Former Lions legend Barry Sanders has become one of the leading voices for heart health, regularly supporting the American Heart Association Heart Walk.

During the recent Heart Walk organized on Belle Isle, he revealed the deeply personal reason that fueled his ventures to raise awareness about the life-threatening disease that claims lives annually.

“It was important for me to get involved because heart disease has affected me personally. I experienced a heart attack a few years ago, and that changed my perspective,” said Barry Sanders on June 6, per the Detroit Lions X post.

While speaking with CBS Sports in 2025, Sanders revealed that he suffered his first heart attack in June 2024 while attending a college recruiting visit with his son.

"I couldn't believe it, honestly," said Sanders in ‘The Making of a Heart Attack.’ "I thought it was like heartburn, but it just kind of persisted."

According to the former Lions running back, he woke up with a burning sensation in his chest. After leaving the recruiting visit early, Sanders drove himself to the emergency room later that afternoon.

Tests revealed that his enzyme levels were "really high and getting higher." A second procedure confirmed that he had suffered a heart attack.

Since his heart scare, he has been advocating for heart health. At the recent Belle Isle Heart Walk, Sanders donated $32,539.41, ranking second among all walkers. He also shared some advice for people on protecting their heart health.

Barry Sanders shares a simple message for heart health

According to Sanders, the heart is one of the most important muscles of the body, and it’s very important to keep it healthy. His advice? Stay as active as possible, per the Brad Galli Show.

“Walking is a great way, great exercise, to really help your heart and just overall health,” Sanders told Lions reporter Brad Galli on June 1.

The Lions legend called regular physical activity one of the most powerful ways to boost overall health and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

“One of the big things people can do is get moving, be active, and take their health and heart health very seriously,” added Barry.

The former Lions legend has championed heart health awareness for years. Back in 2025, during the Lions-Buccaneers Monday Night Football games, he wore custom Nike shoes on the field to support the American Heart Association.

Recently, he also partnered with Leaf Trading Cards to release a limited-time, first-ever five-way autographed Sanders Family card, with all proceeds from its sales going to charity.

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit