Today is July 16th, which means it’s the honorable No. 21’s birthday.
That’s right. Barry Sanders, the greatest running back of all time, was born on this day in Wichita, Kansas, 47 short years ago.
We figured today was a perfect day as any to reflect back on some of Sanders’ many accomplishments.
Here’s a quick refresher in case you forgot:
- Heisman Trophy (1988)
- Unanimous All-American (1988)
- 10× NFL Pro Bowl Selection (1989-1998)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1989, 1990, 1991, 1994,1995, 1997)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (1992, 1993, 1996, 1998)
- 4× NFL Rushing champion (1990, 1994, 1996,1997)
- NFL MVP (1997)
- 2× AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1994, 1997)
- NFL Alumni Running Back of the Year (1997)
- 2x NFC rushing leader (1996, 1997)
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (AP, PFWA,UPI, NEA, 1989)
- Single Season 2,000 Rushing Yards Club
- 10,000 Rushing Yards Club
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- NFL record most consecutive 100-yard games (14)
- NFL record most 1,500-yard seasons (5)
- Holds 10 Detroit Lions team records
- Detroit Lions #20 retired
- Third-leading rusher in NFL history
- Rated #1 Most Elusive Running Back of All Time by NFL.