After being sidelined for a month due to a heart-related issue, Barry Sanders has been cleared to resume his normal activities, according to the Hall of Famer himself.
NFL legend Barry Sanders is back on the mend after a health scare last month. The Hall of Famer, who turns 56 next week, suffered a "health scare related to his heart" in June. Although Sanders stopped short of providing exact details about the health condition, he did emphasize the importance of remaining "vigilant" about "physical well-being."
After being spotted at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit late last month, Sanders says he's now a full go.
NFL Legend Barry Sanders Cleared to Resume Normal Activities After Health Scare
"1st, I can't thank family, friends, & fans enough. The outpouring of love & support over the past month has been incredibly humbling…" Sanders posted on Twitter. "Let's all use this scare to prioritize our health."
At the time, the former running back said the scare was "unexpected and served as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant about our physical well-being, even when we are feeling fine."
NFL Legend Barry Sanders Cleared to Resume Normal Activities After Health Scare
Sanders spent his entire storied career with the Detroit Lions, before unexpectedly walking away after the 1998 NFL season. He finished his career with 15,269 rushing yards.
Since retiring, Sanders has acted as an ambassador for the Lions. He made an appearance at the NFL Draft in April, which took place in downtown Detroit.
NFL Legend Barry Sanders Cleared to Resume Normal Activities After Health Scare
The Lions defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs in January to earn a spot in the NFC Championship game for the first time since the 1991 season. Sanders was on hand for the NFC title game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, California, and served as the game's honorary captain. He unfortunately saw his Lions squander a 24-7 halftime lead, and the Niners ultimately went on to Super Bowl LVIII.
Last September, Detroit immortalized Sanders when the team unveiled a statue in his honor. The statue was placed outside of Ford Field, the Lions' home stadium.
Sanders rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his 10 seasons in the NFL. He also received Pro Bowl honors in every season he played. At the time of his retirement, Sanders held virtually every Lions rushing record. He currently sits in fourth place on the NFL's all-time rushing list.
Sanders' return to full health is a welcome sight for Lions fans and football fans alike. The Hall of Famer is a true icon of the game, and his contributions to the NFL will never be forgotten.
