Barry Sanders Reveals 2023 Heart Attack
NFL legend Barry Sanders has opened up about a serious health scare he experienced in June 2024 — a heart attack that occurred while on a college recruiting trip with his son.
The 56-year-old Hall of Fame running back shared the details during an interview with CBS Sports, revealing how what he initially thought was heartburn turned out to be a potentially life-threatening condition.
As the discomfort lingered, Sanders decided to leave the visit and check into a hospital. Doctors performed a heart catheterization and confirmed that he had suffered a heart attack. The incident served as a major wake-up call for Sanders, who said it has since transformed how he approaches his health and daily lifestyle.
“I’ve made a lot of changes,” he said. “I’m on medications now, I eat better, and I make sure I walk regularly.”
The former Detroit Lions star, who once relied on elite physical fitness for his career, admitted that he used to underestimate the value of light exercise. “I used to wonder how walking counted as a workout.
But now I understand that heart-healthy activity, even something as simple as walking, can make a big difference.”
Sanders also reflected on his prior lack of awareness regarding heart health, calling the entire experience “a learning process.”
He’s now using his platform to raise awareness, encouraging others to pay attention to warning signs and prioritize preventive care.
The football icon expressed gratitude for the outpouring of public support following his announcement and emphasized that heart health isn’t one-size-fits-all.
“Everyone’s journey is different,” he said. “The most important thing is to listen to your body and take action early.”
Barry Sanders Reveals 2023 Heart Attack