Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders recently revealed that he faced a “health scare.”
The legendary Detroit Lions running back wrote in a statement posted on social media: “Over Father's Day weekend, I experienced a health scare involving my heart.”
Although he did not provide exact details about his health status, he did emphasize the importance of remaining “vigilant” about “physical well-being.”
“It was unexpected and served as a reminder of the importance of remaining mindful of our physical well-being, even when we feel well,” Sanders noted.
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Former Detroit Lions player Barry Sanders before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field on September 17, 2023 in Detroit. (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Sanders also thanked the medical staff for taking care of him.
“I am grateful for the incredible doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals for giving me the care I needed. My family and I are grateful for your prayers and support during this time.”
NFL LEGEND BARRY SANDERS TALKS ABRUPT RETIREMENT
The Lions shared well wishes through a social media post that read, “Get well soon, Barry.”
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Sanders spent his entire career with the Lions, before unexpectedly leaving the NFL after the 1998 season. He finished his career with 15,269 rushing yards.
Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions carries the ball against the Buccaneers on October 2, 1994 at Tampa Stadium in Florida. (Brian Cleary/Getty Images)
Since his retirement, Sanders has acted as an ambassador for the Lions. He made an appearance in the NFL Draft in April. The event took place in downtown Detroit.
The Lions defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional round in January to earn a berth in the NFC Championship game for the first time since the 1991 season. Sanders was present in the NFC title game against the 49ers of San Francisco in Santa Clara, California, and served as honorary captain of the game.
Barry Sanders spent his entire storied career with the Lions, before unexpectedly stepping away from the NFL after the 1998 season. (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Last September, the Lions immortalized Sanders when the team unveiled a statue. The Sanders statue was placed outside Ford Field, the Lions' home stadium.
Sanders rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his 10 NFL seasons.
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He received Pro Bowl honors in every season he played. At the time of his retirement, Sanders held virtually all of the Lions' rushing records. He currently ranks fourth on the NFL's all-time rushing rushers list.
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