Wichita Standard

This week in City of Wichita history.

Born July 16, 1968, in Wichita, Kansas

Barry Sanders was born in Wichita, Kansas, on July 16, 1968. He attended Wichita North High School. In 1986, he enrolled at Oklahoma State University. As a junior in 1988, he won the Heisman Trophy. He rushed for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns that season. He entered the 1989 NFL Draft and was selected third overall by the Detroit Lions. He played for the Lions from 1989 to 1998. Sanders rushed for 15,269 career yards and 99 touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl ten times. He was the NFL MVP in 1997. He retired unexpectedly before the 1999 season. Sanders was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004. His football career began in Wichita. His high school performance helped launch his path to national success. Wichita remains part of his life story as the place where his career started.