While watching one of those NFL top 10 countdowns to the best shows last night, I had to re-access my greatest running backs list.
The show was counting down top 10 heisman trophy winning backs who made an impact in the NFL. I came in on it as they were wrapping up "The Juice", O.J. Simpson at #2. Then after commercial and plenty of hype a Detroit Lions helmet flashed past the camera and I knew, Barry "frickin" Sanders.
After watching ten minutes or more of #20 juke, spin, sprint and score in spectacular fashion, I had to lip the words of one of the show's commentators; "Only Barry Sanders."
Barry Sanders, the little engine that could, was a whirlwind, a tasmanian devil if you will, who arrived in the NFL after a stellar college career. He was living proof that a great college football player could go professional and become a legend. Barry Sanders, soft spoken, humble, almost shy to a fault, lit up the NFL and broke down defenders like a boxer who uses the jab to setup the knockout punch. If you were watching him on television or Live at a stadium, time stood still while you focused in on #20 to make sure you didn't miss what people would be talking about after the game; that run by Barry.
In the countdown show last night, one player said it best. When Detroit Lions 1998 rookie quarterback Charlie Batch came into the game for the first time he was star struck just to be on the field and in the huddle with teammate Barry Sanders. He remembers calling the play in the huddle and saying to himself, "that's Barry Sanders!"
As you watched Batch reminisce about the experience you could see the childlike admiration and hero worship in his eyes and facial expressions. Who amongst us wouldn't do the same under such circumstances?
Batch then says they ran the play and he hands off to #20, after which he goes into a dreamlike state while watching Barry cut, spin and romp toward the goal line. Batch says after the handoff all he could do was watch with unbelieving eyes while thinking; "I just handed off to Barry Sanders!"
That my friends is what watching one of the greatest running backs of all time will do to any observer, make them watch in wonder and amazement.
#20, Barry Sanders was a true gem to behold on the football field. Since his retirement we've waited to see if the good Lord will bless us with another that displays such athletic skill and will on the gridiron. Maybe the mold was broken. We're still waiting.
Top 5 Heisman Trophy Winning NFL Running Backs
5.Earl Campbell
4.Tony Dorsett
3.Marcus Allen
2.O.J. Simpson
I think Barry Sanders is an unbelievable football player. I don’t know if any
of us could say that we were better than Barry, and I don’t think any of us
would want to. It’s unnecessary. But he’s also a real fine human being and a
friend of mine. His father was a dear friend of mine and used to tease Barry and
say, “You’re the third-best back that ever played the game.” His father said,
“I’m No. 1, Jim Brown is No. 2 and you’re No. 3.” Barry had to tolerate that
conversation, but he took it well. ... Just a fantastic athlete and a great
person. A lot of dignity.
-Jim Brown
-Jim Brown
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