in my opinion he's the best running back to play the game, could've easily smashed Emmit's record, but retired in his prime. The most humble, down-to-earth guy. His runs are legendary. He didn't care about breaking records, he was all in it for the team.
He is a very humble man. A few months ago the Lions unveiled a beautiful statue of Barry at Ford Field (well deserved). He gave a brief speech and he was emotional and so humble. I’m so glad they did that.
All in for his team?? Barry wus selfish something emmitt smith wus never. Emmitt smith also wus an ultimatum winner first before records. His first goal wus always to win a Superbowl and risked his body for the betterment of his team and despite all the stars around him he carried the cowboys on his back and in 2 cases on one shoulder
A bit of Lions history: the Lions have traditionally brought in local highschool cheerleaders for the home games. It wasn't untill about 5 years ago that they actually hired a professional cheerleading group.
@@williamliss7129 I was at a game once where she was doing her thing in the corner and she dropped the baton on a big throw, and everyone went "OOOHHH!" like there was a big hit or something. She picked it up, started where she left off, did the big throw and nailed it, and everyone in the corner went crazy cheering like we just scored a last second TD. It was a fun little moment, the kind of thing that doesn't really happen anymore
@@christco120 very interesting story! Seems as if the highschool girls might be more entertaining than professional cheerleaders. Probably because the pro's are expected to be perfect, and a highschool girl performing pro maneuvers is just more impressive.
That year, Barry had 2000 of those yards the last 14. He only had 53 yards in the first 2. They stole the MVP that year from Barry and made him share it with Farve because the NFL writers were loving Farve. He could do no wrong in their eyes.
I saw Barry play a college game against Nebraska in Lincoln. Bro carried over thirty times, averaged about ten yards per game, and scored six touchdowns. Nebraska did win the game, but had no answer for him at all. After the game, Sanders received a salute in the form of a standing ovation, from eighty thousand Nebraska fans who understood what they had just witnessed. It was the most astonishing display of sustained athleticism I have ever seen.
Packers fan here. I have the utmost respect for Barry. The man had class. The BEST thing about Barry was that he never, ever, did a stupid dance in the end zone. He just handed the ball to the ref and said “rack ‘em up again”.
In 1997 Bobby Ross became HC of the Detroit Lions. The first game of the season against the Bears, Barry only got 15 carries for 33 yards in a win. The second game against the Bucs was worse because Barry carried the ball only 10 times for 20 yards in a loss. 53 yards in the first two games. Then the light bulb went on in Ross's militaristic brain to change the game plan. Barry rushed for exactly 2,000 in the following 14 games, all over 100+. Just imagine if Barry ran for 150 in both those games, he would have shattered Dickerson's single season rushing record. Shame on Boss Ross! Barry Sanders is the G.O.A.T.!!
Truly the greatest of all time, and such a humble guy too. I met him once as a kid and at 42 now I still remember that day vividly as well as the mantra back then, "3rd and 20? Give it to Barry." There will never be a better running back.
First of all how do you give the ball to Barry if it's 3rd and 20 when Barry wus on the sidelines every 3rd down. 2nd of all Barry ran backwards the first 2 downs and put the lions at 3rd and 20
Barry was from Wichita Kansas just down the street where I coached track at WSU. He came home after his frosh year when Thurmon Thomas was still the #1 RB at Okie State. My wife and I were in our late 20's or so. We were still training for masters track. He would come to the track fball field and train. He would ask me "coach would you mind timing me in some 40's".At the time I knew who he was but didn't know how great he would be. He was the nicest most humble hard working guy I ever knew. Did you ever see Barry make any kind of demonstrative exibition after a touchdown. Mostly he just handed the ball to the ref. Class act all the way. His dad would be up there sometimes also a class act. I wish he could have been on a team that had some shots at the superbowl. But, he was drafted by the Lions and he was loyal to them because that's who he is.
While Barry was playing and for many years after retiring, you could often find Barry running around the track at my old high school 10 minutes from my house.
Very few players seemed great when you witness them as a youth and then crush the ideal you created of them when you rewatch them after generations of 'greats' to compare them to. Hell always be the man.
Barry could make you miss in a phone booth. When he retired I was floored. He would have no doubt broken Walter Payton's record. But Barry is still very much involved with The Lions and he recently had a statue unveiled in front of Ford Field and deservingly so. Great video! Always a joy to relive my childhood and see the greatness of Barry all over again.
Barry has a special place not only Lions fans hearts but football fans from all over. He could score at any point they gave him the ball. Under the new GM and coach they brought Barry Sanders back into the organization. It's awesome to see him as part of the team again
And if you weren't at the game or if the game was blacked-out locally, you couldn't see Barry on TV every single Sunday. A lot different today because fans can watch every single game because of Sunday Ticket.
Barry wasn't super fast top end, but his initial burst was lightning. There were some DB's who could eventually run him down with enough field to play with, but he'd streak by everyone and they'd all be playing catch up.
Being from Detroit and a Lions fan since 1978, the first game I ever attended was actually at Soldier Field in 1981, Lions at Bears. Walter Payton and another Lions great wearing #20, Billy Sims sharing the same field. Sims, with his 117 yards rushing helped the Lions win 23-7. I was fortunate to see Barry play multiple times live, along with Payton, Sims, Dickerson, and Emmitt. Great Backs, some of the best ever.
