by Jamail Franklin

Created on: April 05, 2007   Last Updated: April 29, 2007

Jim Brown, Eric Dickerson, Marcus Allen, O.J. Simpson, Frank O'Harris these are some of the greatest running backs to ever play the game but the don't compare to the man who is the greatest. Emmitt Smith the all time leading rusher in the game has this man to thank. Barry Sanders the greatest to ever play the running back position. His stop and go capability and his field vision made him the game most unstoppable running. What makes him the greatest is that all he accomplished was done without the help of a good offensive line.

Any football fan will tell you that watching Barry run the ball was like poetry in motion. He had a sixth sense that allowed him to juke defenders and get that extra yardage. His open field vision allowed him to break off numerous long and exciting runs. It seemed as if no one man could stop Barry. Barry had the ability to change direction and accelerate better than any other running back. He was a dangerous weapon in any capacity he was used in. Detroit was able to sell tickets because this man was so amazing on the football field.

In the short amount of time Barry managed to pile up a lot of yards. He was able to do the unthinkable. He single handedly ran into the hall of fame. If he would have continued playing the game he would still be the all time leading rusher. Emmitt Smith really thanks Barry. Pay close attention to how long it took Emmitt to catch Barry. He needed lots of years to accumulate the numbers that Barry had. Barry will always be remembered as the prototype back. With all the beef that Dallas had imagine Barry running behind that line.

Considering all that has been said the most important factor is that Barry never had a line to block for him. He developed a system on how to get something out of nothing. Every play was a highlight. Barry could break a tackle, cut left, stop and go for 40 yards all in one motion. Whenever the discussion come to you about who was the best always remember that Barry was a one man demolition crew. If he would have played three more years Emmitt would be number two. Detroit's owner was able to pay the players because of the ticket sales Barry generated. He was truly born to be a work horse. Half man half amazing this is what describes Barry Sanders the greatest running back of all time.

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