Bob Sanders

Bob Sanders was born in the small town of Erie, Pennsylvania on February 24, 1981. He was originally named “Demond” but it was hard for a lot of people to pronounce. Bob went to his mother and asked if he could change it and it was his mother who suggested that he use “Bob” as a nickname and the name just stuck from there.

In his high school football career, Bob played on both sides of the ball at safety and running back. His accolades included being a four-year letterman in football, twice he was selected to the All-Conference team and as a junior third-team All-State. When Bob was a senior, he made captain on the football team and first-team All-State. During that year, he even led his team to the state championship game.

Bob wasn’t recruited heavily out of high school, but he was finally offered and accepted a scholarship to the University of Iowa, where he played safety. He was such a hard hitter at practice that most players avoided going against him and after he broke the shoulder of running back Fred Russell, the coaches pulled him from certain full-contact drills. Bob graduated in 2003 with a degree in African-American World Studies.

The Indianapolis Colts drafted Bob in the second round with the 44th pick overall. In the NFL, Bob has enjoyed a lot of success. He has been a two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection. In 2007, not only did Bob help lead the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl, but he was also the AP and AFC Defensive Player of the Year.