Yep, I was at the home opener the weekend the Lions unveiled it and had the ceremony for Barry. We gave Barry a hero's welcome when he was introduced during the home opener against the Seahawks. It was a shitty loss in OT, but man, my ears were buzzing it was so loud in Ford Field that day. Well-deserved honor for him, and I got some really good pics.
Because the Lions are my local team, the Lions were always on in my house. Even as a young kid, I knew Barry was different different. Nobody ran like him before or since. It sounds like you and me are about the same age. I saw the greatness in real time, but didn't really get deep into football until right after he retired.
I'm 40, and watched the Lions since I can remember. At the time, it was the Barry Sanders show to me, I knew it wouldn't last forever, and when he retired, I cried for a week. To this day, I tear up when I watch Barry Sanders highlights. I was a fan of all sports, looked up to Wayne Gretzky, Michael Jordan, Isaiah Thomas, Nolan Ryan, and Barry Sanders. Out of those above, Barry's skills felt like the most special to me.
This man singlehandedly made an entire fan base temporarily overlook large amounts of losing. Win or lose you were guaranteed to be entertained. He carried some winning teams along the way too.
The greatest running back in the history of this planet. Nobody even close. Words cannot define the fear he put into opposing defences. Don't ever forget Lomas Brown, Ken Glover, Mike Utley, Eric Andesalick, Jeff Hardings and other great offesive linemen that blocked for Sanders.
I'm a Lions fan, but I loved John Lynch (HOF, so obviously I'm not the only one!). It seemed like Barry made the poor guy look totally incompetent at least once every game they played though.
If they hadn't increased the number of games in a college season - and counted bowl games as part of season stats - Barry would still hold the college record for most yards in a season. Barry playing against other college players was simply unfair. Thurman Thomas was a really, really good RB, but still blows my mind Barry had to wait a year at OK Sate to play because Thomas was there. I was in Michigan until the end of his career, so got to see a lot of him play. The guy had so, so many opponent DBs and LBs get carted/helped off with sprained ankles. It was ridiculous. 2:32 and, of course, turning Harlon Barnett inside out. If Barry would've had Emmitt Smith's o-line, he'd have had 20,000+ yards rushing, I firmly believe that - and I grew up a Bears/Walter Payton fan. Since you asked - his scouting combine 40 time was 4.37 seconds - it just seemed like it was 3.30 seconds.. Unfortunately for Adrian Peterson, time ran out in the game where he got to 2097.
Check out Thurman Thomas. The dude was legit great, leading the league in all-purpose yards in 4 straight years. He was not only a great runner but a pass catcher before Faulk and LT, and he was a great blocker as well. He would have even more touchdowns, but the Bills pulled him in the redzone (inside the 5) for the backup Davis so he wouldn't get hurt on unessasary hits.
There’s really no room for debate. I know I’m biased because I grew up outside of Detroit and had the pleasure of watching Barry play two times at the Silverdome but he was the most athletically gifted running back I’ve ever seen or will ever see Kids or people under 30 can talk about the backs of today who are great/good in their own regard but nobody could make a 3 yard gain look like the greatest run you’ve ever seen like Barry did Thankfully, the old wounds with the organization seem to be healed, it’s great to see Barry coming to Lions games and being a part of this revitalized franchise
As you mentioned at the beginning, the Lions were never a great team while he played for them - or since then either. They did have a few good players during that time, but as a whole the teams always stunk. They never had enough, good players, or QB, or coaching to put it all together. Barry carried the team during his time there and it was so fun to watch him. He could lose 2 or 3 yards on consecutive plays and then break the next one for 20 or more. You just never knew what would happen when he touched the ball.
I was at his greatest game, Dec 21st 1997, clinched playoffs, 2,053 yd year and carried off the field. My only game at the Silverdome. As a 7 year old kid I saw him on TV at Oklahoma State, and he instantly became my favorite player. It didn't matter what NFL team he went to, I knew this guy was better than anyone i ever saw at 7, I followed his entire career as a kid.
If you want to see Barry's prototype, look up some Gale Sayers highlights. I see a lot of what Barry did in Gale's play. P.S. Barry officially ran 4.29 - 4.37 depending on what source you get. And the Lions didn't get pro cheerleaders until recently.
OJ did 2000 yards in 14 games… and in the cold weather… only Barry and Jim Brown averaged close to 100 yards per game throughout their entire career..the Detroit Lions had high school cheerleaders from two schools each home game, which I thought was very classy😎 and community oriented..
I got to watch him play every game of his career live at the Silverdome. Seeing him on TV or video didn't do him justice. He was the best player on the field at all times. He left you in awe.
For those of us who got to watch Barry Sanders every week. We were truly blessed. I personally can say i watched the best running back ever, on a weekly basis. K owing he was the greatest. Barry running defenders in circles is all the proof needed. Haven't seen anyone do it since. Emmit had arguably one the best offensive lines ever. Barry did it with a scrub line. Other than Lomas Brown.
Barry Switer legendary Oklahoma University coach said it best. He came to his team. His told them something he had bever asked them before . "Whatever you do, don't hurt Thurman (Thomas). Thurman was a Heisman Trophy winner in the making. He knew what was coming The Freshman phenomenon Barry Sanders. He b3gged them, please don't put him out the game. Because, "we'll have enough trouble containing Thurman, you won't even touch this kid!(Sanders)
I was fortunate to see Barry play and when it comes to pure ball handling and avoiding tackles, he was the man. If you ever needed a first down at 3rd and long in Detroit, just give the rock to Barry
I'm a Bears fan, and it was an honor to watch Barry Sanders play. Funny thing is, the Bears are the #1 team, that he has the highest average against (146 yards per game.) But I never hated him. He was so humble, yet, so great! I miss him on Thanksgiving.
