The 2,000 yard rushing club is one of the most exclusive clubs in the NFL and reflects nothing less than an amazing season for a running back.

On this day, December 21st, in 1997, Barry Sanders became the third NFL player to ever rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. The season was the best of Sanders’ already outstanding career.  Sanders was able to break the 2,000 mark by rushing for over 100 yards in 14 consecutive games.  Sanders ended the season with 2,053 yards rushing yards, 55 yards short of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record.

Barry Sanders’ 1997 season was also the first time a running back had rushed for over 1,500 yards in five seasons, four of which were done in consecutive years. Sanders shared the MVP awards with Brett Favre that year.