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Barry Sanders reveals Joe Montana nearly joined Lions in 1993

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 6, 2026, 2:45 PM

Last updated Nov 6, 2026

Barry Sanders reveals Joe Montana nearly joined Lions in 1993
Summary

Barry Sanders disclosed that Joe Montana expressed interest in joining the Detroit Lions in 1993. Montana, then transitioning from the San Francisco 49ers, wanted to play alongside Sanders but was rejected by the team's front office, which deemed him too old at 36. Following this, Montana signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, leading them to the AFC Championship Game that season. This decision has led to speculation about how a Sanders-Montana partnership could have altered the franchise's history. The conversation took place on The Dan Patrick Show and was revisited in the documentary 'Bye Bye Barry.'

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Yahoo Sports
Status Watch
  • •Joe Montana wanted to join the Lions but was turned down.
  • •Montana was 36 years old at the time of the opportunity.
  • •He eventually signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in April 1993.
  • •Montana led the Chiefs to the AFC Championship Game that season.
  • •The discussion was featured on The Dan Patrick Show.
Latest Updates
  • 2:45 PMYahoo Sports — Barry Sanders Sheds Light on Biggest What-If In Detroit Lions History
What they're saying
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Barry Sanders reveals how Joe Montana wanted to join the Detroit Lions in 1993, only for the front office to reject the opportunity.

Related Teams & Leagues
Cincinnati BengalsDetroit LionsSan Francisco 49ersNFLFootball

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