STILLWATER — Back in 2010, Barry J. Sanders celebrated his 16th birthday in style by renting out an events center ballroom in northwest Oklahoma City.
Among his gifts was a visit from a friend — a 6-foot-5, 300-pound, Oklahoma State offensive lineman — as seen photographed at the celebration: NFL-bound Russell Okung with his giant right arm wrapped around Sanders' shoulder. Both share huge grins.
“That was one of my surprises,” Sanders said.
Long before Sanders announced he intends to join OSU as a graduate transfer from Stanford this fall, he grew up in the Cowboy football family as the son of a legendary OSU running back by the same name.