Barry Sanders Book

Why did Barry Sanders, one of the game's most exciting and explosive running backs, suddenly retire just as he was closing in on the all-time NFL rushing record? At the height of his career, he walked away without explanation. In this amazing book, Barry Sanders reveals for the first time how he came to make the biggest decision of his life.

Known throughout his career as a deeply private man, Barry's finally ready to tell his story. He begins with growing up in Wichita, Kansas, and his struggles to earn a place on sports teams despite his small size. He then moves to his Heisman-winning career at Oklahoma State University, where a poorly recruited "too small" running back enjoyed the greatest season in college football history, breaking 39 NCAA records, most of which still stand today.

Next stop -- the NFL and the Detroit Lions. During his incredible career, Barry won the Rookie of the Year award, led the league in rushing four times, was named to the Pro Bowl nine times, twice won the MVP award, and gained more than 16,000 yards, now third on the all-time list. Readers who recall Barry's trademark reticence will delight in his forthcoming tales of teammates, coaches, rivals and big games.

But in this book, Barry covers much more than football. With disarming candor, he explores his relationships with his wife and children, his parents, and his siblings, including his sister Nancy, whose tragic death continues to haunt him -- and to whom the book is dedicated.

Since there is no way to really capture Barry's moves in words, included is a free bonus DVD that features game action footage from Barry's Youth Football days all the way through his career with the Lions. No matter how well you remember Barry's stellar on-field performance, these highlights will give you a new appreciation of one of the most spectacular runners in the history of the game. A rare treat for every football fan.

Includes original commentary from:

• Emmitt Smith, all-time NFL leading rusher
• Lomas Brown, All-Pro lineman and former teammate
• Wayne Fontes, former Lions head coach
• Louis Oliver, former safety for the Miami Dolphins
• Dale Burkholder, Barry's high school coach
• Kevin Glover, former teammate
• Mike Singletary, All-Pro linebacker