Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders recently revealed that he was facing a “health scare.”
“Over Father’s Day weekend, I experienced a heart-related health scare,” the legendary Detroit Lions running back wrote in a statement posted to social media.
He did not provide exact details about his health condition but stressed the importance of remaining “vigilant” about his “physical health.”
“This was unexpected and serves as a reminder of the importance of continuing to look after your physical health, even when you’re feeling well,” Sanders said.
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Former Detroit Lions player Barry Sanders before playing against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 17, 2023 at Ford Field in Detroit. (Nick Antaya/Getty Images)
Sanders also thanked the medical staff who treated him.
“I am grateful to the incredible doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who provided me with the care I needed. My family and I appreciate your prayers and support during this time.”
NFL legend Barry Sanders discusses sudden retirement
The Lions sent their well wishes on social media, writing: “Get well soon Barry.”
Sanders spent his entire illustrious career with the Lions before abruptly leaving the NFL after the 1998 season. He finished with 15,269 rushing yards.
Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions carries the ball during a game against the Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium in Florida on October 2, 1994. (Brian Cleary/Getty Images)
Sanders has acted as an ambassador for the Lions since retiring, and even made an appearance at the NFL Draft in April, which took place in downtown Detroit.
The Lions defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional round in January to qualify for the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 1991 season. Sanders attended the NFC title game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, California, and served as an honorary captain for the game.
Barry Sanders spent his entire illustrious career with the Lions before abruptly leaving the NFL after the 1998 season. (Nick Antaya/Getty Images)
Last September, the Lions immortalized Sanders with a bronze statue of him that was installed outside Ford Field, the Lions’ home stadium.
Sanders rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his 10 seasons in the NFL.
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He was selected to the Pro Bowl every season he played in. At the time of his retirement, Sanders held nearly every Lions rushing record, and he currently sits fourth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list.
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