Barry Sanders, the Hall of Fame running back, opens up for the first time about a terrifying personal experience — his unexpected heart attack in 2024.
In June 2024, while visiting his son’s college, Barry felt burning in his chest. He thought it was indigestion. But something felt off — so he acted.
Though he assumed it was heartburn, the pain persisted for hours. Barry made the life-saving decision to go to the ER. That choice changed everything.
Doctors ran tests. Enzyme levels were sky-high. A heart catheterization followed. It confirmed a heart attack—Barry was shocked but thankful he got help in time.
I didn’t have symptoms that screamed heart attack,” Barry says. “I never thought it could happen to me. I’ve always been in shape.” He was caught off guard.
Barry later learned his LDL cholesterol was dangerously high. He says, “I didn’t feel it. You can’t feel it. You only know through testing.
His story will air in ‘Bye Bye Barry: The Making of a Heart Attack’ on A&E, June 14. It highlights his health scare, recovery, and mission to educate others.
He wants others to avoid his mistake. Barry urges people to check their cholesterol, see a doctor regularly, and don’t ignore subtle health changes.
Barry says his experience proves heart attacks don’t just happen to the unhealthy. Genetics, cholesterol, and awareness all matter. He’s sharing this to save lives.
Barry’s story is a powerful reminder: Listen to your body. Don’t delay care. Know your numbers. Take small steps now — they can make a life-saving difference.