17:32 this run is still a core memory for me. I remember seeing this run as a child in my parents house, not really fully understanding the significance of what he'd done, but also just seeing my dad and grandfather celebrating in the room
Barry was my first favorite athlete when i was a kid, he's still my all time favorite, it sucks that we didn't have a good team around him, if there's anyone that deserved to be Super Bowl Champion it was him
I started with the original #20. OG & then we got Barry…..last 2 & best #20. Support. Detroit is the real deal & watch them continue to drop the hammer. Finally!!
I went to the Raiders vs Lions game at the Silver Dome. Got to meet Bo was the coolest day ever as a kid we used to have a family friend that played for the Lions in the early 90’s on Special Teams Nico Noga. Such great memories as a kid growing up going to all the games. And meeting the players.
People made debate if Barry was the greatest running back to ever play the game. But I will stake my life on the fact that Barry was the most elusive running back to ever play the game. If you go back and really watch majority of the time when Barry got the ball the defense was already in the backfield. He is to this day the most elusive running back ever to play the game. He was the Lions!
Dude, he’s arguably the best. It’s a damn shame he was stuck with the Lions through that period of time. He is the most respectable, honorable down to earth humble gentleman. To be the best and stay so humble is remarkable heart and soul great morals and values!
Oh damn! How about them new Lions jerseys? Glad to see you covering Barry. He's my favorite player ever! The Madden 25th anniversary game had him on the cover. It was a national vote that eliminated players from contention. He was the final player standing. Awesome to see just how revered he is and was. I think he's the best player ever. Just my opinion though
Barry had it all Speed, balance, vision, cutting ability, and yards after contact It was virtually impossible to arm tackle him, and one on one, even hall of farmer's had no chance against him
He flew into Tulsa and came right from the airport to the workout. He got out of the car, got into some sweats, limbered up a little bit and ran a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash. Wayne Fontes, who was the Lions head coach at the time said, "Hey, I don't care if he works out or not, we're taking him No. 3."
I loved Barry's humility. He didn't spike the ball, didn't do a TD dance...nothing but hand the ball back to the ref. Very few players like this in any sport. The closest I can think of is my Browns Nick Chubb who also doesn't celebrate when he scores. Pure class.
I’m a life long browns fan ..born and raised in Cleveland … I was a young adult during the sanders era of the 90s… people in Cleveland mostly say Jim brown was the all time best … but it’s Barry sanders . What’s so amazing about his career was that for several years he played in a run and shoot offense with NO full back or tightened blocking for him.
Fun fact, Barry and Thurmond Thomas were at Oklahoma State at the same time, Thomas was a junior or senior while Barry was a freshman. The legend goes that Barry Switzer, the coach at Oklahoma told his defense not to hit Thurmond Thomas too hard or they’d put in “that goddamned Barry Sanders!” Now, Thomas was a HOF’er in his own right, but Barry was something else.
Gibbs today reminds me a bit of Barry, but no one could ever come close to what he did on the field. Im glad he and the lions organization made amends. It's awesome seeing him around the team again. Think of the wisdom and advice barry can give Montgomery and Gibbs. Hell of a player and even a better person.
Consider this, Thurman Thomas started ahead of Barry for 2 years at Oklahoma State. Barry played very little until his Heisman winning junior year. Then he was one and done and into the NFL.
At the siverdome, the lions had different high schools as their cheerleads every week . I was a season ticket holder all Berry's career. Berry was the best pure runner, Payton greatest all-around back . Seen him at least 10 times live
Barry retired earlier than he needed to for a couple of reasons. The first was he felt he did not have anything left to prove and was never about records or his individual stats as he was a truly professional and class act. The second, but unspoken reason was that the Lions NEVER put a decent team around him so almost ALL of his yardage was gained by his own efforts and not because they blocked well for him. The Lions organization showed no true interest in building a championship team around Barry and he felt they had no real commitment to winning and they were never going to trade Barry so he opted to save his health and body by retiring early. I never was a Lions fan, but I also did not hate them and I loved watching games Barry played in even when I was routing for the other team I loved to watch him run. I remember one game covered by John Madden when Barry was running from sideline to sideline giving each opposing player at least two chances at him one play and Madden said "If you go to tackle Barry Sanders and you miss, just stay where you because he will likely be back again soon." ( Paraphrasing of course ). He made entire defenses look like young kids trying to tackle a greased pig.
His career highlight video is unmatched by any player. Jim Brown was a different type of RB. Gale Sayer was similar to Barry's style but on a much smaller scale. Others players may have a handful of highlights for their career but Barry has the ultimate career highlight reel.
To add some context to just how great Barry was, the Pontiac Silverdome (home field for the Lions during this era) was played on the original carpet-over-concrete Astroturf. There is zero give on that surface whatsoever. That surface is so unforgiving, places were tearing it out to put in real grass because the number of injuries was way too high... and this man rarely got hurt. JUST IMAGINE what this man could have done if he played most of his games on grass...
The Lions didn't have cheerleaders until recently. They invited local High School cheerleading squads to cheer at the games. Four for each game. One at each corner of the field.
