Barry Sanders reveals details of major health scare

NFL legend Barry Sanders revealed roughly a year ago that he had experienced a major health scare, and the former Detroit Lions star is now sharing more details.

In June 2024, Sanders announced that he experienced “a health scare related to my heart” during Father’s Day weekend. He said the medical episode was a reminder that people need to stay vigilant about their physical health even when they are feeling fine.

Sanders opened up more about the health issues during an interview with Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports that was published on Friday. The 56-year-old said he suffered a heart attack while on a recruiting visit with his son.

Sanders said he woke up in the morning with a burning sensation in his chest that he believed was heartburn. He said the discomfort “just kind of persisted,” so he drove himself to the emergency room after the recruiting visit. Tests revealed that he had suffered a heart attack.

“Of all things, I don’t know why, that just never entered my mind,” Sanders said. “I’m learning through this process that there aren’t necessarily any warning signs, unless you do what we’re encouraging people to do, which is to go the doctor, get tested for LDLC levels, or bad cholesterol. That’s the only way to find out if you have high cholesterol. It’s not something you’re going to be able to feel. You don’t have to fit a certain physical profile.”

Sanders shared more about his experience in a special called “The Making of a Heart Attack,” which will premier on A&E on Saturday. He said that his health has since improved with medications, dietary changes and some lifestyle adjustments.

“Sometimes it’s hereditary and it’s not like you’re doing anything wrong,” Sanders said. “There’s a lot of different stories and examples out there. That’s why it’s important for people to have that conversation with their doctor.”

A 10-time Pro Bowl selection, Sanders spent his entire NFL career with the Lions from 1989-1998. He led the NFL in rushing in 1997 with 2,053 yards, and he led the league in rushing touchdowns in 1991 with 16. He was honored as the NFL MVP in 1997 and walked away from the game after the following season.

Though Sanders’ relationship with the Lions was strained after his retirement, he reconciled with the team and became an ambassador for them in 2017. The Lions even put up a statue in honor of Sanders in 2023.

Now, Sanders is determined to spread awareness about heart health following his frightening experience.