Barry Sanders Signs $9.5-Million Contract
Heisman Trophy winner Barry Sanders signed a $9.5-million, five-year contract with the Detroit Lions Thursday, ending six weeks of negotiations between the team and its top draft choice.
“I’m not one to make promises, but I’m ready to give 100% to the Detroit Lions. It’s time to work. This is big business,” said Sanders, whose deal includes a $2.5-million signing bonus.
Ten percent of the bonus will go to the Paradise Baptist Church in his hometown of Wichita, Kan., said Sanders, a running back who gave up his last year of eligibility at Oklahoma State and was the No. 3 selection overall in April’s NFL draft.
Sanders rushed for 39 touchdowns and an NCAA-record 2,628 yards in 1988.
UCLA quarterback Troy Aikman, the first pick in the draft, signed with Dallas for a reported $11.1 million over six years.
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