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Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders will attend next Sunday's NFL Experience event in Guangzhou. In his 10-year career as a professional player, Sanders averaged over 1,500 yards per season and sits third all-time in career rushing yards. He spoke to the Sunday Morning Post earlier last week.
 
Q : What have you heard about the state of American football in China?
A: I know the NFL and its sponsors have been working hard to lay the groundwork and I know Chinese sports fans are some of the most loyal and dedicated in the world.
 
Q:  Hong Kong is trying to start up a youth football programme next year. When did you start playing?
A: I started playing at a very young age. I was drawn to football and spent every minute either playing, watching or just dreaming about football. I started playing in a league when I was eight and played football every day of my life until I retired at 30.
 
Q: You've had a legendary NFL career. What were some of your personal highlights?
A: I played 10 amazing seasons in Detroit and have so many great memories but two always come to mind: My 2,053-yard season in 1997 was very special because I broke the record with a 50-yard run that sealed the game and got us into the play-offs. My Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2004 was a validation of my whole career. I never got a chance to play for a Super Bowl but the Hall of Fame induction showed I was still able to leave some legacy with the NFL. When you are up there with all the legends of the game in their jackets, it is very humbling.
 
Q: Your long touchdown runs were legendary. Do any of them stand out?
A: Wins stand out, so the runs I made in sealing wins were always the sweetest. I remember a win over Tampa Bay where I had two touchdown runs of over 80 yards. My shoe fell off during one of them.
 
Q: Who do you think will be in this season's Super Bowl?
A: It's always hard to predict but if you forced me to choose - Houston v Chicago.
 
Q: How have you been keeping active since retiring?
A: I have four sons who keep me very busy.


NFL legend Barry Sanders helps spread the game in China

Former Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders will share his knowledge of the game in Guangzhou next Sunday. Photo: AP

China fast catching American football fever with 10 teams formed

The Guangzhou Goats are an almost all-Chinese team who are looking forward to the NFL Experience event. Photo: SMP

The Hong Kong Cobras at a training session.

Sport

China