Barry was greatness. I am from Toledo, and split my loyalties between Detroit and Cleveland (all sports, basketball, baseball, football). I root for both, depending on which is better in a given year. But Barry was HIGHLIGHT REEL nonstop for his career.
Barry Sanders and Joe Dumars have this one thing in common, besides being great players in their respective fields. They were class acts on and off the playing field/court.
The best way to describe Sanders is to say he was Messi in the 90's this little guy that just made ppl miss, by the way, 5-7 220 with tree trunks for legs and the most ridiculous flexibility and change of direction with a burst once he decided to go. Unstoppable at times!
I kinda went through the same thing with Jordan. I was 12 in '96, so I missed everything that lead up to Barry and Jordan being Goats, but I still understand that they are.
To me Barry wasn’t just the best RB ever .. he was the best football player I’ve ever seen, PERIOD. You never missed a game Barry played in, he could had 15 yard on 20 attempts and then get 150 yards in the next 4. You never knew when it was coming but it was a matter of time before he broke one, every single game, he was incredible.
If Barry hadn't retired early he would own all the records. He was still on top of his game with no steps lost when he retired. He was very rarely injured and rarely took big hits. He just got tired of losing. He was close to breaking Jim Brown's record but declined to to do it. I think because Brown was his father's hero.
Gibbs is the most electrifying rb the Lions have had since Barry. Similar in speed and excelleration, not quite the vision or the cutting ability. I wouldn't trade Gibbs for any other back in the league right now. Plus, trading back to pick him got us LaPorta. What an amazing draft move. Brad Holmes, you rock.
Barry was the greatest runner of all time and as a lions fan i have to admit walter payton "sweetness"was the greatest running back, walter did everything run, receive, block whatever was asked of him, barry wasnt asked to do alot off those other things simply because he was handed the ball so often and as a fan you didnt want to miss a handoff cause you count just rewind and see what ya missed. Its not something thats tracked but i always wondered how many yards he lost over the coarse of his career running around behind the line, i dont think any rb ever lost as many yards as barry
Barry is still currently fourth and got 2,053 on 44 less carries than Eric Dickerson, 13 less carries than AP (averaged same ypc), and 52 less carries than Jamal. Barry was electric!
i was in 9th grade when Barry Sanders was a rookie omg he is the best. if the lions had some resemblance of an OFFENSIVE LINE back then he would have led the LIONS to SUPERBOWL GREATNESS.....2023 BARRY SANDERS is reborn in JAHMYR GIBBS. My NEW favorite player in the NFL.
If Barry had been on a better team, he could’ve done so, so much more in the league. He had the vision to find the open field, the speed, the agility, the hands, and the strength to shake off so many tacklers. He had the tools, talent, and abilities that so many people wished they could have just the tiniest fraction of.
Barry Switzer was HC at Oklahoma at the time, was playing OK State and told his defense not to injure Thurman Thomas, because they arent going to want to face this kid Barry Sanders. 😂😂😂
Barry was the most I have ever seen. James Brown was the best statistically, Emmitt has the yards record by sticking at it forever. MY favorite, however, was Earl Campbell. He used to seek out contact so he could blow up as many players as possible.
Football was certainly more violent back then so it was a little harder to be a star back than today. Barry Sanders is absolutely my favorite back through out the ages.
in my opinion he's the best running back to play the game, could've easily smashed Emmit's record, but retired in his prime. The most humble, down-to-earth guy. His runs are legendary. He didn't care about breaking records, he was all in it for the team.
facts!
@@Bklynreauand Messi is The combinatión of Barry sanders and Brady in soccer
He wanted traded. The Lions refused to let him out of his contract.
He is a very humble man. A few months ago the Lions unveiled a beautiful statue of Barry at Ford Field (well deserved). He gave a brief speech and he was emotional and so humble. I’m so glad they did that.
All in for his team?? Barry wus selfish something emmitt smith wus never. Emmitt smith also wus an ultimatum winner first before records. His first goal wus always to win a Superbowl and risked his body for the betterment of his team and despite all the stars around him he carried the cowboys on his back and in 2 cases on one shoulder
A bit of Lions history: the Lions have traditionally brought in local highschool cheerleaders for the home games. It wasn't untill about 5 years ago that they actually hired a professional cheerleading group.
Right and don't forget the Batton Girl.
Lol. I was cracking up when he said they looked like high school girls. Yea. They were.
@@williamliss7129 I was at a game once where she was doing her thing in the corner and she dropped the baton on a big throw, and everyone went "OOOHHH!" like there was a big hit or something. She picked it up, started where she left off, did the big throw and nailed it, and everyone in the corner went crazy cheering like we just scored a last second TD. It was a fun little moment, the kind of thing that doesn't really happen anymore
@@christco120 very interesting story! Seems as if the highschool girls might be more entertaining than professional cheerleaders. Probably because the pro's are expected to be perfect, and a highschool girl performing pro maneuvers is just more impressive.
@@christco120 That is so cool, I'm sure I was watching that on the TV but don't remember it.
That year, Barry had 2000 of those yards the last 14. He only had 53 yards in the first 2. They stole the MVP that year from Barry and made him share it with Farve because the NFL writers were loving Farve. He could do no wrong in their eyes.
And if you notice.. no dancing. No showboating.. no celebration after a TD.. just drop the ball or give it to a ref.. and go to the bench
Barry was the most electrifying rb ive ever seen
I saw Barry play a college game against Nebraska in Lincoln. Bro carried over thirty times, averaged about ten yards per game, and scored six touchdowns. Nebraska did win the game, but had no answer for him at all.
