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NFL Legend Barry Sanders Suffered a Heart Attack Last Year

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jack Gorman | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 3:36 PM ET

NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders revealed today that he suffered a heart attack while on a recruiting visit with his son. Last year, Sanders shared that he had suffered a heart-related "health scare" on Father's Day Weekend.

"I couldn't believe it, honestly," said Sanders to CBS Sports. "I thought it was like heartburn, but it just kind of persisted."

He woke up that morning with a burning sensation in his chest. Later, he drove himself to the emergency room.

"Of all things, I don't know why, that just never entered my mind," said Sanders. "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. It's not something you're going to be able to feel. You don't have to fit a certain physical profile."

Sanders has gone public with this admission in the hopes of bringing more awareness to heart health, specifically looking to inspire people to get a complete medical checkup to keep an eye on the health of their own hearts. He urges people to visit attackheartdisease.com/test, and said his own health has improved by following the advice of his doctors.

The Detroit Lions great has detailed his experience in "The Making of a Heart Attack," which will air on Saturday, June 14 at 1 pm ET on A&E.

Is Barry Sanders the GOAT? pic.twitter.com/TUCh0BOe0E
— TodayInSports (@TodayInSportsCo) June 11, 2025

Sanders played for 10 seasons in the NFL, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl each year. He led the league in rushing for four of those seasons, and was known for a quick, electric style of running. He still ranks No. 4 all-time in rushing yards.

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

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