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Barry Sanders headlines Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Lawrence Andrew Fernandezby: Lawrence Fernandez9 hours agolawandfern

Barry Sanders continues to achieve accolades nearly three decades after he last played football. As KWCH 12 News’ Maya Daniels wrote, the 1997 NFL Most Valuable Player will be inducted into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Sanders played high school football for Wichita North, and his story is a model of perseverance. He mostly lined up as a defensive back because his older brother, Byron Sanders, was the team’s starting running back. The younger Sanders could have competed for his brother’s position during his senior year. However, he played wingback to begin that season due to his small size.

He started at tailback in the fourth game of his senior year because the starter served a suspension. Barry Sanders made the most of his opportunity, finishing with 274 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He finished with 1,417 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in seven games.

After high school, he played three seasons for Oklahoma State. Sanders won the 1988 Heisman Trophy after leading the nation in rushing yards (2,628) and touchdowns (37). During his high school football career, he also became a Unanimous All-American and a Maxwell Award winner.

The Detroit Lions selected Barry Sanders in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft, and he became a First-team All-Pro selection as a rookie. He retired in 1998 at 30 years old and within striking distance of Walter Payton’s all-time rushing record. Sanders finished his NFL career with ten Pro Bowls, six First-team All-Pro selections, and two Offensive Player of the Year awards.

Sanders entered the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004. He also entered the College Football Hall of Fame and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

Joining Barry Sanders in the KSHSAA Class of 2026 are Richard Bechard (administrator), Mike Bradley (student), Elizabeth Dutton (faculty), and Bill Johnson (faculty).