After the game, Sanders received a salute in the form of a standing ovation, from eighty thousand Nebraska fans who understood what they had just witnessed.
It was the most astonishing display of sustained athleticism I have ever seen.
Nobody runs like Barry.. his agility, elusiveness and vision were top notch..
The GOAT.. It's crazy I'm from his hometown but several years younger
Packers fan here. I have the utmost respect for Barry. The man had class. The BEST thing about Barry was that he never, ever, did a stupid dance in the end zone. He just handed the ball to the ref and said “rack ‘em up again”.
Barry wasn't just a freak athlete, his ankle bones and tendons are the size of someone 7 foot tall.
17:51 The Jets player #31 is actually Aaron Glenn. Ironically the Lions current Defensive Coordinator.
Damn never even knew that, thanks dawg fr
@@JaredBruskiNo problem👍
Yep, and Glenn was a little slow in getting up after making the touchdown saving tackle. He was a very good corner back in the day.
In 1997 Bobby Ross became HC of the Detroit Lions. The first game of the season against the Bears, Barry only got 15 carries for 33 yards in a win. The second game against the Bucs was worse because Barry carried the ball only 10 times for 20 yards in a loss.
53 yards in the first two games. Then the light bulb went on in Ross's militaristic brain to change the game plan. Barry rushed for exactly 2,000 in the following 14 games, all over 100+. Just imagine if Barry ran for 150 in both those games, he would have shattered Dickerson's single season rushing record. Shame on Boss Ross!
Barry Sanders is the G.O.A.T.!!
Truly the greatest of all time, and such a humble guy too. I met him once as a kid and at 42 now I still remember that day vividly as well as the mantra back then, "3rd and 20? Give it to Barry." There will never be a better running back.
First of all how do you give the ball to Barry if it's 3rd and 20 when Barry wus on the sidelines every 3rd down. 2nd of all Barry ran backwards the first 2 downs and put the lions at 3rd and 20
Barry was from Wichita Kansas just down the street where I coached track at WSU. He came home after his frosh year when Thurmon Thomas was still the #1 RB at Okie State. My wife and I were in our late 20's or so. We were still training for masters track. He would come to the track fball field and train. He would ask me "coach would you mind timing me in some 40's".At the time I knew who he was but didn't know how great he would be. He was the nicest most humble hard working guy I ever knew. Did you ever see Barry make any kind of demonstrative exibition after a touchdown. Mostly he just handed the ball to the ref. Class act all the way. His dad would be up there sometimes also a class act.
I wish he could have been on a team that had some shots at the superbowl. But, he was drafted by the Lions and he was loyal to them because that's who he is.
While Barry was playing and for many years after retiring, you could often find Barry running around the track at my old high school 10 minutes from my house.
Very few players seemed great when you witness them as a youth and then crush the ideal you created of them when you rewatch them after generations of 'greats' to compare them to. Hell always be the man.
He did all that without an offensive line his entire career he is by far well not by far but he is the best
Barry could make you miss in a phone booth. When he retired I was floored. He would have no doubt broken Walter Payton's record. But Barry is still very much involved with The Lions and he recently had a statue unveiled in front of Ford Field and deservingly so. Great video! Always a joy to relive my childhood and see the greatness of Barry all over again.
Barry is such a humble man. Never spiked the ball. Handed the ball to the ref. Amazing running back and good guy
Awesome we still see Barry around here and there, much love and respect!!
Barry has a special place not only Lions fans hearts but football fans from all over. He could score at any point they gave him the ball. Under the new GM and coach they brought Barry Sanders back into the organization. It's awesome to see him as part of the team again
The reason why Barry Sanders didn't break or didn't hold on to a lot of records is because he retired early.
Barry was must see TV every single Sunday
And if you weren't at the game or if the game was blacked-out locally, you couldn't see Barry on TV every single Sunday. A lot different today because fans can watch every single game because of Sunday Ticket.
Barry wasn't super fast top end, but his initial burst was lightning. There were some DB's who could eventually run him down with enough field to play with, but he'd streak by everyone and they'd all be playing catch up.
I have been a Lion's fan since 1970 and saw many great running backs but the 2 that really stood out to me were Barry and the Bears Walter Payton.
Being from Detroit and a Lions fan since 1978, the first game I ever attended was actually at Soldier Field in 1981, Lions at Bears.
Walter Payton and another Lions great wearing #20, Billy Sims sharing the same field. Sims, with his 117 yards rushing helped the Lions win 23-7.
I was fortunate to see Barry play multiple times live, along with Payton, Sims, Dickerson, and Emmitt. Great Backs, some of the best ever.
The goat. He has his own statue at ford field.
Yep, I was at the home opener the weekend the Lions unveiled it and had the ceremony for Barry. We gave Barry a hero's welcome when he was introduced during the home opener against the Seahawks. It was a shitty loss in OT, but man, my ears were buzzing it was so loud in Ford Field that day. Well-deserved honor for him, and I got some really good pics.
Because the Lions are my local team, the Lions were always on in my house. Even as a young kid, I knew Barry was different different. Nobody ran like him before or since. It sounds like you and me are about the same age. I saw the greatness in real time, but didn't really get deep into football until right after he retired.
