Barry Sanders says being an MSU dad is his “favorite thing”

Barry Sanders is a name that’s relatively new on the Michigan State scene.

The Hall of Fame running back and former Detroit Lion retired from the NFL probably a little earlier than most people would have hoped and he’s lived a fairly low-key lifestyle since.

He’ll make public appearances here and there, but he’s not the kind of former superstar who begs for attention and spotlight. Actually, he’s quite the opposite.

This week, he partook in the Rocket Mortgage Classic Area 313 Celebrity Challenge and got to hang out with his son’s head coach, Tom Izzo. This is a new adventure for Sanders, watching his son walk on at a major college basketball program, but he seems to love it.

Jenna Malinowski of the Detroit Free Press actually caught up with Sanders at the Rocket Mortgage Celebrity Challenge and he called being a Michigan State dad his “most favorite thing.”

That’s pretty cool coming from a Hall of Fame running back and arguably one of the greatest NFL players to grace the gridiron.

Barry Sanders offers his son “tidbits” here and there

Knowing that Sanders is rooting for Michigan State is a pretty cool feeling and he even said that he’s glad Izzo is coaching his son, per Malinowski.

He also said he offers his son some fatherly advice here and there but knows that Izzo has it covered.

"“I feel like I know a little bit about the game. I think I offered little tidbits here and there, but at this point, he’s doing good. He’s enjoying himself. He’s doing pretty much what Coach needs him to do, so everything’s working out.”"

Nick Sanders will be entering his second year with the program and he’s played in seven career games. It’d be cool to see him get his first bucket with Barry in attendance next year.

It’ll be cool knowing that Barry Sanders will be along for the ride as Izzo chases his second title.