NFL Legend Barry Sanders Cleared to Resume Normal Activities After Health Scare

Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders said Wednesday he's "cleared to return to my normal activities" following an undisclosed "health scare" in June.

The NFL legend initially said he suffered a heart-related issue over Father's Day weekend. He used the situation to emphasize to fans "the importance of staying vigilant about our physical well-being."

Sanders stayed out of the spotlight for the most part following his sudden retirement from the NFL in 1999. That changed when he became a brand ambassador for the Lions in 2017.

Most recently, the 55-year-old helped to open the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit and announce the selection of Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second round.

Sanders was a six-time All-Pro and a 10-time Pro Bowler in his 10 years with the Lions. He also shared the MVP with Brett Favre in 1997.

Few, if any, running backs were as electrifying as Sanders. He ran for 15,269 yards and 99 touchdowns, and his 99.8 rushing yards per game are second all-time behind Jim Brown.

Having already retired his No. 20 jersey, which he shared with Billy Sims and Lem Barney, the Lions granted Sanders the ultimate honor when they unveiled his statue outside of Ford Field in September 2023. He was the first player to be immortalized in bronze by the franchise.