NEW YORK -- Barry Sanders was a thrill to watch during his Hall of Fame career with the Detroit Lions. But here's an interesting question.

Who does Sanders enjoy watching run the football these days?

Turns out he's a big fan of Joique Bell.

Lions tailback Joique Bell has a fan in Barry Sanders because of his tough running.

"I think we're definitely lucky to have Joique," Sanders told MLive last week in New York. "He has a great style. Physical. And he stays within himself. He's gotten a lot of great yards and really been an asset to the offense.

"He's carved out a niche for himself in this offense with Reggie Bush, and I really do enjoy watching him play. Great story."

Indeed.

Bell had a nomadic first two seasons in the league, switching teams six times before landing with the Lions near the end of 2011. He rushed 82 times for 414 yards in 2012, but last season was his breakthrough.

He rushed 166 times for 650 yards, and also caught 53 passes for 547 yards. His eight touchdowns were second on the team, trailing only Calvin Johnson.

Bell asserted himself as a valuable complement to Bush -- they became the first teammates in NFL history to each rack up 500 yards rushing and 500 receiving -- and his rugged style fit well into Detroit's offense.

He is a restricted free agent this offseason, but has repeatedly expressed his desire to stay in Detroit, and said last week in New York he wants a long-term deal.

And that would please Sanders, a longtime Lion who is finding enjoyment these days watching Bell's tough running.

"If you have that skill-set he has, it's just about confidence and getting the reps in live-action," Sanders said. "Developing the confidence of the coaching staff and getting the ball in situations. He's from a small school, but he can be great. He's a lot of fun to watch."

Just because it never gets old, here are some old Barry Sanders clips for you. Good luck getting anything else done in the next nine minutes.