Legendary Running Back Barry Sanders Discloses Health Scare Over Father's Day

Patrick Andres | Jun 22, 2024

Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions former running back Barry Sanders attends the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

One of the NFL's giants is recovering after a health scare over Father's Day weekend.

Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders had a heart-related health episode this past weekend, he disclosed in a Friday afternoon statement.

"Over Father's Day weekend, I experienced a health scare related to my heart," Sanders wrote. "It was unexpected and served as a reminder of staying vigilant about our physical well-being, even when we are feeling fine."

Sanders thanked his doctors and nurses for their care and announced his intention to "prioritize (his) health and well-being" going forward.

The legendary Oklahoma State product has had an active 2024, serving as a public face of April's NFL draft in Detroit.

#Lions legend Barry Sanders announces he experienced a health scare during Father’s Day weekend pic.twitter.com/kyYVEEmq03

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 21, 2024

Widely considered one of the NFL's greatest running backs, Sanders ran for 15,269 yards and 99 touchdowns in a 10-year career with the Detroit Lions. He led the league in rushing four times and made the Pro Bowl in each of his 10 professional seasons.