Oklahoma State University Athletics
Barry Sanders Included Among ESPN’s 150 Greatest Players
January 13, 2020 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – Former Oklahoma State running back Barry Sanders was honored at halftime of the CFP Championship game Monday night as part of the top 11 in ESPN's College Football 150: College Football's 150 Greatest Players.
Sanders, who easily won the vote as the greatest football player of all-time in a November USA TODAY ballot, was listed at No. 9 on ESPN's list of greatest players.
In 1988, Sanders had what is widely considered the greatest individual season in college football history, setting 34 NCAA records and posting the best rushing season in college football history. His season has been voted the best ever by Sports Illustrated, USA TODAY and numerous others.
His domination of college football that year earned him the Heisman Trophy and unanimous first-team All-America honors. Some of his most outrageous statistics in 1988 include 237.5 rushing yards per game, 7.6 yards per carry, 44 touchdowns scored (3.7 per game) and four games with at least 300 yards rushing.
Sanders was a first-round draft choice by the Detroit Lions in 1989, and the No. 21 jersey he wore as a Cowboy is one of just four numbers no longer in use at Oklahoma State. He is also a member of both the Pro Football and College Football Hall of Fame.
Monday night's recognition at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome culminated the year-long College Football 150 initiative to mark the sport's 150th season. Multiple players included in the Top 11 were in attendance, while players ranked 12-25 were highlighted on ESPN.com immediately following the halftime ceremony.
Sanders, who easily won the vote as the greatest football player of all-time in a November USA TODAY ballot, was listed at No. 9 on ESPN's list of greatest players.
In 1988, Sanders had what is widely considered the greatest individual season in college football history, setting 34 NCAA records and posting the best rushing season in college football history. His season has been voted the best ever by Sports Illustrated, USA TODAY and numerous others.
His domination of college football that year earned him the Heisman Trophy and unanimous first-team All-America honors. Some of his most outrageous statistics in 1988 include 237.5 rushing yards per game, 7.6 yards per carry, 44 touchdowns scored (3.7 per game) and four games with at least 300 yards rushing.
Sanders was a first-round draft choice by the Detroit Lions in 1989, and the No. 21 jersey he wore as a Cowboy is one of just four numbers no longer in use at Oklahoma State. He is also a member of both the Pro Football and College Football Hall of Fame.
Monday night's recognition at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome culminated the year-long College Football 150 initiative to mark the sport's 150th season. Multiple players included in the Top 11 were in attendance, while players ranked 12-25 were highlighted on ESPN.com immediately following the halftime ceremony.
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