Barry Sanders electrified NFL fans for ten seasons, rushing for at least 1,100 yards every single year and a total of 15,269 and 99 touchdowns, leading the league in rushing four times on his way to the Pro Football Hall-Of-Fame. Those accomplishments and statistics tell only half the story, though. To truly appreciate Sanders’ greatness, you need to see him cut through a defense and run in the open field with grace and near pre-cognition.
Here now, on his 47th birthday, relive Barry’s most jaw-dropping highlights.
The 1988 Holiday Bowl
https://youtu.be/xM2sfuV_WLM
Before he was dazzling NFL crowds, Sanders was a star and Heisman Trophy winner at Oklahoma State. In perhaps his best college football performance, Sanders rushed for five touchdowns in the 1988 Holiday Bowl against Wyoming. Sanders’ third TD was a beautiful 67-yard scamper up the middle that demonstrated his allusiveness and straight-line speed.
Dodging Bengals
Sanders made impossible cuts and changes of direction look easy. Take this play against the Cincinnati Bengals for example. Sanders makes a sudden cut left, then spins the opposite direction and explodes toward the sideline to escape a semi-circle of Bengal defenders.
73-Yard Dash Against Green Bay
Detroit’s divisional opponents had to face Sanders twice a season, which would be a nightmare for any defensive coordinator trying to slow him down. Take this play against the Packers. In a close game the Packers bring eight players close to the line of scrimmage to try and stop the running game and give their offense a chance to win it. Sanders cuts right through the Packers and ran for a 73-yard score. Notice the three Packers that Sanders escapes at the 35-yard line to break free.
Thanksgiving 1997 vs. The Bears
The Lions are a Thanksgiving tradition. Sanders played in 10 Thanksgiving Day games, but none were more impressive than his 1997 game against the Chicago Bears. Sanders rushed for 167 yards and three touchdowns, including this 35-yard run with multiple cuts.
Sanders vs. Reggie White
Sanders could make anyone look foolish with his agility. In this run against the Packers, watch how he freezes and drops Hall-of-Fame defensive end Reggie White, number 92.
Sanders Breaks Past All Of The Dallas Cowboys
Narrowing down Sanders’ greatest plays is a difficult task, but there are two runs that belong on anyone’s list. The first is from a 1991 playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. Sanders eludes Dallas defenders with speed, agility, and power on the same incredible run. No fewer than eight Cowboy defenders had a shot to tackle Sanders, but couldn’t bring him down.
Sanders Destroys The Patriots
Finally, there is the amazing run against the New England Patriots in 1994. Sanders turned safety Harlon Barnett into a human pretzel. This 39-yard score may be the most replayed highlight of Sanders’ career.
Watch it again, this time in slow motion.
