Barry Sanders didn't want to be a leader

**singersp** · 06-20-2008, 05:46 AM

[size=13pt]Ex-Lions coach Ross: Barry Sanders didn't want to be a leader[/size]

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June 19, 2008

Former Lions coach Bobby Ross told petoskeynews.com he didnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t think Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders loved the game of football or wanted to be a leader.....

**scottishvike** · 06-20-2008, 06:07 AM

Ross can say what he wants, Sanders would still rate as one of the best RB's I've ever seen.

**singersp** · 06-20-2008, 06:13 AM

"scottishvike" wrote:

Ross can say what he wants, Sanders would still rate as one of the best RB's I've ever seen.

Yes he would, but Sanders himself said he retired, "because as my desire for the game left, I could no longer put my total self into it the way I was used to doing."

**scottishvike** · 06-20-2008, 06:26 AM

"singersp" wrote:

"scottishvike" wrote:

Ross can say what he wants, Sanders would still rate as one of the best RB's I've ever seen.

Yes he would, but Sanders himself said he retired, "because as my desire for the game left, I could no longer put my total self into it the way I was used to doing."

You can understand his frustration though, he carried that team almost single handed for so long with no real chance of the SB. The fact they haven't made the play-offs since he left is a shocking statistic and shows he was right to feel aggrieved at the front office and the coaches.

**Marrdro** · 06-20-2008, 09:20 AM

I bet Barry is glad he never had to face 8 and 9 man fronts like AD does today..... :

(Sarcasim in case you missed it)

**snowinapril** · 06-20-2008, 09:28 AM

All I remember Sunday mornings before Lion games was thinking I hope we can keep him from breaking a big run.
He was truly a weapon.
He got the best of us a few times but I think we faired well against Sanders over all.

He sure was fun to watch.

About the leadership thing, How many RBs are the leader of the team.
That is the QBs problem.
That was the problem that the Lions had when Sanders played, they didn't have the missing piece to put them over the top, a QB!

**snowinapril** · 06-20-2008, 09:30 AM

They went out and got Mitchell, the guy could throw, but it was a step backwards in leadership.

**singersp** · 06-20-2008, 07:35 PM

"snowinapril" wrote:

All I remember Sunday mornings before Lion games was thinking I hope we can keep him from breaking a big run.
He was truly a weapon.
He got the best of us a few times but I think we faired well against Sanders over all.

He sure was fun to watch.

About the leadership thing, How many RBs are the leader of the team.
That is the QBs problem.
That was the problem that the Lions had when Sanders played, they didn't have the missing piece to put them over the top, a QB!

I believe overall we did as well. I still remember containing Sanders for a mere 16 yards rushing in one of our games.