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Barry Sanders has recovered from ‘unexpected’ heart-related health scare

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6 months ago

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Barry Sanders has recovered from ‘unexpected’ heart-related health scare

One of the best running backs in NFL history shared some concerning news on Friday.

Former Lions great Barry Sanders announced on X that he “experienced a health scare related to his heart” last weekend.

Sanders added that the event was “unexpected” but did not disclose any information about the severity of the injury or his current condition.


Barry Sanders thanked the city and fans of Detroit during the 2024 NFL Draft. AP

Additionally, the Hall-of-Famer said that he is “taking this opportunity to prioritize my health and well-being.”

Sanders’ post drew messages of support around the football community.

“Get well soon Barry” was inscribed on a graphic created by the Detroit Lions’ X account.

“We’re thinking of you, Barry,” wrote the College Football Hall of Fame, of which Sanders is a member.

Sanders was seen signing autographs and meeting fans at the Detroit Sports Spectacular event last weekend.

The icon also made a cameo during the 2024 NFL Draft, which was held in Detroit in late April.

The Oklahoma State alum ranks fourth in NFL history with 15,269 rushing yards, which he accomplished in only 10 seasons.

He made the Pro Bowl every year of his prodigious career and tacked on six All-Pro nods.


Sanders was a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer in 2004 despite playing only 10 years.
Sanders was a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer in 2004 despite playing only 10 years. REUTERS

Still only 55, Sanders’ retirement came famously early at just 31.

The 5-foot-8 running back partially attributed him stepping away due to ongoing futility from Lions management.

In September 2023, the Lions unveiled a statue in honor of Sanders, one of the most beloved players to ever don Honolulu Blue and one of the most electrifying players in football history.

Sanders generally had a clean bill of health during his brief but memorable career.

In 1993, he missed five games with a torn left ACL.

However, he played in at least 15 of 16 games in each of the other nine seasons he played in Detroit.

Since calling it a career in 1998, Sanders has stayed in touch with football through his social media channels, posting often about throwbacks to his playing days and retweeting supporters that share promotional materials, such as the Madden NFL 25 cover he graced in 2013.

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