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When you think of the Detroit Lions' history, you just can't forget Barry Sanders. Sanders is basically the Michael Jordan or Tom Brady of the franchise. Or in other words, he's undoubtedly the Lions' greatest player of all time.
The superstar running back spent his entire 10-year career in Detroit, never producing less than 1,115 rushing yards per season.
Sanders backed up future Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas during his first two seasons at Oklahoma State. But after Thomas left for the NFL, Sanders exploded in his third season, recording an insane 2,628 rushing yards (3,248 all-purpose yards) and 39 total touchdowns (37 rushing and two receiving), while winning the 1988 Heisman Trophy for his efforts.
Sanders was then selected by the Lions as the third overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft. After putting up 1,470 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, he was named the NFL's 1989 Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl as well.
In 1991, the Lions finished at 12-4, which is still the best record in franchise history today. Sanders rushed for 1,548 yards that season and his career-high 16 rushing touchdowns led the league.
1997 was the best season of his career. The Kansas native recorded 2,053 yards and 11 touchdowns as he shared the NFL MVP with Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre.
Sanders retired abruptly in 1999 at the age of 31. He was only 1,457 yards short of breaking Walter Payton's all-time rushing record, which was eventually broken by Emmitt Smith.
Barry Sanders is easily one of the NFL's greatest running backs of all time
NFL fans have witnessed several larger-than-life running backs throughout the years. A few great examples are Jim Brown, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and, of course, Barry Sanders.
Payton and Smith both won at least one Super Bowl. While Payton got his ring as a member of the famous 1985 Chicago Bears, Smith picked up three with the Cowboys during the 90s.
Brown never won a Super Bowl, but the game didn't exist during his playing days. He did, however, help the Cleveland Browns win an NFL championship back in 1964.
Although Sanders never got a Super Bowl ring, he's still one of, if not the best, running backs in NFL history.
His resume includes 10 Pro Bowls (earned the honor every season of his career), an NFL MVP award, Offensive Rookie of the Year award and two Offensive Player of the Year awards. He also led the league in rushing yards four times.
Now, that's what you call a legendary career.
