B/R Talks with Legendary Running Back Barry Sanders About College Football

Legendary running back Barry Sanders sat down with Bleacher Report to discuss his new Nissan Heisman House campaign and chat about college football.

Sanders, the 1988 Heisman winner and an NFL Hall of Famer, is considered to be one of the greatest offensive players in the history of both the college and pro games. His many highlight-reel runs remain etched in the memories of millions of football fans.

Here’s what the all-time great had to say about alma mater Oklahoma State, his heavily recruited son Barry Jr. and the current state of college football.

Check out Part 1 of the interview here.

Barry Talking About His Alma Mater Oklahoma State

Your alma mater Oklahoma State is ranked in the top 10 and looks like a national title contender, how closely do you follow the Cowboys these days?

Barry: I follow OK State very closely. I think they look great and I am not just talking about the new uniforms.  

I usually make a game or two during the year. It is always great to be back on campus, and I've always had a very special relationship with the fans there.

Would He Support a Move to the Pac-12?

What do you think about the Cowboys possibly moving to the Pac-12?

Barry: That would be weird.  

Before I ever played college football, I was a huge fan of the current conference.

It is hard to imagine OK State in the Pac-12 or for that matter, hard to imagine 12 teams in what I knew as the Pac-10.

Does the Former Heisman-Winner Have a Favorite This Year?

Who is your favorite to win the Heisman Trophy at this point? Anybody you expect to turn it on as the season goes on?

Barry: I don’t want to jinx anyone. Whoever I pick each season usually has a bad year, so I am not picking anyone.

Barry Shows Some Love for His O-Line

You’ve been awarded with numerous honors and accolades during your football career, which do you consider a more thrilling accomplishment, winning a Heisman Trophy in college or winning an MVP Award in the NFL?

Barry: That is a tough question.

I remind people that football is not golf. I did not win either award by myself.  

I think they were both equally special because I had such a great relationship with my O-line on each team. Honestly, in both cases the lines probably wanted me to get those awards more than I did, and that made both so special for me.

What Current Coach Does Barry Want to Play For?

If you could play for any current college football coach, who would it be?

Barry: Coach Gundy at Oklahoma State, of course!

Has Barry Given His Highly Touted Son Any Recruiting Tips?

Your son Barry Jr. is considered one of the best running back recruits in the country, have you given him any tips and insight about how to handle the recruiting process?

Barry: He is actually being so heavily recruited, he should be giving me the advice.  

I was only recruited by 4 schools, and one of those schools cancelled their football program (Wichita State University).  

He's lucky to be able to make the maximum amount of campus visits, and I am just as curious as everyone else to see what he decides.  

No matter what, he knows that we support his decisions and are very proud of the young man he has become.

Does He Miss the Game?

Which day do you miss more from your playing career, Saturdays or Sundays?

Barry: I don’t miss either. I had my time, and loved every minute of the chances I had to play football at all levels.  

Now I love my weekends with my family. That was a great part of my life and I will always be grateful to Oklahoma State and the Lions for giving me the chances they did.

Nissan's Heisman House

Check out Barry in Nissan's Heisman House, airing on ABC right before the start of the Saturday night game of the week.