Widely considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, Barry Sanders shocked not just the Motor City but the entire sports world when he abruptly retired before the 1999 season.
Now, Sanders is finally opening up about why he stunned the Detroit Lions by announcing his retirement on the eve of training camp, a decision he conveyed through a faxed letter to The Wichita Eagle, his hometown newspaper.
Sanders made a recent appearance on the “Get Got Pod” co-hosted by Marshawn Lynch and Mike Robinson and explained that there came a certain point in his career where it just didn’t feel “it” was there, via X.
“That everyday grind, all those little things you have to do to stay on top of your game. For me, when I got to 28-29, I just felt like it wasn’t there. Also, things going on with the team. I felt like we were kind of rebuilding, there was no need to stay around. I had pretty much-done everything besides win a Super Bowl.
Being that we were kind of rebuilding, I didn’t really see that in my sights. That drive, that passion I always had, it just you know, wasn’t there in the same way. I need to be somewhere else on Sunday if my mind and heart really isn’t there.”
Sanders left the game after amassing 15,269 rushing yards and 99 rushing touchdowns.
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