Bob Sanders, Indianapolis Colts / Image: Zuma Press

To further exacerbate matters, the Colts also places starting cornerback Marlin Jackson on IR. And CB Kelvin Hayden will be sidelined for the next three to four weeks with a sprained knee. That means the currently undefeated Colts (7-0) will most likely field two rookies—Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey—at the starting cornerback positions Sunday against the Houston Texans’ third-ranked passing offense. Third-year vet Melvin Bullitt will replace Bob at free safety.

I can’t help but think the Colts don’t exactly feel uncomfortable in this position—at least as far as Bob is concerned. Bob has played in a little less than half of the Colts games since he was drafted back in 2004. So, it seems Indy is always having to find ways to replace him. Of course, when he is healthy, he’s one of the best—thus his two-time Pro Bowl status during the seasons he played in 14 and 15 games respectively. But it really hurts to know there’s no chance he’ll return until next season.

Source: Colts.com, NFL.com

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Colts Send Bob Sanders to IR, Season Over

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Bob Sanders, safety of the Indianapolis Colts, lives united through charitable events and programs geared toward children in need. Since 2006, Bob has been donating tickets and t-shirts to disadvantaged youth in Indiana so they can attend regular season Colts home games. He took 35 children to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis for a visit of Monster Manor and the Trick or Treat Theater during Halloween. During the winter holidays, Bob hosted 40 youth through the Angel Tree program for children of incarcerated parents, by providing them with gifts, a hot meal, autographs and a tour of the Colts Training Facility. In 2007, Bob supported Shepherd Community Center’s School Uniform Campaign by acting as a spokesman and taking 25 youth shopping for new uniforms. In December 2007, he partnered with the Cold Feet, Warm Shoes program to provide new winter hats and shoes to more than 350 school children. As a part of Oprah Winfrey’s “Big Give” project, Bob visited residents in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, to congratulate them on raising more than a million dollars for a community bike trail and served as a special correspondent for Oprah. He also hosts the annual Bob Sanders Skills and Drills Football Camp in my nearby Erie, Pennsylvania in which over 500 youth attend to learn the necessary skills for succeeding — on and off the field:

“Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces has really changed me. It brings a lot of the kid out in me knowing that they’re really enjoying it.”

This year, Bob will officially launch The Bob Sanders Chasing Dreams Foundation to provide educational resources and opportunities for underprivileged youth to attend college.

For 35 years, United Way and the National Football League and its teams have been working together to help strengthen America’s communities. Today, the NFL and United Way are leveraging resources and relationships to raise awareness about the importance of youth health and fitness and create opportunities for kids to live healthier lifestyles. It’s part of United Way’s 10-year goal to increase by one third the number of youth who are healthy and avoid risky behavior. United Way is proud to partner with the NFL and we incite you to join us. You can help support youth fitness by volunteering your time, lending your voice or contributing to youth fitness programs.

See also – Live United: Santana Moss

Source: LiveUnited.org, Photo: United Way

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Live United: Bob Sanders

While in the process of recovering from a high ankle sprain, Indianapolis Colts safety Bob Sanders decided to have his knee scoped because the recovery time is less than that of the ankle sprain. (Just for the record, I think I need both my knees scoped.) Bob got a spanking new $37.5 million contract last year, but he’s often on the injury report because of his volatile playing style. And Colts owner Jim Irsay is kind of ok with that:

“I knew when we did the contract that he’s such a rare talent that you have to live a little bit with the possible injuries that come up. Bob is so combustible, so physical. He’s so dynamic and such a rare individual. It’s something you knew (was possible), but you know he might get on a lucky streak and go a year or two without having anything.”

Mmm, probably not. This is Bob’s 5th year in the NFL and he’s never made it through a season unscathed. Last year was his best in terms of playing time, getting into an impressive 15 games. His rookie season, he only played in six games. And in 2006 he only played in four games. The fact remains, when he is playing, Bob Sanders is one of the best safeties in the National Football League. He also brings an added dimension to the Colts defense that makes that unit significantly better when he’s on the field. It’s frustrating to see him injured, but the Colts can look forward to his return in a couple weeks and hope they haven’t lost too many games in the meantime.

