I absolutely love this photo because the composition tells a story and carries a ton of tension. Barry looks like he’s about to make one of his trademark pivots, while Neil Smith is closing in with full force. You can almost feel the moment right before impact.

I could look at this photo for hours. You’re stuck in that perfect split-second wondering: did Neil finally get him… or did Barry somehow sense it — like he had eyes on the back of his helmet — and sashay out of danger at the last possible moment?

That’s what makes this shot so hypnotic. You’re frozen in the exact moment where anything could happen — and only Barry Sanders knows how the story ends.

What really blows me away is that the photographer captured this in a pre-digital era — back when timing, instinct, and pure feel mattered more than anything. Shots like this weren’t forgiving. You either nailed the moment or you didn’t.

Honestly, I think this image is far stronger than the official Upper Deck photo they used that year.

What do you see in this shot?

I always love to find off-shoot cards, likes errors and prototypes.

Here is the1981 Upper Deck Football prototype of Joe Montana.

This is from my collection the card is in NM condition and the scratched are from the protective case.

Did this set change the game of basketball cards? I was a big fan when I first saw them. The futuristic look and high resolution player pictures. Proud to have added the Prototype set to my collection. Will eventually send off for grading