Indianapolis safety Bob Sanders is the epitome of accomplishing the impossible. The freshest contribution to the Colts defense comes in a package standing at 5’8’’ and weighing 206 lbs. Such talents cannot be measured in height or weight, and this 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is evident in critical game moments and felt with every spine twisting collision.
This two-time Pro Bowler and two-time All Pro, is a true leader, having made a huge impact in the Colts 2006 Super Bowl victory. He plays without fear, crossing the field from sideline to sideline, devastating any ball carrier or susceptible receiver in his pathway, proving that Sanders is a game changer, a safety who can hit like a linebacker and cover like a corner. Bob Sanders ignited the path to his Super Bowl conquest, a presence that encourages his team to play at a higher level physically.
Bob’s determination and perseverance started at a very early age. Nothing came easy for the Sanders family and Bob wanted to be the one to change that. One of eight children, Bob was instilled with a strong work ethic from the very beginning. His parents, Marion and Jean Sanders worked hard to put food on the table and support their large family. His father, Marion, a steel worker for 32 years in Pennsylvania, worked the graveyard shift and showed his children the importance of working hard, by sacrificing his body, mind and spirit to put food on the table.
Bob’s mother, Jean, a breast cancer survivor, also made a huge impact on Bob’s success. She instilled in him the meaning of sacrifice, sacrificing his body in exchange for victory and respect well earned. All Bob ever wanted to do was make his parents proud, a goal that was set from the beginning and accomplished after a long journey of fortitude and willpower. “He’s given us enough,” says Marion Sanders. “He’s let us know that all that hard work, all those long days, it was all worth it.”
Sanders is also very active in his community. In 2008, Bob officially launched his foundation, “Bob Sanders Chasing Dreams Foundation,” which strives to enhance educational opportunities for students in grades 8-12 through academic support, cultural enrichment activities and college readiness programming enabling them to pursue their dreams of a college education. To add to Bob’s philanthropic endeavors, during his off-season, Bob hosts his own football camp called “Skills and Drills,” which is a two-day, free camp held in Bob’s hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania.
During the season, Bob donates tickets to twenty youth for every Indianapolis home game and the children receive t-shirts, concessions and are provided with pre-game field passes where their pictures are taken. Nationally, Bob has contributed to NBC’s NFL Cookbook, which is in conjunction with Sunday Night Football and the “Taste of the NFL.” All of the proceeds from the cookbook benefit food banks across the country to help tackle hunger in America. With his commitment to philanthropic undertakings, Bob believes that his success in football is a blessing to be passed along to others.
Bob is a true leader that has accomplished the impossible. He is a difference maker who inspires confidence in teammates and fear in his opponents. A game changer, a philanthropist and a role model, Bob has built a reputation as one of the most successful athletes to ever step on and off the field.
Athletic Biography
