Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday. The following are quotes from players and coaches regarding Sanders' decision:

	Bobby Ross had nothing but kind words for Sanders, who reportedly has clashed with the Lions coach.

"He's a fine person and a fine father. ... Personally I'm going to miss things like him bringing his little boy around."

-- Lions head coach Bobby Ross

"When you play at a high level ... and you don't achieve certain goals, it becomes very frustrating. ... It's a big change from Wayne Fontes to Bobby Ross ... I know at times, it was frustrating for him. ... It's a huge hole missing right now. I think we're in a shock state of mind."

-- Lions wide receiver Johnnie Morton

"My remembrance will be that you had a chance for three years to be around sheer greatness, like Michael Jordan or Sam Snead or Jack Nicklaus or Dan Marino. He has withstood the test of time. He'll go down as one of the greatest backs that has ever played the game."

-- Miami Dolphins assistant coach Pat Jones, who recruited and coached Sanders at Oklahoma State

"I wish he would have given a hint. ... I'm sure the doors aren't closed. He's too good of a back. He's got a lot of good years left in him."

-- Lions quarterback Charlie Batch

"I don't know if we realize how fortunate we were to see him play. One day, I think that will sink in. The best way to describe Barry is that he did something every single week, whether it would be in practice or a game, that would absolutely amaze you. How did he do that? He did it consistently. Barry is in a class by himself."

-- Cleveland Browns linebacker Chris Spielman, who played with Sanders in Detroit from 1989-95

"Whoever's in at the tailback position has some big shoes to fill."

-- Lions rookie running back Sedrick Irvin, who will compete for the starting job now that Sanders has retired.

"He's not retiring. Is he? Y'all are joking. Please! That's got to be a joke. I don't buy it just yet because the man has many, many, many more years left. ... I can certainly sympathize with his situation up there. I mean, the man has been everything Detroit wanted, but has Detroit been everything he needed? Probably not. So, frustration and a lot of disappointment is on his side."

-- Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith