Today in Performance Sneaker History: Barry Sanders is Born in Wichita, KS

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Complex Original

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On this day in 1968, Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders was born in Wichita, Kansas. As Sanders celebrates his 45th birthday, Sneaker Report takes a look back on the legendary running back's unparalleled career and influential Nike sponsorship.

Sanders played college football for Oklahoma State, where in 1987 he recorded what is considered to be one of the greatest college football seasons of all time. Barry averaged over 200 yards a game, setting a number of college football records along the way, including 2,628 rushing yards. He would go on to win the Heisman Trophy before entering the NFL Draft prior to his senior year.

In 1989, the NFL came calling. In the '89 draft, Barry Sanders was selected third overall by the Detroit Lions, making an impact almost immediately. He won the Rookie of the Year honors and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most elusive running backs in the game (in fact, NFL.com ranked him as the most elusive). Throughout his career, Sanders was selected for the Pro Bowl on 10 occasions, finishing with 15,269 total rushing yards upon his retirement in 1998.

Of course, Sanders was also known for his wide array of Nike crosstrainers. Although he never had an official signature model, a number of '90s styles are commonly associated with Sanders, including the Nike Zoom Turf '96, Nike Zoom Turf Jet '97, and Nike Air Super Zoom. Most recently, Nike released a retro version of the Zoom Turf Jet '97, complete with a Lions-themed colorway.

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