Hawkeye Legend Bob Sanders: Iowa Time Machine February 24, 1981

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On February 24, 1981, legendary Hawkeye Bob Sanders was born. The 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Sanders gained the respect of fans and opposing players as a hard-hitting force for the Hawkeyes.

Sanders earned all-state honors as a running back at Erie Cathedral Prep in Pennsylvania. During his senior season, Sanders racked up 1,100 yards and 15 touchdowns. Kirk Ferentz’s high school coach, Joe Moore, told his former player he should take a look at Sanders. Convinced, an offer led Sanders to Iowa City, where he started to contribute as a true freshman. In an October 7 game against Michigan State, Sanders leveled Spartan return man Monquiz Wedlow with a hit that caught the attention of the Hawkeye faithful. Three games later, Sanders got his first start against Wisconsin.

Sanders set the tone for the resurgent Hawkeye defense over his career from 2000-2003. A second-team All-American in 2003 and a first-team All-Big Ten safety from 2001-2003, Sanders recorded 348 career tackles. He also led the nation in forced fumbles with six during his senior season. In 2001, Sanders recorded 25 tackles in a single game against Indiana while consistently serving as a spy on Hoosier quarterback Antwaan Randle El. During his career, Iowa went from a hapless Big 10 basement dweller who lost every conference game in 1999, Iowa went 8-0 in conference games during 2002.

Selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2004 NFL draft, Sanders went on to a successful professional career. In 2006, Sanders helped the Colts to a win in Super Bowl XLI. Sanders made a key play in the Colts AFC Championship win over the New England Patriots when he ended a comeback bid by deflecting a Tom Brady Pass. Sanders captured NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors the following year when he recorded 96 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two interceptions. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar