Bob Sanders - Safety, Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis’ star 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, symbolizing sound and fury while signifying explosive execution. 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. Bob has achieved more in his lifetime than can be imagined and he does it with a presence that is unparalleled.

All of his accolades and honors on and off the field will never extinguish his passionate love for the game. Articulate, attractive, and awe-inspiring, this two-time Pro Bowler and two-time All Pro, is a true leader, having made a huge impact in the Colts 2007 Super Bowl victory. He plays without fear, crossing the field from sideline to sideline, devastating any ball carrier or susceptible receiver who dares to cross his path, 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. He encourages decisive actions, yielding devastating results on and off the field.

Sanders was drafted out of the University of Iowa by Indianapolis with their first pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. Sanders helped lead Iowa to its first undefeated conference season in 80 years and played an integral role in one of the best rushing defenses in the country. Sanders was an All-American and a First-Team All-Big Ten in his career at Iowa and is currently working on his bachelors degree in African-American World Studies.

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 tremendously 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 him with 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 meets all other challenges and endeavors with the same amount of energy and determination he uses on the gridiron. In the off season, Bob participates in many public appearances and spends a good amount of time in Hollywood, socializing with high profile celebrities and industry executives at some of L.A.’s hottest events, including the ESPY Awards (Bob was nominated for Best NFL Player), BET Awards, MTV Movie Awards etc. From the set of Fox’s “Best Damn Sports Show Period,” to Howie Long’s “Tough Guys,” Bob is no amateur when it comes to being in front of the camera. Bob was also an NFL analyst for the NFL Network, as well as starring in “Madden Nation.”

He is a recurring guest on Indianapolis’ CBS affiliate, WISH-TV, where he is a Sports Locker analyst. He has starred in numerous television commercials, including NBC’s 2008 Sunday Night Football ad, Under Armour commercials as well as 2008’s United Way and NFL Network commercial spots. He also finds time for appearances for big sponsors, including, Clarian Health, Perry Ellis, FedEx, Vitamin Water and Sprint. Bob has graced the pages of some of the most circulated magazines and newspapers in the country including, Sports Illustrated, ESPN the Magazine, USA Today and many more. Bob is definitely creating a household name in the entertainment industry and will continue to fuel his intensity by becoming a celebrity on and off the field.

Sanders is also very active in his community. This year, Bob officially launched his foundation, “The 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, he also donates tickets to twenty youth for every Indianapolis home game and the children also receive t-shirts, concessions and Bob also provides them with pre-game on field passes where they get their pictures 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 go to 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. Like a comet, he has illuminated the Colts defense, burning so brightly and playing so fiercely. 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.

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