Bob Sanders

Demond L. "Bob" Sanders (born February 24, 1981 in [Erie, Pennsylvania) is a starting safety for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. Despite his diminutive size, he is known for his speed and hard-hitting. He played college football at the University of Iowa, and in his role as the Colts has earned a reputation as being the glue that holds the Colts' defense together.

College career
Bob Sanders was not highly recruited out of high school (Cathedral Preparatory School), but he accepted a scholarship offer from the University of Iowa. He recorded 12 tackles and forced a fumble in his first career start against Wisconsin, and he was named honorable mention All-Big Ten as a freshman.

In 2001, Sanders started 11 games and led Iowa garnered him the nickname "Hitman".

As a sophomore, Sanders helped lead Iowa to its first undefeated conference season in 80 years and was a key part of the fifth best rushing defense in the country. He started 12 games and made several key plays for the 2002 Hawkeyes. Sanders blocked a Purdue field goal attempt which was returned for an Iowa touchdown, resulting in a potential ten point difference as Iowa narrowly defeated Purdue, 31-28. He also forced a fumble in the second half of a game against Michigan as Iowa was clinging to a one point lead. Iowa scored a touchdown and cruised to a 34-9 victory. The Hawkeyes compiled an 11-2 record and won the Big Ten title in 2002, and Bob Sanders was named first team All-Big Ten and a fourth team All-American.

Sanders was hampered early his senior season by a foot injury. He returned to score his first career touchdown against Illinois on a fumble return. In his final home game against Minnesota, Sanders recorded 16 tackles and forced three fumbles as he was named the Big Ten defensive player of the week. He led the nation in forced fumbles in 2003. Sanders was named Iowa's defensive team captain and MVP after the season. He was named first team All-Big Ten for the third consecutive year, and he was named a second team All-American.

Bob Sanders recorded 348 tackles in his career at Iowa and became a fan favorite due to his heavy hits and relentless play. He graduated from Iowa in 2003, majoring in African-American World Studies and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2nd round of the 2004 NFL Draft with the 44th overall pick

NFL Draft
Although Sanders didn't play in the Senior Bowl, he impressed scouts in workouts and the weigh-ins. Sanders is known for his athleticism--he ran a 4.35 second forty yard dash at the NFL scouting combine and measured a 41.5" vertical leap--and his reckless aggression on the field, which was noted by many sports commentators as a leadership factor for the team.

Pro Career
He made 39 tackles and started six games as a rookie.

Sanders started the first 14 games of 2005 and earned a reputation as one of NFL's top hitters at safety position. He made 118 tackles on the year and was chosen to play in the 2006 Pro Bowl at Free Safety position for the AFC Team. He is the first Defensive Back to make the Pro Bowl for the Colts since moving to Indianapolis.

In the 2006 regular season, Sanders played only 4 games due to a knee injury he suffered early in the season. Even so he had 28 tackles during those 4 games. He garnered the nickname, "The Eraser" due to his ability to erase the mistakes of his teammates in run support and in pass defense. The Colts had the worst rushing defense in the NFL statistically, allowing at least 100 yards rushing in every game. During the playoffs, however, Sanders returned and seemingly breathed new life into the defense and led them to the second best run defense with only 73.3 rushing yards allowed per game. He went to help the Colts on the road to their victory in Super Bowl XLI (in which he made a key fourth-quarter interception and his hard hitting forced a fumble as well being credited with 3.5 tackles, earning him MVP consideration).