Barry Sanders Says It's 'Fun' to Think About Playing for the Detroit Lions Again

Barry Sanders sometimes fantasizes about playing for the Detroit Lions once again.

But he's also realistic,, telling Kyle Meinke of MLive.com he doubts he could compete in the modern NFL:

"

I don't know (whether I could still get it done), but I doubt it. 

It is fun to think about, when you're sitting over there on the sideline, and you don't have to actually suit up. Then you can fantasize all you want to, I guess, and it's fun to think about. But me, personally? I don't think I could (still perform). Guys look terribly big out there.

"

That's hardly surprising. Sanders, 47, last suited up in 1998 before retiring after 10 seasons with the Detroit Lions. It's safe to assume he's lost a step or two in the past 17 years. 

But the Lions likely would love to see him suit up one more time. The team is currently last in the NFL in rush offense, averaging a paltry 68.0 yards per game on the ground. Sanders, meanwhile, was one of the most exciting players in NFL history and arguably the best running back to ever play the game, depending on whom you ask.

He finished his career with 15,269 rushing yards and 99 rushing touchdowns while being a 10-time Pro Bowler and six-time Associated Press first-team All-NFL selection. He was also the 1989 Rookie of the Year, the NFL MVP in 1997 and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1994 and 1997.

Had he continued his career rather than retiring before expected, he may have set a number of records at the running back position.    

Nonetheless, he was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2004. And while he fantasizes about playing once again, Lions fans are probably left fantasizing about having a running back like him on their current roster.