Source: IndyStar.com

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Bob Sanders Has Knee Surgery

The Indianapolis Colts are going to limp into training camp this year. With about three weeks to go before the Colts report to Terre Haute, it appears reigning Defensive Player-of-the-Year Bob Sanders (shoulder) and three-time All-Pro Dwight Freeney (foot) will most likely be on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list when camp opens. To make matters worse, linebacker Tyjuan Hagler (who is expected to start at the Sam LB spot) tore a pec muscle lifting weights this week and is also expected to miss the start of training camp. The good news is that all three should be ready for the start of the regular season, but it’s never a good thing to miss time with your teammates in training camp.

Source: IndyStar.com

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Indianapolis Colts: Walking Wounded

As a member of the Pro Football Writers of America, I have a vote in the Annual PFWA Awards. Below are the five categories, the nominees, and who I voted for.

Horrigan Award (for the person — not a player or team PR staffer — who helped the media best do its job last season):

• Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner. Roger’s background in NFL public relations and his understanding of our jobs have helped improve the lines of communication between the media and teams. His appearances at our writers meetings at the Super Bowl, where he asks about our concerns, are further proof of his commitment to getting it right.
• Mike Holmgren, Seahawks coach. Mike enters his final season as the Seahawks’ coach — and perhaps his last as a coach anywhere. Those who cover him regularly consider it an upset that he has never won this award, considering his openness and incredibly consistent availability, even to those critical of him. Mike is very patient in explaining his thinking about a variety of issues, including those that other coaches might be reluctant (read: paranoid) to discuss.
• Jerry Jones, Cowboys owner. Since purchasing the Cowboys in 1989, Jerry has been one of the most outspoken owners in all of sports. Never shy about giving his opinion, he is willing to speak to reporters on just about any subject, and fill your notebook to the brim. He is occasionally criticized for his opinions, but the fact that he is always willing to give them makes him one of the most valued people in the league.
• Bill Polian, Colts president/general manager. Bill has been particularly good at providing big-picture observations about the league, competition committee issues, and the Draft. A number of writers have commented about his candor at the Scouting Combine. Bill is never shy about stating his opinions, even if he occasionally ruffles the feathers of the people he works with throughout the league. In other words, he’s good copy.
• Dan Rooney, Steelers owner. A previous Horrigan nominee, Dan remains a go-to-guy among NFL owners. He is consistently available, and the fact that he speaks his mind on a variety of subjects — whether they pertain to the Steelers or the NFL — makes him one of the league’s most important voices. Perhaps the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree; Dan’s father, Art Rooney Sr., is a previous Horrigan winner.

My Vote: I’m going with the Commissioner. While I have not worked with him personally, I’m impressed with what he has done during his short time in office. Plus, he’s originally from the town I currently live in.

Good Guy Award (for the player who best helped the media do its job).

• Brett Favre, Packers. One of those who nominated him said, “No better interview in the game. Ask the guy a question and he’ll bare his soul.” Also noted that he continued to do conference calls, at least more than some of his quarterback brethren.
• Bob Sanders, Colts. Cited for his willingness to be accessible and have something to say, win or lose, good or bad.
• Darren Sharper, Vikings. One who nominated Darren called him “terrific” over a long period of time.
• Fred Taylor, Jaguars. One who nominated him said, “His career has been a media learning curve, and this year was the best by far.”
• Jason Taylor, Dolphins. Several folks noted his willingness to be candid and offer something to say in what was a difficult season all around.

My Vote: This was easy. Brett Favre. I’ve interviewed him three times and he’s the best interview. I’ve gotta say, I like the Bob Sanders nomination, too. Bob’s also a great interview, but Brett’s in a league of his own on and off the football field.

Halas Award (for the individual in the NFL who overcame the most adversity to succeed last season.)

