The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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While many argue whether or not he was the best ever or even the best of his decade, Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions was the most intriguing running back in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1990s for two reasons: his productivity and personality. Sanders's consistent productivity on the football field was incredible; he averaged more than 100 rushing yards for every game in which he played. Despite never playing for a championship team, Sanders's remarkable on-the-field production—achieved through a combination of power, speed, and tremendous agility—brought him many postseason awards including player-of-the-year honors in 1997. Yet, Sanders may be best known for his humility during an era of professional sports dominated by outspoken and self-absorbed players constantly trying to increase their wealth. According to Paul Attner of the Sporting News, Sanders preferred a lifestyle that was "neither flamboyant nor extravagant," which was why he consistently turned down lucrative endorsement opportunities. In the final game of one season, Sanders even took himself out of the game in the closing minutes despite being close to setting the season rushing record. He later explained that the personal achievement meant little to him and he wanted to let his backup have a chance to play. Accentuated by his quiet demeanor, the leadership, modesty, and family values exhibited by Barry Sanders made him not just a great athlete but a uniquely humble superstar. Prior to the 1999 season, in a surprising move, Sanders retired from playing professional football for the Detroit Lions, claiming that he had lost his drive to play.
Attner, Paul. "Be Like Barry." Sporting News. September 7,1998, 16-25.
Guss, Greg. "The Father, the Son, and the Holy Numbers." Sport. September 1998, 70-75.
Gutman, Bill. Barry Sanders: Football's Rushing Champ. Brook-field, Connecticut, Millbrook Press, 1993.
Hinton, Ed, and Paul Zimmerman. "Cut and Run." Sports Illustrated. December 5, 1994, 36-46.
Kavanagh, Jack. Barry Sanders: Rocket Running Back. Minneapolis, Lerner Publications, 1994.