The undersized and always beat up Bob Sanders has been released by the Indianapolis Colts.
Owner Jim Irsay first posted the news on his twitter.
“We have released Bob Sanders today. We thank Bob 4 all his incredible contributions from his Sup Bowl pic 2 def player of year honors,” Irsay said.
The move wasn’t unexpected by any stretch. He was scheduled to make a $5.5 million base salary including a $500,000 off-season workout bonus.
Sanders, who turns 30 on Thursday, has only played in 9 regular season games the past three seasons and missed 39 due to injuries.
Get this. In his seven years with the Colts, he has missed more games than he has played. He has played in only 48 of 112 regular season games, absent for 68 games. Sanders has missed all but three games in the last two years because of two different torn biceps tendons. In 2009-2010, he played just two games. Last year, he went out on the first drive.
It’s hard to see a guy let go when he worked his butt off and had little control over his injuries. His mind and heart wanted to go, but his body held him back. Sanders put his body on the line with every play. He is listed at 5’8, weighing 206 pounds.
When he’s healthy and playing, he makes a tremendous impact. Quarterbacks have to be aware of his presence and wide receivers attempt to avoid the hard-hitting safety. Sanders was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2007 and registered 290 tackles in his seven seasons with the Colts. He was also a two-time Pro Bowl selection in 2005 and 2007.
The Colts may look to bring him back down the line…at a reduced rate of course. Indianapolis selected Sanders from Iowa in the 2nd round of the 2004 NFL Draft.
about time. no question in the decision. he could not stay healthy and so he is not worth the $$$$$. 3 games in two years….wow.