Heart of a Lion: Barry Sanders’ Comeback Inspires Detroit’s Young Stars

DETROIT – The roar inside Ford Field was deafening. Eminem’s iconic anthem "Lose Yourself" blasted through the stadium speakers, a visual symphony unfolding on the giant video boards. It was the Detroit Lions’ home opener on September 14th, a moment brimming with anticipation. But the energy amplified exponentially when the cameras panned to a suite, revealing not just Eminem, but a figure even more revered in the Motor City: Lions Hall of Fame running back, Barry Sanders.

Eminem, a 15-time Grammy winner, embraced Sanders, his childhood hero. The two icons, a rapper and a running back, united in a moment of pure Detroit pride, clapping and urging the crowd on with shouts of "Let’s go!" The city was electric.

As the game resumed, the Lions’ dynamic running back duo, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, were keenly aware of Sanders’ presence. Fueled by the legend’s aura, they unleashed a dominant performance against the Chicago Bears in a Week 2 rout. Gibbs exploded for 94 rushing yards, while Montgomery contributed to a combined 151 yards and two touchdowns in the resounding 52-21 victory.

"Every time he’s at the game, I just want to show out," Gibbs confessed to ESPN. "Like, s—, that’s Barry Sanders. So, every time he’s at the game, I try to make sure I’m on point."

At 57, Sanders’ playing days are long over, but his legacy looms large. Gibbs and Montgomery, both relatively new to the Lions, see Sanders as the embodiment of excellence. Their relationship with Sanders, fostered shortly after they joined the team in 2023, has served as a constant reminder of the high standard he set in the Lions’ backfield – a standard they are determined to emulate. Even more so after Sanders survived a heart attack in the summer of 2024.

"I think for us, it gives us the ability to realize the standard and what we’ve got to live up to, just knowing that Barry walked the same grounds that we walked," Montgomery explained. "It’s only right for us to respect him by paying homage by running with a kind of authority that he ran with."

Gibbs was admittedly "starstruck" when he first arrived in Detroit as a Lion. Sanders was among a group of franchise legends who welcomed the rookie after he was drafted 12th overall in the 2023 NFL draft. Sanders and Gibbs even shared a car ride to the Lions’ practice facility. Despite being too young to have witnessed Sanders’ playing career firsthand, Gibbs had meticulously studied Sanders’ highlights on YouTube and social media. He even wore Sanders’ iconic No. 20 in middle school.

During that initial car ride, Sanders and Gibbs bonded over shared stories of schoolyard games and their mutual love for football. Gibbs recounted how playing in his backyard helped shape his unique style. A strong bond has remained ever since. Despite Sanders’ reputation for humility and privacy, Gibbs knows he can always turn to the Hall of Famer for guidance. Sanders’ typical response is short and sweet: "Go kill ’em."

Montgomery, like Gibbs, admired Sanders’ game through highlight reels. He connected with Sanders shortly after signing with the Lions in March 2023. The two have developed a meaningful relationship, with Sanders offering guidance and support. While Montgomery prefers to keep the specifics of their conversations private, he acknowledges Sanders’ profound influence.

Sanders, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004, now serves as a Lions team ambassador and is a more visible presence around the team than he has been since his sudden retirement in 1999. The Lions’ running backs have benefited the most from his involvement. They witnessed Sanders become the first player in franchise history to be honored with a bronze statue outside Ford Field in September 2023. They also attended the premiere of his "Bye Bye Barry" documentary, gaining a deeper appreciation for his remarkable career.

During his playing career, Sanders was considered one of the most electrifying players in the league. He remains fourth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 15,269 yards in just 10 seasons. His highlight-reel plays continue to inspire younger players like Gibbs and Montgomery.

"That made me just want to work harder," Montgomery stated. "I want to do as much as I can to even be like a morsel as good as he was. So, it just gave me a wide perspective that I need to go harder."

Lions wide receiver and assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery, who coached the running backs last season, believes Sanders’ influence has spurred Gibbs to strive for greatness.

"It was a tremendous ability for him to see what greatness looks like and now, the barometer for what a great player is maybe changed from one of the top 15 backs in the league to absolutely having the best back in the league that ever played the game in the same building with you," Montgomery said.

"So, your standards, they change quickly when guys like that are around," he added. "Not only that, but just the type of human that [Barry Sanders] is and how modest he is, but also his standard for doing things the right way so our guys are really, really blessed to have him around."

Sanders experienced a health scare on Father’s Day weekend in June 2024. He woke up with a persistent burning sensation in his chest. Initially dismissing it as heartburn, he later discovered he had suffered a heart attack.

His doctor developed a treatment plan involving more exercise, dieting, and medication. Sanders’ near-death experience has prompted him to become an advocate for heart health, participating in documentaries and sharing his story to raise awareness about cholesterol management.

During a joint practice with the Miami Dolphins, Sanders, watching Gibbs and Montgomery, expressed his admiration for their performance. He praised their ability to find running lanes and their physical running style, highlighting Montgomery’s seamless fit with the offensive line.

Sanders envisions another successful year for the Lions’ running backs, confident in their ability to make a significant impact.

For Gibbs and Montgomery, the presence of Sanders is a constant reminder of the legacy they are striving to uphold. They embrace the responsibility of carrying on his tradition of excellence.

"It feels good," Gibbs concluded. "Since we’ve both got here, we’ve been talking about making history and making a difference, and that’s what we plan on doing."

• Greenlaw’s Suspension Upheld; LB Out vs. Dallas
• Ryans: Struggling Texans Not Making OC Move
• Vikings Sticking with Wentz as QB1 vs. Chargers
• NFL DFS Picks, Lineup Advice, Daily Fantasy Strategy Guide for ‘Monday Night Football’
• Buzz: Evans Breaks Collarbone, Gibbs Runs Wild, Seahawks Split Carries on MNF