Oklahoma State Heisman Trophy Winner and Double Football Hall of Famer has Health Scare

STILLWATER – Oklahoma State Heisman Trophy winner and running back great as well as Pro and College Football Hall of Fame member Barry Sanders suffered a health scare on the Father’s Day weekend. The news was reported first by Sanders on his Twitter/X account. Sanders’ health scare was further reported to be heart related. By Sanders’ own account he received excellent medical attention and will be working toward a full recovery and being in better shape with his health.

"It was unexpected and served as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant about our physical well-being, even when we are feeling fine," Sanders wrote on his Twitter/X account. "I am grateful for the amazing doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals for providing me with needed care. My family and I are thankful for your prayers and support during this time." 

Malcolm Emmons - USA TODAY Sports

Sanders in his Heisman Trophy season at Nebraska.

Barry Sanders is currently 55 years old and he played at Oklahoma State from 1986-88 winning the Heisman in 1988 as Oklahoma State went on a 10-2 season, which they did twice during his career. Sanders in his Heisman season rushed for 2,628 yards, an average of 238.9 yards per game, with 37 rushing touchdowns. He also added a punt return TD and a kickoff return TD to bring his regular season touchdown total to 39. He produced a record 3,250 all-purpose yards and averaged 8.3 yards per play as Oklahoma State finished 9-2 and ranked 12th in the polls in the regular season. They thrashed Wyoming in the Holiday Bowl 62-14 as Sanders rushed for 222 yards rushing and 5 touchdowns. 

Pat Kinnison - Chief Photographer

Sanders with teammates as he goes into the Ring of Honor.

A first-ballot College and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Sanders is the first player to rush for over 1,000 years in each of his first 10 seasons. He won four rushing titles during his 10-year career. In 1997 became the third player in history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season after having the opportunity and passing on it earlier in his career. Sanders was the c-MVP in the NFL that season with Brett Farve of the Green Bay Packers.

Barry Sanders has been back to Oklahoma State multiple times to see his son, Barry J. Sanders play in his final collegiate season as a Cowboy after transferring from Stanford. Sanders has been back to receive his appointment in the Cowboys and Boone Pickens Stadium Ring of Honor. 

Sanders message on Twitter/X received many responses of thoughts, prayers, and concern including those from Oklahoma State University President Dr. Kayse Shrum, former teammates, and many fans.