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NFL Legend Barry Sanders Reveals Super Bowl LIX Prediction

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Feb 8, 2025 1:20 PM ET

Former Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders, widely regarded as one of the greatest players at his position, shared his Super Bowl LIX prediction after making an appearance on media row in New Orleans this week.

Sanders, who made the Pro Bowl every season of his 10-year NFL career, rushed or 15,269 yards and 99 touchdowns before retiring at age 31, citing a lack of Super Bowl contention with the Lions as a key factor.

During an interview on the "Green Light with Chris Long " podcast, he jokingly admitted it was tough to bet against Taylor Swift, but ultimately, he’s backing Saquon Barkley and the Eagles to win the big game.

“It’s tough to bet against Taylor Swift. You know, it’s tough to bet against her,” Sanders laughed. “But let me go with Saquon. I feel like the Eagles might have more playmakers. I cringe and hesitate picking against a heavy favorite. I guess they're the favorite, obviously they’re chasing history, and I’m pretty sure the Eagles are more aware of that than anyone else. Maybe they have more motivation this time around. So I’ll go with Saquon and the Eagles.”

Barry Sanders gives out his Super Bowl prediction ahead of the big game pic.twitter.com/7BcrD1Ci3B
— Green Light with Chris Long (@greenlight) February 8, 2025

The Chiefs are aiming to make history by becoming the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Lombardi Trophies. If they succeed, they will join an elite group of American professional sports teams, with the Los Angeles Lakers being the last to three-peat from 2000-2002.

On the other hand, the Eagles are chasing their first title since Nick Foles led them to victory in Super Bowl LII in 2018. This year’s matchup also marks the first Super Bowl appearance for running back Saquon Barkley, who had one of the most remarkable seasons by a running back in NFL history.

Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards this season, just shy of Barry Sanders’ remarkable 1997 season where he ran for 2,053 yards—one of the best single-season performances by a running back. Sanders, despite rushing for over 1,000 yards every season of his career, never made it to the Super Bowl. The Lions, in fact, remain the only NFC team in the Super Bowl era to never reach the big game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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