete has a better highlight reel than Barry Sanders.

[@vCLOWNSHOESv]

Barry Sanders and Michael Jordan are my favorite athletes of all time and we lost them in the same year.

[@derricktalbert6554]

4:36 was the cover of a Beckett football price guide.... wooow that takes me back!!!

[@JimDogg1799]

Finally some Lions content. Especially the best RB of all time.

[@ashaw5864]

Jimmy Long agreed

[@mustacheman7169]

Donald J. Trump _ 8 seasons. Emit played like 14

[@lambert581]

The sad thing is Sanders was wasted by the Lions they never put the talent around him like at QB Defense Wide Receiver.

[@WillJohnsonIsABoss]

Jimmy Long in my opinion it’s Walter Payton

[@phoenixgamer3480]

@@RDB32 Yeah, but the fact that their offensive line was total ass played a huge part in that

[@mikehamelin7520]

I loved watching him run and was so bummed when he retired. Barry is the GOAT of running backs for me.

[@dreameryoung38]

Me to

[@NIX5Cents]

I still remember how I felt when Sanders retired! 😔

[@A_Bone1972]

Barry handed the ball to the ref after every TD he scored. During what turned out to be his final season playing, i lived in Wichita while finishing up a college degree. i "helped" a friend, who happened to be from Detroit in Wichita attending a different college, write a paper for his comp class titled, "Give the Ball to Barry!". The main premise of which was to get rid of Scott Mitchell for a blocker, and direct snap the ball to Barry for EVERY offensive play. When my buddy got his graded paper (A+) back, the teacher asked him if he wanted to write for the sports section of the school paper!

[@1111boone]

A truly great running back and very little ego! I wish today’s players could learn from Barry”s attitude.

[@ravellxivrobinson9860]

Please do a video of Hall of Fame Careers wasted on bad teams.

[@stevenlim2818]

RavellXIV Robinson i could name so much in the Lions

[@Rj-us5fg]

RavellXIV Robinson calvin johnson barry sanders LT julio Jones larry fitz leashan McCoy

[@chaosx57]

Joe Thomas

[@UrinalUser]

RavellXIV Robinson OJ, Dan Marino, Joe Thomas, Calvin Johnson

[@justinmiklich230]

@@Rj-us5fg LT won two Super Bowls

[@loriesh.383]

Now just imagine what his record would be if he was on a good team? I was mad when he retired but at the same time I kind of knew his reasons for leaving. He also has the best jerseys in the nfl period.

[@keem31]

You just got yourself another subscriber. This will be great motivation for young up and comers about what football is really about