NFL Hall Of Famer Barry Sanders Revealed He Suffered A Heart Attack: ‘I Thought It Was Heartburn’

NFL Hall Of Famer Barry Sanders Revealed He Suffered A Heart Attack: ‘I Thought It Was Heartburn’

NFL legend Barry Sanders has revealed he suffered a heart attack last year during a recruiting trip with his son.

“I thought it was like heartburn, but it just kind of persisted,” the Hall of Famer told CBS Sports. After driving himself to the ER, tests confirmed the heart attack.

“I couldn’t believe it, honestly,” Sanders, 56, said. “Of all things, I don’t know why, that just never entered my mind.” Now, he’s raising awareness through a new A\&E special, “The Making of a Heart Attack,” airing June 14.

“You don’t have to fit a certain physical profile,” he said, stressing the importance of getting tested for LDL-C or “bad” cholesterol. “There’s just a certain ignorance I had about things like that.”

Sanders, now on medication and embracing heart-healthy workouts, reminds others: “Sometimes it’s hereditary… That’s why it’s important to have that conversation with your doctor.”

Prayers for Barry on his continued healing journey.