Barry Sanders Talks The Lions, Gambling, and Future Coaching Plans

Barry Sanders is a hall of famer and probably the most famous Detroit Lion of all time, but he has a new job now.

Sanders has signed on as a new spokesperson for BetMGM in Michigan now that online betting is legal. We were lucky enough to talk to Barry about his new role, and get his take on all the moves the Lions have made lately. Barry may have been one of the best running backs in the history of the NFL, but he revealed that he's not as good at gambling.

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When we asked Barry about gambling skills, he said flat out that he was not good. He even laughed saying that he routinely picks the wrong team and that he picked the Chiefs to win.

Barry took time to talk about his love for Detroit and how he now considers himself a Michigander. The one thing that stood out to me most in talking to Sanders is that he's so humble. During his career he was never much for touchdown celebrations, but his ability on the field made him stand out from everyone else.

When talking about his time in Detroit, Sanders mentioned the other number 20 for the Lions. Sanders said that it didn't even feel real that he got to wear the same number as Billy Simms. He talked about growing up looking up to Simms on the field.  You can listen to the entire interview below.

My two favorite parts of the conversation are when we asked Barry about coaching in the future, and if he remembers getting hit hard during a game.

The answer to coaching is a flat out NO. Sanders left little room for debate on a future in coaching saying, "I don't think I'd be a very good coach."

When he was asked about remembering getting hit, he had a specific moment ready. This was a little surprising because watching Barry play, it seemed like he never got hit. That is obviously not the case though as he described a hit in his first start as a Lion that knocked the wind out of him, and welcomed him to the NFL.