Barry Sanders
Keynote Speaker: Former Detroit Lions Running Back; Ranked Top 10 as the Most Elusive Runner in NFL History
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Barry Sanders Biography
Barry Sanders is a former football running back who played for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League for 10 seasons. He led the league in rushing yards four times and in rushing touchdowns once, establishing himself as one of the most elusive runners in the history of the NFL.
Sanders was born in Wichita, Kansas, as one of eleven children born to William and Shirley Sanders, to whom he attributes his quiet, humble nature following the lead of his older brothers. Sanders began playing football at a young age, and he often played in the fields surrounding his Kansas home, imitating his favorite Running Backs. Guys like Eric Metcalf, Marcus Allen, Eric Dickerson, and Tony Dorsett inspired him. Although Sanders dreamed of playing RB while he attended Wichita North High School, he only played defensive back for most of his high school career. In 1985, Coach B took over, and in the fourth game of his senior season, he was moved over to the running back position he is known for today. His 1,400+ yard season earned him All-State honors, however due to his size he received only four scholarship offers, including one from Oklahoma State University.
In 1986, Sanders enrolled at Oklahoma State University. He backed up Thurman Thomas for his first two years, and although leading the nation in kick-off return yards was a sign of what was to come, no one could have expected what Sanders did as a Junior. His 1988 season is widely regarded as the greatest single offensive season in college football history. He set 36 NCAA records that season, including 7.6 yards per carry, over 320 total yards per game, 2,628 yards rushing, 3,248 total yards, 234 points, and 39 touchdowns in only eleven games. These totals don't include the five touchdowns and 225 yards he had in the 1988 Holiday Bowl. At the end of the season, Sanders was awarded the 1988 Heisman Trophy, which he accepted from Japan, becoming the first Heisman winner to rush for 225 yards and 5 TDs the day he won the trophy.
Sanders was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 3rd overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft. He played ten Pro Bowl seasons in the NFL, all for the Lions, averaging over 1,500 rushing yards per season. He won the NFL's Most Valuable Player award in 1993 and also in 1997, rushing for 2,053 yards and eleven touchdowns that year. He left the game just 1,457 yards short of passing legend Walter Payton to become first on the NFL All-Time list. He still holds over ten NFL records, including most consecutive seasons with 1,000+ rushing yards, most consecutive games with 100+ yards, and most games with 150+ yards rushing. Sanders retired after the 1998 season and has resided in Detroit since. He considers his relationships with Detroit Lions fans one of his great accomplishments in the game.
Sanders was inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004. In 2020, he was named to the NFL All-Time Team as one of its greatest “100 Hundred Players” and is listed at number nine on College Football's “150 Greatest Players” list. He is enjoying his retirement and has become an All-Star in the world of business. His relationships span dozens of companies, including his Barry Sanders Nissan dealerships and Lefty's Cheesesteak stores. He holds a special assistant role to the Ford Family and the Detroit Lions' President, plays as much golf as he can, and supports several charities, including the Scleroderma Research Foundation. He has been very lucky to get to spend a lot of his time with his four sons, Barry, Nigel, Nic, and Noah.
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Speaking fees for Barry Sanders, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $50,000 - $100,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Barry Sanders, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Barry Sanders speak about?
Barry Sanders is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Football, Faith & Religion, Sports, Athlete and Sports Motivation.
Where does Barry Sanders travel from?
Barry Sanders generally travels from Florida, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Barry Sanders?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Barry Sanders for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Barry Sanders for your next private or corporate function.
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Barry Sanders is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Football, Faith & Religion and Sports. The estimated speaking fee range to book Barry Sanders for live events is $50,000 - $100,000. Please contact us for virtual event fees. Barry Sanders generally travels from Florida, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jerry Rice, Bo Jackson and Tim Tebow. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Barry Sanders for an upcoming event.
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Lions running back Zach Zenner impresses on Barry Sanders ...
As the Detroit Lions jogged off the field just before halftime, running back Zach Zenner ran past the 1991 team in the tunnel at Ford Field. Legendary running ...
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Lions celebrate Barry Sanders-led 1991 team in Ford Field ceremony
The Detroit Lions honor the 1991 team for the 25th anniversary of their NFC championship game appearance during halftime of their NFL game against the Los ...
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All these years later, the Lions still don't have an answer for Barry ...
HOUSTON -- When Barry Sanders shocked the sporting world with his abrupt retirement on July 27, 1999, the Detroit Lions were left with 48 days to figure out ...
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Barry Sanders beats Adrian Peterson for Madden cover - NFL.com
Barry Sanders beat out Adrian Peterson in the Old School vs. New School challenge to determine who would grace the Madden video-game cover on its 25th ...
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Madden 25 snubs Barry Sanders, replacing Detroit Lions legend ...
Despite winning the vote to be on the cover of Madden, Detroit Lions Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders will be replaced by Adrian Peterson for the PS4 ...
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