Country Fans Confused Over Garth Brooks' Barry Sanders Jersey, Think It's For Bernie Sanders

Garth Brooks Barry Sanders jersey confuses fans
Photo credit Mike Ferdinand/Ford Field

(WWJ) Across the country, a man named Sanders is going strong as a political candidate, breaking out as the leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination.

In metro Detroit and across the world of sports, many hold a different Sanders close to their heart -- Barry Sanders, the hall of fame running back GOAT of the Detroit Lions, and some would argue the NFL.

Detroiters don't confuse the two ... But apparently they do in other parts of the country because Garth Brooks is getting blown up on social media for wearing a "Sanders" jersey during his epic Detroit show Saurday night.

Locals knew he was honoring a hometown hero with Barry Sanders' No. 20 jersey; Others think he was announcing his support of socialism.

Garth Brooks Sanders jersey had fans writing things like this on his social media:

  • "Good grief. Can’t you just do what you get paid to do ???? Why why why does it have to involve politics !!! -- So sad. We don’t pay good money for anything other than to watch you perform. --Thought you were different. --‍♀️."
  • "Nothing like supporting a communist to loss a few fans! How about going to a successful socialist country and doing some research? Oh yes, you can’t because there aren’t ANY successful socialist countries!""If that’s Bernie shirt I just lost a lot of respect for you!" 
  • "Love you, hate the shirt. Trump2020"
  • "Weird. That a millionaire would like a socialist. Hey Garth are you going to distribute your millions?"
  • "Sanders? Really? So out of touch!" 
  • "YESSSSSSSSSS, SANDERS FOR PRESIDENT, YOU THE BEST GARTH."
  • "What are saying? Your a Communist or a Socialist. Either way your a loser. ❄️ Just threw out your cd --"
  • "I had no idea you were a big freaking liberal socialist! I've listened to your songs for the last time!"

Fan Brendan Levasseur tried to set them straight, writing, "For all you uncultured people that no nothing about football in the slightest. it’s BARRY Sanders. so y’all can chill with the hate. this barry and garth deserve nothing but respect✊."

Responses to him included things like, "In their defense Bernie also retired in his prime." For the uninitiated, that's at the expense of Barry Sanders, a legend on the field who retired suddenly on the eve of training camp at 31 years old after 10 years in the NFL. Fans were shocked and saddened.

On the other hand, Bernie Sanders with his rumpled suits and shock of unkempt white hair, may seem sprightly at 78, but he's not known for his play on the field ... or a jersey. 

Barry Sanders acknowledged the snafu asking Brooks if he'd like to be his running mate. He tweeted, "want to be my VP? #Number20for2020".

Garth Brooks responded enthusiastically accepting the offer.