I'm 40, and watched the Lions since I can remember. At the time, it was the Barry Sanders show to me, I knew it wouldn't last forever, and when he retired, I cried for a week. To this day, I tear up when I watch Barry Sanders highlights. I was a fan of all sports, looked up to Wayne Gretzky, Michael Jordan, Isaiah Thomas, Nolan Ryan, and Barry Sanders. Out of those above, Barry's skills felt like the most special to me.
they took Barry out in the redzone so most of his TDs were 20 yards or more which makes his 109 career TDs all the more impressive
This man singlehandedly made an entire fan base temporarily overlook large amounts of losing. Win or lose you were guaranteed to be entertained. He carried some winning teams along the way too.
Whats crazy is they have done this twice the other being Megatron
The greatest running back in the history of this planet. Nobody even close. Words cannot define the fear he put into opposing defences. Don't ever forget Lomas Brown, Ken Glover, Mike Utley, Eric Andesalick, Jeff Hardings and other great offesive linemen that blocked for Sanders.
As a Bucs fan who git to watch him 1 time a year in person for 5 years of his prime. He scared me more than any r.b. ever best I ever saw
I'm a Lions fan, but I loved John Lynch (HOF, so obviously I'm not the only one!). It seemed like Barry made the poor guy look totally incompetent at least once every game they played though.
Barry Sanders 🐐
If they hadn't increased the number of games in a college season - and counted bowl games as part of season stats - Barry would still hold the college record for most yards in a season. Barry playing against other college players was simply unfair. Thurman Thomas was a really, really good RB, but still blows my mind Barry had to wait a year at OK Sate to play because Thomas was there.
I was in Michigan until the end of his career, so got to see a lot of him play. The guy had so, so many opponent DBs and LBs get carted/helped off with sprained ankles. It was ridiculous.
2:32 and, of course, turning Harlon Barnett inside out.
If Barry would've had Emmitt Smith's o-line, he'd have had 20,000+ yards rushing, I firmly believe that - and I grew up a Bears/Walter Payton fan.
Since you asked - his scouting combine 40 time was 4.37 seconds - it just seemed like it was 3.30 seconds..
Unfortunately for Adrian Peterson, time ran out in the game where he got to 2097.
Plus they had to kick a field goal to win that last game, otherwise A.P. would've had it.
Check out Thurman Thomas. The dude was legit great, leading the league in all-purpose yards in 4 straight years. He was not only a great runner but a pass catcher before Faulk and LT, and he was a great blocker as well. He would have even more touchdowns, but the Bills pulled him in the redzone (inside the 5) for the backup Davis so he wouldn't get hurt on unessasary hits.
Plus, like Barry, he never show boated after scoring a TD. He handed the ball to the ref.
There’s really no room for debate. I know I’m biased because I grew up outside of Detroit and had the pleasure of watching Barry play two times at the Silverdome but he was the most athletically gifted running back I’ve ever seen or will ever see
Kids or people under 30 can talk about the backs of today who are great/good in their own regard but nobody could make a 3 yard gain look like the greatest run you’ve ever seen like Barry did
Thankfully, the old wounds with the organization seem to be healed, it’s great to see Barry coming to Lions games and being a part of this revitalized franchise
As you mentioned at the beginning, the Lions were never a great team while he played for them - or since then either. They did have a few good players during that time, but as a whole the teams always stunk. They never had enough, good players, or QB, or coaching to put it all together. Barry carried the team during his time there and it was so fun to watch him. He could lose 2 or 3 yards on consecutive plays and then break the next one for 20 or more. You just never knew what would happen when he touched the ball.
He blew rod woodson's knee out he was never the same after that
I was at his greatest game, Dec 21st 1997, clinched playoffs, 2,053 yd year and carried off the field. My only game at the Silverdome. As a 7 year old kid I saw him on TV at Oklahoma State, and he instantly became my favorite player. It didn't matter what NFL team he went to, I knew this guy was better than anyone i ever saw at 7, I followed his entire career as a kid.
If you want to see Barry's prototype, look up some Gale Sayers highlights. I see a lot of what Barry did in Gale's play.
P.S. Barry officially ran 4.29 - 4.37 depending on what source you get. And the Lions didn't get pro cheerleaders until recently.
Yes, you’re right. Barry is a legend. It was nice to see him featured at the NFL Draft in Detroit this week. Loved seeing him again. 👏👏🥰
They call this dude cousin Ricco! Barry had two speeds, running at you and running past you. #OnePride
There are two types of people: those who know Barry is the GOAT, and those who are wrong!
OJ did 2000 yards in 14 games… and in the cold weather… only Barry and Jim Brown averaged close to 100 yards per game throughout their entire career..the Detroit Lions had high school cheerleaders from two schools each home game, which I thought was very classy😎 and community oriented..
The Nigerian Nightmare Christian was unstoppable on Tecmo Bowl 💯 too
I remember Barry after he was drafted he came to my school, Kimball high School. He was doing 180 dunks in basketball court
Another thing that makes Barry so spectacular is because the Lions were so sorry before he came and so sorry after he left.
I got to watch him play every game of his career live at the Silverdome. Seeing him on TV or video didn't do him justice. He was the best player on the field at all times. He left you in awe.
For those of us who got to watch Barry Sanders every week. We were truly blessed. I personally can say i watched the best running back ever, on a weekly basis. K owing he was the greatest.
Barry running defenders in circles is all the proof needed. Haven't seen anyone do it since. Emmit had arguably one the best offensive lines ever. Barry did it with a scrub line. Other than Lomas Brown.
