1997 : Barry Sanders, Detroit Lion, Sets Rushing Record

When:
December 21, 2018 all-day
2018-12-21T00:00:00-05:00
2018-12-22T00:00:00-05:00

The 2,000 yard rushing club is one of the most exclusive clubs in the NFL and reflects nothing less but an amazing season for a running back. Today there are only five running backs that have rushed more than 2,000 yards.

On this day, December 21st, in 1997, Barry Sanders became the third NFL player to ever rush for over 2000 yards in a single season, after O.J. Simpson and Eric Dickerson. His total from 1997 is now the fourth highest season yardage ever.

Sanders was able to break the 2,000 mark by rushing for over 100 yards in 14 consecutive games. Sanders ended the season with 2,053 yards rushing yards, 55 yards short of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record.

Sources :

Jojo Gerard,   \”Remembering Barry Sanders’ Record Setting Day”, thegame730am.com, December 21, 2020.

Bruce Mason, “Triumph and tragedy the day Barry reached the 2,000 yard mark”, Detroit Athletic Co., August 23, 2013.

Detroit Lions Football: The 7 Greatest Games in Franchise History, February 5, 2011.

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