Former Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders made a notable appearance at the team’s training camp on Monday, marking his return after a recent health scare. While Sanders did not go into detail about his health issues, he expressed his excitement to be back and emphasized the importance of managing expectations as the Lions prepare for the upcoming season.
Barry Sanders Stresses Focus and Preparation
“There is a lot of hype and just conversation, so it’s really just about these very important, significant days of camp where you’re working on all your stuff and really perfecting who you’re gonna be, establishing your identity going forward,” Barry Sanders said as quoted by Sports Illustrated. He cautioned against dwelling too much on last season’s success, urging the team to remain focused on the future. “For us fans, we can really continue to harp on last year and all that stuff. But, for these guys, it’s about going forward and being focused and understanding that they’re a target,” he added.
Barry Sanders also highlighted the Lions’ offensive strengths, noting that the team’s diverse skill set can keep opposing defenses off balance. “I’ll have to see sort of the continuation of last year, just the great balance we had,” he noted. “I think we had defenses on their heels last year. In a lot of ways, we were, maybe, a step ahead of the game,” Sanders said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining that edge.
Concerns for Jahmyr Gibbs and Praise for Calvin Johnson
During practice, second-year running back Jahmyr Gibbs suffered a hamstring injury, raising concerns about his continued development. Barry Sanders stressed the importance of Gibbs continuing to evolve, as defenses now have a full season’s worth of film on him. “I think, understanding that he can enjoy what he did last year, but now there’s film on him,” Sanders explained. “And so, it’s not gonna get any easier. So, I think just understanding that it’s only gonna be more challenging and more difficult, but I’m sure he’s up for it.”
In addition to his comments on the current roster, Sanders also shared his positive reaction to Calvin Johnson being inducted into the “Pride of the Lions,” acknowledging the previous tensions between Johnson and the organization. “I think it was essential. I think it was something we all hoped for, and sort of glad to see fences get mended,” Sanders said. “Obviously, you never have to wonder what Calvin means to Lions fans and this organization… it’s only right for him to get that recognition. He deserves it.”
As the Lions look to build on last season’s success, Sanders’s insights provide a valuable reminder of the challenges and expectations the team faces as they move forward.
