Barry Sanders Praises Scottie Scheffler's Grit at Players Championship

The NFL legend commends the world's top golfer for grinding on the range in the rain.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:33pm

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Scottie Scheffler, the world's number one golfer, struggled with an even-par 72 in the first round of the Players Championship. Undeterred, he was spotted practicing on the driving range in the pouring rain, drawing praise from NFL legend Barry Sanders, who saw the dedication and focus reminiscent of his own playing days.

Why it matters

Scheffler's willingness to put in extra work, even in tough conditions, reflects the mindset of a true champion. As one of the top players on the PGA Tour, his commitment to improvement sets an example for aspiring golfers and resonates with sports fans across disciplines.

The details

Scheffler, who has one win this season and two previous Players Championship titles, was not satisfied with his opening-round performance. Rather than dwell on the result, he headed to the range to work on his game, braving the inclement weather. This caught the attention of Barry Sanders, the Hall of Fame running back who is known for his own relentless work ethic during his NFL career with the Detroit Lions.

  • Scottie Scheffler shot an even-par 72 on Thursday at The Players Championship.
  • Scheffler was spotted practicing on the driving range in the rain after his round.

The players

Scottie Scheffler

The world's number one ranked golfer, who has won the Players Championship twice before and is seeking to add a third title to his resume.

Barry Sanders

A Pro Football Hall of Famer who spent his entire 10-year career with the Detroit Lions, rushing for over 15,000 yards and 99 touchdowns, and was a six-time first-team All-Pro and the 1997 NFL MVP.

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What they’re saying

“Thanks Scottie. This brought me back to 8 years old. When my focus was on how I could be better. Someone asked me about my favorite [touchdown], and nothing came to mind. But I remember the work.”

— Barry Sanders

What’s next

Scheffler will look to bounce back in the second round of the Players Championship, where the cut line is expected to be around two-over par. His ability to grind through tough conditions and make a weekend charge could be the difference in him contending for a third title at TPC Sawgrass.

The takeaway

Scottie Scheffler's dedication to improvement, even in the face of adversity, is a testament to the mindset of a true champion. His willingness to put in extra work, as witnessed by NFL great Barry Sanders, serves as an inspiration to athletes across all sports and highlights the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the world's best players.