Barry Sanders, former Detroit Lions player and NFL Hall member, revealed that he suffered a heart attack about a year ago-an episode that initially classified as a “heart-related fright.”
The former Running Back detailed what happened in an interview with CBS Sports, and made an appeal for people to perform preventive medical examinations.
“Of all things, I don’t know why, it never crossed my mind,” said Sanders, now 56 years old. “I am learning from this process that there are no warning signs, unless you do what we are encouraging: go to the doctor, test your bad cholesterol levels (LDLC). It’s the only way to know.”
The case will be the subject of the documentary “The Making of a Heart Attack”, from A&E, which will be released on Saturday (14).
Sanders said that he felt a burning in his chest during a recruitment visit with his son and, believing it was heartburn, only sought the hospital hours later. The exams showed cardiac enzymes at alarming levels.
Drafted in 1989 by the Lions, Sanders ended his career with 15,269 races – fourth largest brand in history – 99 terrestrial touchdowns and 10 pro Bowl calls in 10 seasons.
It was from the League in 1997 and joined the Hall of Fama in 2004, as unanimous choice.
