NFL legend Barry Sanders is opening up about the heart attack he suffered during Father’s Day weekend in 2023. This year, to mark the same occasion, Sanders is featured in a new documentary titled “The Making of a Heart Attack”, premiering Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on A&E.
The documentary explores the hidden risks behind heart attacks and strokes, with Sanders speaking candidly about his own experience. He also connects with four others who have survived similar cardiovascular events, highlighting common warning signs and misperceptions that often go unnoticed.
“It was unexpected and served as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant about our physical well-being,” Sanders said in a statement following the incident. 
Despite being a former NFL star who stayed active and in shape, Sanders told The Athletic he had no idea he was having a heart attack at the time. Mistaking the sensation for heartburn, he ultimately drove himself to the ER when the discomfort persisted.
Sanders’ goal with the documentary is to raise awareness about the early signs of cardiovascular disease and question why both patients and healthcare professionals often miss these indicators.
“When it comes to cardiovascular disease, recognizing the risks is the first step to taking action,” reads the film’s description.
Now in good health, Sanders hopes to use his platform to inform others, especially those who think they’re “too fit” or “too young,” that heart health requires constant attention, no matter your background.
Barry Sanders played 10 seasons with the Detroit Lions, earning six All-Pro selections and an NFL MVP award in 1997. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004 and remains one of the most celebrated running backs in NFL history.
