30 greatest players to never win a Super Bowl

2. Barry Sanders, RB, Detroit Lions

It is somewhat safe to say that no running back we have ever seen was more unique than Barry Sanders. In his 10 seasons with the Detroit Lions, the former Heisman Trophy winner thrilled everyone who watched him and frustrated those who had to tackle him. His amazing footwork was key when it came to one of the great performers at his position ever.

Sanders ran for at least 1,100 yards each year he played. He was 10 for 10 when it came to being named to the Pro Bowl and was the NFL’s co-MVP in 1995. Only fellow Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith (18,355) and Walter Payton (16,726) ran for more yards than the amazing Sanders (15,269). All told, the six-time All-Pro’s 109 total touchdowns (99 rushing, 10 receiving) ranks 17th in league annals. Meanwhile, his 18,190 total yards from scrimmage are topped by only five players. To be honest, even these impressive numbers don’t do Sanders justice.

Unfortunately, while the Lions actually made their share of postseason career during Sanders’ 10 seasons, postseason success eluded the franchise and continues to do so. You may recall Detroit’s 38-6 rout of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1991 NFC Divisional Playoffs at the Pontiac Silverdome. It put Sanders and the team within one win of Super Bowl XXVI. But that ended one week later with a loss to the Redskins in the conference title game and the Lions haven’t won a playoff game since.

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