The iconic former Detroit Lions running back doesn’t hand out praise easily, but he couldn’t hide his respect for the impact head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have had in rebuilding the franchise.

In a recent interview, Sanders described their efforts in Detroit as nothing less than “miraculous.”

“What Coach Campbell and Brad Holmes have done is truly miraculous,” Sanders said in a conversation with USA Today, quoted by MLive. “It really comes down to all the choices they’ve made with the roster and how they treat their players.”

Sanders, who went through plenty of struggles during his Hall of Fame years in Detroit, understands exactly what dysfunction looks like. That’s what makes this transformation under Campbell and Holmes so remarkable to him.

“Coach Campbell’s game-day mindset—he’s completely rewritten the Lions’ reputation,” Sanders added. “Going for it on fourth down, giving his guys more chances—it’s a whole new approach.”

Campbell’s bold strategy has defined this new chapter in Detroit. From fourth-down gambles to trusting players like Jared Goff, Aidan Hutchinson, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, his leadership has driven back-to-back playoff runs—including last season’s 15-2 finish and a No. 1 NFC seed.

While Campbell runs the game from the sideline, Holmes is crafting the roster from behind the scenes. From drafting top-tier talent like Penei Sewell, Brian Branch, and Jameson Williams to uncovering gems like Sam LaPorta and Malcolm Rodriguez, the Lions’ front office has formed a young, driven core.

“That’s why I believe they know what they’re doing and have the right formula,” Sanders said. “They’ve shown they can make strong picks both in the draft and in free agency.”

The public perception of the Lions has shifted dramatically—and fast.

Not long ago, Detroit wasn’t even in the conversation. Today, they’re one of the most respected teams in the league.

“Just a few years back, no one paid attention to us. Now, it’s two playoff runs and real consideration as one of the top NFC teams,” Sanders said. “That’s really all you can ask for.”

Barry Sanders has seen it all in Detroit. He’s witnessed squandered potential, poor leadership, and forgotten seasons.

But now, for the first time in a long while, he sees promise with purpose. He sees leadership with direction. A team that’s finally getting it right from top to bottom.

And if Barry’s optimistic about the future, Lions fans should feel that way, too.