Barry Switer legendary Oklahoma University coach said it best. He came to his team. His told them something he had bever asked them before . "Whatever you do, don't hurt Thurman (Thomas). Thurman was a Heisman Trophy winner in the making. He knew what was coming The Freshman phenomenon Barry Sanders. He b3gged them, please don't put him out the game. Because, "we'll have enough trouble containing Thurman, you won't even touch this kid!(Sanders)
I was fortunate to see Barry play and when it comes to pure ball handling and avoiding tackles, he was the man. If you ever needed a first down at 3rd and long in Detroit, just give the rock to Barry
I'm a Bears fan, and it was an honor to watch Barry Sanders play. Funny thing is, the Bears are the #1 team, that he has the highest average against (146 yards per game.) But I never hated him. He was so humble, yet, so great! I miss him on Thanksgiving.
17:32 this run is still a core memory for me. I remember seeing this run as a child in my parents house, not really fully understanding the significance of what he'd done, but also just seeing my dad and grandfather celebrating in the room
The lions only added professional cheerleader in 2016. The ones you saw were from the state high schools. They would invite 4 schools per game.
"We got to see something" isn't going to be his proudest moment. 😂
And don't forget the Batton Girl.
Bro the only reason that Barry didn't pass Eric Dickerson was because he took himself out of the game
Barry was my first favorite athlete when i was a kid, he's still my all time favorite, it sucks that we didn't have a good team around him, if there's anyone that deserved to be Super Bowl Champion it was him
I started with the original #20. OG & then we got Barry…..last 2 & best #20.
Support. Detroit is the real deal & watch them continue to drop the hammer.
Finally!!
I went to the Raiders vs Lions game at the Silver Dome. Got to meet Bo was the coolest day ever as a kid we used to have a family friend that played for the Lions in the early 90’s on Special Teams Nico Noga. Such great memories as a kid growing up going to all the games. And meeting the players.
Before Barry Sanders, the Lions had Billy Simms (late 70s early 80s). Another amazing running back. Could hurdle like you wouldn’t believe.
Kung Fu Billy Sims
@@autocross350z LOL
People made debate if Barry was the greatest running back to ever play the game. But I will stake my life on the fact that Barry was the most elusive running back to ever play the game. If you go back and really watch majority of the time when Barry got the ball the defense was already in the backfield. He is to this day the most elusive running back ever to play the game. He was the Lions!
Dude, he’s arguably the best. It’s a damn shame he was stuck with the Lions through that period of time. He is the most respectable, honorable down to earth humble gentleman. To be the best and stay so humble is remarkable heart and soul great morals and values!
Oh damn! How about them new Lions jerseys?
Glad to see you covering Barry. He's my favorite player ever!
The Madden 25th anniversary game had him on the cover. It was a national vote that eliminated players from contention. He was the final player standing. Awesome to see just how revered he is and was. I think he's the best player ever. Just my opinion though
yea i remember that cover like it was yesterday!
Barry had it all
Speed, balance, vision, cutting ability, and yards after contact
It was virtually impossible to arm tackle him, and one on one, even hall of farmer's had no chance against him
He flew into Tulsa and came right from the airport to the workout. He got out of the car, got into some sweats, limbered up a little bit and ran a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash. Wayne Fontes, who was the Lions head coach at the time said, "Hey, I don't care if he works out or not, we're taking him No. 3."
And Bo Jackson and Christian Okoye were two of the most powerful backs I have ever seen play! And that's from watching since the 70s
Earl campbell? Watch him
Earl.campbell
I loved Barry's humility. He didn't spike the ball, didn't do a TD dance...nothing but hand the ball back to the ref. Very few players like this in any sport. The closest I can think of is my Browns Nick Chubb who also doesn't celebrate when he scores. Pure class.
I’m a life long browns fan ..born and raised in Cleveland … I was a young adult during the sanders era of the 90s… people in Cleveland mostly say Jim brown was the all time best … but it’s Barry sanders . What’s so amazing about his career was that for several years he played in a run and shoot offense with NO full back or tightened blocking for him.
Fun fact, Barry and Thurmond Thomas were at Oklahoma State at the same time, Thomas was a junior or senior while Barry was a freshman. The legend goes that Barry Switzer, the coach at Oklahoma told his defense not to hit Thurmond Thomas too hard or they’d put in “that goddamned Barry Sanders!” Now, Thomas was a HOF’er in his own right, but Barry was something else.
Gibbs today reminds me a bit of Barry, but no one could ever come close to what he did on the field. Im glad he and the lions organization made amends. It's awesome seeing him around the team again. Think of the wisdom and advice barry can give Montgomery and Gibbs. Hell of a player and even a better person.
Consider this, Thurman Thomas started ahead of Barry for 2 years at Oklahoma State. Barry played very little until his Heisman winning junior year. Then he was one and done and into the NFL.
Greatest RB to ever do it. Got a chance to meet him a few years back, super nice guy
The last tackle on Barry Sanders 2000 yard season was the Lion’s current DC, Aaron Glenn.
It was a privilege to watch him in person in Detroit.
