Detroit — On the eve of one of the most anticipated home openers in years, with fans excited about the Detroit Lions' future, the team paid homage Saturday to its past by unveiling a bronze statue of Hall-of-Fame running back Barry Sanders.
During a ceremony outside Ford Field that included Sanders' family, former teammates and a few dozen season ticketholders, Sanders — with his hands stuffed in his pockets and displaying his trademark humility — said he owed the honor to the people who helped him along the way.
"This is a little bit overwhelming," he told the crowd that gathered outside Gate B near the corner of Montcalm and Brush streets.