Of all the running backs to play in the NFL, Barry Sanders was quite possibly the most entertaining to watch. His ability to move backwards and laterally in an instant combined with his world class speed going forward made him an elusive running back for 10 seasons of pro football.
In this article, I’m going to walk you through some of the details you may not know about Barry Sanders, the legendary Detroit Lions running back, and we’ll take a look at some of his most impressive highlights.
Before we jump into the most impressive of Barry Sanders’ highlights, let’s take a quick look at his stats from his NFL career.
| Year | Games Played | Rushing Yards | Rushing Touchdowns | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns | Yards per Game | Yards per Carry | Yards per Reception |
| 1989 | 15 | 1470 | 14 | 24 | 282 | 0 | 98 | 5.0 | 11.8 |
| 1990 | 16 | 1304 | 13 | 36 | 480 | 3 | 82 | 5.0 | 13.3 |
| 1991 | 15 | 1548 | 16 | 41 | 307 | 1 | 103 | 5.0 | 7.5 |
| 1992 | 16 | 1352 | 9 | 36 | 296 | 1 | 85 | 5.0 | 8.2 |
| 1993 | 11 | 1115 | 3 | 36 | 249 | 0 | 101 | 5.0 | 6.9 |
| 1994 | 16 | 1883 | 7 | 44 | 283 | 1 | 118 | 5.0 | 6.4 |
| 1995 | 16 | 1500 | 11 | 48 | 398 | 0 | 94 | 5.0 | 8.3 |
| 1996 | 16 | 1553 | 11 | 24 | 147 | 1 | 97 | 5.0 | 6.1 |
| 1997 | 16 | 2053 | 11 | 33 | 305 | 3 | 128 | 5.0 | 9.2 |
| 1998 | 16 | 1491 | 4 | 37 | 289 | 0 | 93 | 5.0 | 7.8 |
| Average | 15.3 | 1526.9 | 9.9 | 35.9 | 303.6 | 1 | 100 | 5.0 | 8.6 |
Here’s a list of the top 10 Barry Sanders plays, highlighting his iconic moves and moments that defined his career. Each play illustrates why he’s considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history:
Barry Sanders’ plays were significant not just for the yards gained but for the incredible combination of power, speed, and elusiveness that only he could consistently bring to every game. Each of these highlights cemented his legacy as one of the most electrifying players in NFL history.
For Oklahoma State fans and others who follow college football, many of Sanders’ most memorable highlights took place before he even turned pro.
Here are some of the most notable highlights of Barry Sanders college football career at Oklahoma State, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1988 as a 20-year-old junior tailback before being selected 3rd overall in the NFL draft by the Detroit Lions.
Barry Sanders is often revered as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, known for his breathtaking agility, quick cuts, and a level of elusiveness rarely seen on the field. His highlight reel is a masterpiece, with seemingly impossible plays that leave fans speechless. But while Barry’s talent is undeniable, his journey to becoming one of football’s most legendary figures was anything but easy. From not starting on his high school team to becoming a Hall of Famer, Barry Sanders’ story is one of determination, patience, and unparalleled dedication.
Born on July 16, 1968, in Wichita, Kansas, Barry Sanders grew up in a family that valued hard work. One of eleven children, he was instilled with the discipline needed to push past life’s challenges. This was never more apparent than in his high school years. Sanders attended Wichita North High School, where, to the surprise of many, he did not start as the running back until his senior year. The coaching staff initially saw Barry as a better fit for the defensive back position, sidelining his true potential for years.
However, despite being overshadowed early on, Barry didn’t let this discourage him. Instead, he worked tirelessly on his craft, putting in extra hours of practice to prove his worth as a running back. When he finally got his chance to start in his senior year, Sanders wasted no time making an impression. He rushed for over 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns, showcasing the explosiveness that would soon captivate the world of football. But even then, major college football programs weren’t knocking down his door, illustrating that even extraordinary talent can go unnoticed for a while.
After high school, Barry Sanders accepted a scholarship from Oklahoma State University, a decision that would mark the beginning of his rise to football stardom. Though he was initially the backup to another future NFL star, Thurman Thomas, Sanders learned the intricacies of the running back position from watching and waiting for his opportunity. When Thomas graduated and entered the NFL, it was Barry’s turn to shine.
The 1988 college football season became legendary thanks to Barry Sanders. That year, Sanders not only seized the starting role but also delivered one of the most electrifying performances in NCAA history. In what is widely considered the greatest individual season ever by a college player, Sanders rushed for an astonishing 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns—records that still stand today. His consistency was mind-boggling, as he averaged 238.9 rushing yards per game and seemed impossible to stop. By the end of the season, Sanders was awarded the Heisman Trophy, cementing his place as the best player in college football.
Following his Heisman-winning season, Barry Sanders entered the 1989 NFL Draft, where he was selected third overall by the Detroit Lions. What happened next was nothing short of spectacular. In his rookie season, Sanders rushed for 1,470 yards and 14 touchdowns, winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and immediately establishing himself as one of the most dynamic players in the league.
But what truly set Barry Sanders apart from other running backs wasn’t just his stats—it was the way he played. His highlight reel is filled with plays that defied belief. Sanders had an uncanny ability to stop on a dime, reverse direction, and make defenders miss in a way that left fans and opponents alike in awe. Whether it was weaving through entire defenses, breaking tackles, or turning what looked like a sure loss into a game-changing gain, Sanders brought a level of excitement to the game that was unmatched.
Despite playing for a Detroit Lions team that often struggled, Barry consistently delivered jaw-dropping performances. In his 10-year NFL career, he rushed for over 15,000 yards and 99 touchdowns, leading the league in rushing yards four times and earning 10 Pro Bowl selections. His career average of 5.0 yards per carry ranks among the best ever, proving his efficiency and explosiveness on the field.
Barry’s greatness was not just about natural talent; it was the result of tireless work and determination. He mastered the art of cutting and changing direction through hours of drills and intense training. His vision allowed him to anticipate defenders’ moves before they happened, and his ability to execute under pressure set him apart.
One of the most remarkable things about Sanders was his humility. Despite all the accolades and records, Barry remained grounded and focused on his love for the game. His quiet leadership and focus on perfecting his craft spoke volumes. He often credited his success to his upbringing and the support of his family, but those who knew him well recognized the hours of hard work behind his iconic performances.
In 1999, at the peak of his career, Barry Sanders shocked the football world by announcing his retirement. With just one more season, Sanders likely would have surpassed Walter Payton’s all-time rushing record. However, true to his nature, Barry stepped away from the game on his own terms, leaving fans to wonder what more he could have accomplished.
Today, Barry Sanders’ legacy lives on as one of the greatest running backs of all time. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004, but perhaps more importantly, his highlight reel continues to inspire new generations of football players and fans. From the days of struggling to earn a starting spot in high school to redefining the running back position in the NFL, Barry’s journey is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Barry Sanders’ career is filled with unforgettable moments and plays that will be replayed for decades to come. His journey from high school benchwarmer to college legend, and finally to NFL Hall of Famer, is a story of overcoming obstacles and mastering his craft. His top 50 highlights capture only a fraction of what made Sanders so special, but they’re a reminder that no matter where you start, greatness is always within reach if you’re willing to put in the work.
