(DETROIT)-The NFL Draft is coming to Detroit this week on the 35th anniversary of the selection of arguably the greatest player in Lions history.
On April 23rd, 1989, Barry Sanders became the third overall pick by the Motor City Kitties.
The Oklahoma State Cowboy would earn many awards, including Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1989, NFL MVP in 1997, and ten Pro Bowl selections.
Sanders retired in 1999, averaging five yards a carry. He had 15,269 career rushing yards and 99 touchdowns on the ground. Number 20 also caught over 2,900 receiving yards on 352 receptions, with ten touchdowns.
The 1989 NFL Draft was a star-studded class, with four Hall-Of-Famers in the first five picks. Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Troy Aikman first overall, Sanders third, the late linebacker Derrick Thomas chosen fourth by Kansas City, and “Coach Prime” cornerback Deion Sanders picked fifth by the Atlanta Falcons.
The second pick that year was Michigan State Offensive Tackle Tony Mandarich, who would have a less-than-stellar career with the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts.
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held Thursday through Sunday at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit.
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