born July 16, 1968, Wichita, Kan., U.S.
U.S. football player.
He attended Oklahoma State University, where he won the Heisman Trophy (1988) and set 34 college rushing records. As a running back for the Detroit Lions (198999), he rushed for 15,269 yd, placing him third behind Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton in all-time career rushing yardage. He holds records for the most games with 150 yd or more rushing (25), the most 100-yd games in a season (14), and the most touchdown runs of 50 or more yards (15). A runner with exceptional speed and balance, Sanders was known for his array of jukes and spins that left defenders grasping at air.