Barry Sanders on revisiting his controversial retirement and the Lions’ success
Yahoo Sports’ Jason Fitz is chatting with Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders about the early-season success of the Detroit Lions and his decision to revisit his controversial retirement in the documentary Bye Bye Barry, premiering on Tuesday, November 21, exclusively on Prime Video.
Video Transcript
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JASON FITZ: Jason Fitz with Yahoo Sports hanging out with NFL legend, Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, ahead of "Bye Bye Barry," which premieres Tuesday, November 21, exclusively on Prime Video. One of the biggest conversations, Barry, that always happens about you is your decision to leave. And this is our opportunity to hear so much of that story. When you look back on it, do you have any regrets about leaving the league so early?
BARRY SANDERS: You know, I really don't. For me, it was the perfect time. 10 years, a long time to play that position. And obviously, 10 years in the NFL, and then before that college in high school. But no, it's hard for a person in my shoes to really have any regrets the way things have worked out for me.
JASON FITZ: Who helped you when you were making the decision? Who did you lean on?
BARRY SANDERS: Well, I definitely leaned on Mom. Dad was a big part of it, even though he definitely wanted me to continue playing. He had been my biggest fan and biggest critic of most of my career. And I think the documentary really does a good job of talking about him and all those forces that were very important to me and will answer a lot of those questions like that.
JASON FITZ: Talk to me a little about the Lions now. Because Dan Campbell has become such a sensation. And obviously, this is a team that you're so synonymous with. What have your interactions been like with Coach?
BARRY SANDERS: Oh, they've been great. I had a chance to visit with Coach a few times this year. And look, I mean, this is the season that I think a lot of us fans have been waiting for, have been anticipating. The wins that we have, you look at our roster up and down, the way Coach Campbell has his team playing, things couldn't be much better. We're positioned right where we should be. I think we're expecting this team to continue to play well.
JASON FITZ: Now I have this vision in my head because you're a Hall of Famer, and you get the beautiful jacket for being a Hall of Famer. I have this vision where you just bust it out. You ever just bust out the jacket and wear it out to remind people that you're Barry Sanders?
BARRY SANDERS: You know, I don't, but that's an idea. That is an idea.
JASON FITZ: [LAUGHS]
BARRY SANDERS: Maybe just wear it to the grocery store or something like that, just to remind everyone. But no, I haven't done that before.
JASON FITZ: I can't wait to check out the documentary. I know everybody can't wait to check out the documentary. "Bye Bye Barry" premieres Tuesday, November 21, exclusively on Prime Video. Barry, really appreciate your time.
BARRY SANDERS: Great seeing you again, Jason. Let's do it again soon.