Barry Sanders (Photo by Getty Images)
NFL fans are praying for Detroit Lions legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders after he broke news of a recent health scare.

On his X/Twitter account, Barry Sanders announced that he “experienced a health scare” with his heart last weekend. Sanders said the health matter “was unexpected” before expressing gratitude to health professionals for helping him.

Sanders also thanked fans for their prayers and said he’ll “prioritize my health and well-being” at the advice of his doctor:

Football fans quickly came together to offer prayers and support for Barry Sanders:

Sanders spent his entire NFL career with the Lions, which spanned from 1989 to 1998.

He was taken third overall in a legendary class that also produced fellow Hall of Famers Troy Aikman (first overall) to the Dallas Cowboys), Derrick Thomas (fourth overall to the Kansas City Chiefs), Deion Sanders (fifth overall to the Atlanta Falcons) and Steve Atwater (20th overall to the Denver Broncos).

The soon-to-be 56-year-old Sanders earned Pro Bowl nods in each of his 10 NFL seasons and hit the 1,000-yard mark each time. He led the NFL in rushing yards four times and captured two Offensive Player of the Year awards to go along with 1997 co-MVP honors.

Barry Sanders Ranks Fourth In Career Rushing

Barry Sanders’ retirement from football in 1999 completely shocked the football world. He had just rushed for 1,491 yards and four touchdowns in 1998 and was a year removed from sharing MVP honors with Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre.

At the time of his retirement, Barry Sanders was second in career rushing yards (15,269). At his pace, Sanders would have broken Walter Payton’s record (16,726) within two years at most.

Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith went on to break Payton’s record, retiring with 18,355 career rushing yards. Frank Gore, who retired after the 2020 season, moved ahead of Sanders and sits third with 16,000 yards.