NFL legend Barry Sanders is currently on the mend after suffering from a heart-related medical scare over Father’s Day weekend.
The NFL Hall of Famer released a statement through his Instagram account on Friday, June 21, detailing the situation.
“Over Father’s Day weekend, I experienced a health scare related to my heart,” he wrote. “It was unexpected and served as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant about our physical well-being, even when we are feeling fine.”
Sanders continued by stating he was grateful for the healthcare professionals who provided him with needed care during the situation. “My family and I are thankful for your prayers and support during this time,” he noted.
Barry Sanders added that per his doctor’s recommendation, he is taking time to prioritize his health and well-being. “I appreciate your understanding and continued support,” he added.
Fans quickly shared their support for Sanders in the post’s comment section. “Barry Sanders you mean so much to football, sports, Detroit, Detroit Lions, and anyone who has ever met you,” one fan wrote. “It has been the honor of my life working with you and your team this past year on your book and documentary, and I am so grateful for all of the amazing experiences. Thank you for all you do. Please take care of yourself.”
Another fan added, “We can’t lose Barry not even a lions fan but dude is the greatest rb of all time along w being a great dude get well soon.”
Barry Sanders played for the Detroit Lions for 10 seasons. Before being drafted in the NFL, the former running back played for Oklahoma State from 1986 to 1988. He was dubbed the NFL’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1997 and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1989.
Barry Sanders Recently Opened Up About His Decision to Retire From the NFL Amid Career Success
In Amazon Prime’s 2023 documentary Bye Bye Barry, Sanders opens up about why he made the decision to retire from the NFL amid the height of his career.
“I mean, I think about how much football I had played at that point, how much I had invested myself in the game,” Sanders explained, per Sports Illustrated. “For me, that thing that drove me to continue to play, which was that passion, just wasn’t there.”
“There was nothing really left to play for. I didn’t see us as any sort of serious Super Bowl contender. I felt able-bodied, sound mind, certainly not according to my dad. But, I felt like I had a sound mind and was making a pretty clear decision. I just felt like, in my mind, this is pretty much it.”
Barry Sanders also pointed out that he did not consider leaving the Detroit Lions to continue his career with a different NFL team.
“I couldn’t simplify it just to say the losing, because we had been losing for many years,” Sanders told his sons in the documentary. “But, obviously, you do play to win the game. For me to continue to play, I would’ve had to have had the same drive. I just knew, inside, that was it.”