On this day in 1989: Future Hall of Famer Barry Sanders is drafted by the Detroit Lions

On April 23, 1989, the Detroit Lions selected Barry Sanders of Oklahoma State University with its first-round National Football League draft pick. 

Sanders, a running back from Wichita, Kan., was a leading football player during his 10-season career. On July 27, 1999, Sanders announced his retirement from pro football, the day before Lions training camp was set to start. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004. The Lions retired Sanders’ No. 20 jersey on Nov. 25 of that year. 

Detroit will host the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Sunday issued a proclamation declaring April 22 to 28 as NFL Draft week in Michigan. Tourism officials estimate that as many as 400,000 visitors are expected to be in the Motor City this week. 

“Detroit is fired up to host the NFL Draft,” said Whitmer. “Our state is home to some of the best stories in football, and the draft will bring fans from across the country to Michigan. It’s also an opportunity to uplift the city, support local businesses and workers, and keep telling our story. Let’s seize this opportunity to show everyone what Michigan is all about and make this NFL Draft week unforgettable for both residents and visitors.” 

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan shared Whitmer’s optimism. 

“The NFL Draft is going to do more for our city in terms of economic activity and its national image than any single event in Detroit’s history,” said Duggan. “This week, hundreds of thousands of visitors will be staying at our hotels, shopping at our stores and dining at restaurants across the city. We’ve been working behind the scenes for more than a year and now is the time for our city to shine.” 

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Monday urged Michiganders as well as visitors to be mindful of potential “bad actors seeking to scam residents of their hard-earned money.” 

“Unsuspecting fans could pay money for a ticket that was otherwise free or spend hundreds, or even thousands, on what turns out to be a phony screenshot of a ticket that doesn’t exist or has previously been sold,” Nessel said. “If you’re buying tickets for the NFL Draft, make sure the tickets you pay for aren’t available for free through the app, or that you’re using a trusted site to purchase authentic tickets which will actually get you into the VIP amenities.”