LT, Curtis Martin, and Marshall Faulk man. Had all of them in fantasy back in the day
At the siverdome, the lions had different high schools as their cheerleads every week . I was a season ticket holder all Berry's career. Berry was the best pure runner, Payton greatest all-around back . Seen him at least 10 times live
Barry retired earlier than he needed to for a couple of reasons. The first was he felt he did not have anything left to prove and was never about records or his individual stats as he was a truly professional and class act. The second, but unspoken reason was that the Lions NEVER put a decent team around him so almost ALL of his yardage was gained by his own efforts and not because they blocked well for him. The Lions organization showed no true interest in building a championship team around Barry and he felt they had no real commitment to winning and they were never going to trade Barry so he opted to save his health and body by retiring early. I never was a Lions fan, but I also did not hate them and I loved watching games Barry played in even when I was routing for the other team I loved to watch him run. I remember one game covered by John Madden when Barry was running from sideline to sideline giving each opposing player at least two chances at him one play and Madden said "If you go to tackle Barry Sanders and you miss, just stay where you because he will likely be back again soon." ( Paraphrasing of course ). He made entire defenses look like young kids trying to tackle a greased pig.
His career highlight video is unmatched by any player.
Jim Brown was a different type of RB. Gale Sayer was similar to Barry's style but on a much smaller scale.
Others players may have a handful of highlights for their career but Barry has the ultimate career highlight reel.
To add some context to just how great Barry was, the Pontiac Silverdome (home field for the Lions during this era) was played on the original carpet-over-concrete Astroturf. There is zero give on that surface whatsoever. That surface is so unforgiving, places were tearing it out to put in real grass because the number of injuries was way too high... and this man rarely got hurt. JUST IMAGINE what this man could have done if he played most of his games on grass...
The Lions didn't have cheerleaders until recently.
They invited local High School cheerleading squads to cheer at the games. Four for each game. One at each corner of the field.
Barry was greatness. I am from Toledo, and split my loyalties between Detroit and Cleveland (all sports, basketball, baseball, football). I root for both, depending on which is better in a given year. But Barry was HIGHLIGHT REEL nonstop for his career.
Barry Sanders and Joe Dumars have this one thing in common, besides being great players in their respective fields. They were class acts on and off the playing field/court.
Simply the Jordan of all Running Backs!!!
The best way to describe Sanders is to say he was Messi in the 90's this little guy that just made ppl miss, by the way, 5-7 220 with tree trunks for legs and the most ridiculous flexibility and change of direction with a burst once he decided to go. Unstoppable at times!
Ol taffy tendons himself
I kinda went through the same thing with Jordan. I was 12 in '96, so I missed everything that lead up to Barry and Jordan being Goats, but I still understand that they are.
All that strength, those cuts and moves, and a 4.37 40 time. Barry was on another level. Lol
To me Barry wasn’t just the best RB ever .. he was the best football player I’ve ever seen, PERIOD. You never missed a game Barry played in, he could had 15 yard on 20 attempts and then get 150 yards in the next 4. You never knew when it was coming but it was a matter of time before he broke one, every single game, he was incredible.
If Barry hadn't retired early he would own all the records. He was still on top of his game with no steps lost when he retired. He was very rarely injured and rarely took big hits. He just got tired of losing. He was close to breaking Jim Brown's record but declined to to do it. I think because Brown was his father's hero.
The 3rd day is at 12 ... rounds 4-7
First 2 days are prime time
Barry top 50 plays of all time is a great video to watch all in real time.
Gibbs is the most electrifying rb the Lions have had since Barry. Similar in speed and excelleration, not quite the vision or the cutting ability. I wouldn't trade Gibbs for any other back in the league right now. Plus, trading back to pick him got us LaPorta. What an amazing draft move. Brad Holmes, you rock.
Barry was the greatest runner of all time and as a lions fan i have to admit walter payton "sweetness"was the greatest running back, walter did everything run, receive, block whatever was asked of him, barry wasnt asked to do alot off those other things simply because he was handed the ball so often and as a fan you didnt want to miss a handoff cause you count just rewind and see what ya missed. Its not something thats tracked but i always wondered how many yards he lost over the coarse of his career running around behind the line, i dont think any rb ever lost as many yards as barry
Barry is still currently fourth and got 2,053 on 44 less carries than Eric Dickerson, 13 less carries than AP (averaged same ypc), and 52 less carries than Jamal. Barry was electric!
i was in 9th grade when Barry Sanders was a rookie omg he is the best. if the lions had some resemblance of an OFFENSIVE LINE back then he would have led the LIONS to SUPERBOWL GREATNESS.....2023 BARRY SANDERS is reborn in JAHMYR GIBBS. My NEW favorite player in the NFL.
I was luck to have grown up watching Sanders and Sweetness. Payton will always be tGOAT.
If Barry had been on a better team, he could’ve done so, so much more in the league. He had the vision to find the open field, the speed, the agility, the hands, and the strength to shake off so many tacklers. He had the tools, talent, and abilities that so many people wished they could have just the tiniest fraction of.
Barry Switzer was HC at Oklahoma at the time, was playing OK State and told his defense not to injure Thurman Thomas, because they arent going to want to face this kid Barry Sanders. 😂😂😂
class and tact. no damn dances and arrogance. Dickerson was same as well. Miss those days.
Barry was the most I have ever seen. James Brown was the best statistically, Emmitt has the yards record by sticking at it forever. MY favorite, however, was Earl Campbell. He used to seek out contact so he could blow up as many players as possible.
Football was certainly more violent back then so it was a little harder to be a star back than today. Barry Sanders is absolutely my favorite back through out the ages.
6:52 - Barry broke both tackle attempts from Dent & Singletary. If you needed to make that clip even more impressive.
"If there's a better runner, God has not made him yet." -Wayne Fontes, Lions Head Coach