Indianapolis Colts: All-time Indy Roster

Strong Safety:

(2004-2010)

While his career was brief and fleeting, the impact Sanders left on the Colts can’t be denied. Playing in just 48 games over seven years, Sanders was one of the hardest hitting safeties you will ever find in the NFL (at least in the modern era).

Sanders was a two time Pro Bowler and All-Pro, making both rosters in 2005 and 2007. In the latter year he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, which was partly a carry over from his brilliant performance during the Colts 2006 Super Bowl run. Sanders forced two turnovers in the Super Bowl, an interception and a forced fumble on a tackle five yards in the backfield.

He was a definite game changer at the position, but one who could never stay healthy. Sanders was the definition of “injury prone” and played in more than six games just twice in his career (incidentally his two best seasons). The Colts defense was a different beast when he was on the field. Throughout the 2006 season, the Colts were giving up more than 100 yards rushing on the ground per game, but when Sanders returned that number dropped below 75 yards.

A short career, but the Colts can thank Sanders for his huge role in their only Super Bowl win since moving to Indy.

Next: Free Safety