For more than two decades, one of the most intriguing mysteries in NFL history has been the premature retirement of Detroit Lions icon Barry Sanders after the 1998 season. Fans and commentators alike have speculated on a variety of causes, ranging from poor team performance to personal problems. Now, a new documentary named “Bye Bye Barry” by Amazon Prime, starring Eminem, Jeff Daniels, and Tim Allen, provides insight on Sanders’ decision. Sanders articulates the basic yet significant reason for his retirement in this revealing documentary: a loss of interest for the game.
Barry stated why he decided to retire at the end of the documentary.
“I consider how much football I had played at the time, and how much of myself I had given up.””I put myself into the game,” Barry explained. “It was just that for me, that thing that drove me to play.” That’s because, you know, the passion wasn’t there. There was virtually nothing left to play for. I didn’t think we were a serious Super Bowl candidate. You know, I was still able-bodied and, you know, of sound mind. Certainly not according to my father, but I had a clear mind and was making a solid decision. I just thought to myself, “Yeah, this is pretty much it.
