Barry Sanders Ownership Rumors: Sorting Fact from Fiction
In recent hours, social media platforms and fan forums lit up with a stunning headline: “Barry Sanders Jr Returns as Co-Owner of the Detroit Lions.” The announcement, purported to come from the Ford family, claimed that Barry Sanders—referred to as “Barry Sanders Jr” and described as a legendary Designated Hitter (DH)—would be returning to the Lions organization in 2025 as a co-owner. Despite the buzz this created among NFL fans, especially in Detroit, a closer look reveals that the claim is riddled with factual errors and almost certainly untrue.
To begin, let’s address the primary confusion: Barry Sanders and Barry Sanders Jr. Barry Sanders is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He spent his entire professional career with the Detroit Lions from 1989 to 1998 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004. His explosive agility and ability to change direction made him a fan favorite and a national icon. On the other hand, Barry Sanders Jr. is his son, who played college football at Stanford and Oklahoma State but never made a significant impact in the NFL.
The use of the term “Designated Hitter” in the announcement further undermines the credibility of the story. The DH is a position in baseball, not football. Barry Sanders never played professional baseball, nor was he ever referred to as a DH. This kind of error strongly suggests that the announcement may be satirical or deliberately misleading.
Additionally, ownership stakes in NFL franchises are highly regulated and rarely announced without significant media coverage and NFL approval. The Detroit Lions have been owned by the Ford family since 1963. Sheila Ford Hamp currently serves as the principal owner and chairwoman. Any transition of ownership, especially involving a public figure like Barry Sanders, would be monumental and would be reported across major sports media outlets such as ESPN, NFL Network, CBS Sports, and local Detroit newspapers. As of this writing, no such reputable outlet has confirmed or even reported on this claim.
That said, Barry Sanders does maintain a connection to the Detroit Lions. He has served in various ambassadorial roles for the team over the years and remains a beloved figure in the city of Detroit and throughout the football world. His return in an official capacity, even if not as a co-owner, would certainly be welcomed by fans.
In conclusion, while the idea of Barry Sanders joining the Lions in a more significant role is exciting, the claim that he—or his son—is becoming a co-owner and that he was a “Designated Hitter” is not grounded in reality. Fans are advised to follow credible news sources and the official Detroit Lions website for accurate updates. For now, this story appears to be either a hoax, satire, or a misinformed rumor that has spiraled out of control online.