• Eli Manning, Giants quarterback: Playing under intense scrutiny in the largest media market, Eli got hot in the last half of the season and led his team to three postseason victories on the road and into the Super Bowl. He played the best games of his career when they mattered most.
• Kevin Everett, Bills tight end: In the opener, Kevin sustained a fracture and dislocation of his cervical spine that his doctors characterized as “life-threatening” the day after the injury, and stated it is likely to leave him with permanent neurological impairment. However, on September 11, 2007, Kevin showed significant movement in his arms and legs, which led doctors to speculate that he may eventually be able to walk again. Kevin walked in public for the first time at Ralph Wilson Stadium before the home finale against the New York Giants on December 23, 2007.
• Washington Redskins: The entire team rallied together after the shooting death of teammate Sean Taylor, piecing together a four-game winning streak to qualify for the playoffs. One Seattle writer — the Redskins lost a wild-card game there — was impressed by the sincere closeness of the players and the spirit of cooperation with the media.
• Plaxico Burress, Giants wide receiver: He endured a season of serious ankle injuries that limited his ability to practice. Still, he was the Giants’ top receiver with 70 receptions for 1,025 yards. He also set a franchise playoff record in the NFC title game with 11 receptions for 154 yards as the Giants advanced to Super Bowl XLII, where he caught the game-winning touchdown pass in the Giants’ 17-14 upset of New England.
• Greg Ellis, Dallas linebacker: The NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2007, Greg returned from a torn Achilles’ tendon suffered Nov. 12, 2006. He returned in Game 4 of 2007 and had the first of 12.5 sacks, tying for the team lead. During his injury and contract squabble with the Cowboys, Greg was credited with his mentoring and leadership to younger players.

My Vote: These are all great stories, but how can I vote for anyone other than Kevin Everett? He’s a walking miracle and it was inspirational to be as close to his situation as I was this past season.

Rozelle Award (for the P.R. staff that best helped the media do its job):

• Arizona Cardinals: Mark Dalton, senior director, media relations. The Cardinals have never won the Rozelle Award.
• New York Giants: Pat Hanlon, vice president of communications. The Super Bowl champion is a multiple Rozelle award winner.
• Philadelphia Eagles: Derek Boyko, director of football media services. The Eagles are a multiple Rozelle award winner.
• San Diego Chargers: Bill Johnson, director of public relations. The Chargers are a finalist for the second consecutive year.
• Seattle Seahawks: Dave Pearson, director of communications and broadcasting. Seattle has become a perennial finalist and received the most nominations for the second time in three years.

My Vote: This is another easy one. The Philadelphia Eagles are great to work with. Who else would get Lito Sheppard on the phone with me while he’s eating breakfast in the team cafeteria? There are some teams that didn’t get enough votes to be on this list, but I’d like to credit the Bills, Jags, Browns, Steelers and Ravens for always going the extra mile for me and being teams I can count on.

McCann Award (named in honor of the first executive director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Dick McCann Award is given annually by the PFWA to honor one of its members for distinguished service)

• Vic Carucci: After a cup of coffee with the Utica Observer Dispatch in 1979, Vic Carucci gained his first NFL beat with the South Jersey Courier Post, where he covered the Eagles for three seasons. He then went to the Buffalo News in 1982 and tracked the Bills for 17 seasons, all four Super Bowl losses included. He served a two-year term as PFWA president. Vic joined NFL.com in 1999 and has been there since. He has authored nine books on NFL subjects, five of them New York Times best-sellers. He continued to work this past season despite undergoing cancer treatment, which has been successful.
• Vinny DiTrani: Never having worked for another paper, “The Sage” started out at the Bergen Record in 1967. He took over the Jets beat in 1969, the season after they won Super Bowl III, and assumed the Giants beat in 1974. Aside from a stretch when he covered the league from 2001-03, Vinny has covered the Giants ever since, going to four Super Bowls as a beat reporter. Vinny is a longtime member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors.
• Peter Finney: The Big Easy native is nearing 63 years at the New Orleans States, then States-Item, then Times-Picayune. Peter Finney was hired as a high-school writer in 1945 and became sports columnist in 1961. His tenure easily encompasses the lifespan of the Saints; they were 40 by the time he could write about their first NFC title appearance. Peter continued to cover the Saints (and the city) through the Hurricane Katrina aftermath. He has covered every Super Bowl except for the first two — because his sports editor thought it was a fad.
• Alan Greenberg: The longtime Hartford Courant writer died in March 2007 of a heart attack. He was 55. Alan, a Baltimore native and Syracuse grad, got his first big break from the Atlanta Constitution and was hired by the Los Angeles Times in 1979. Six years later, he joined the Courant. He covered all three of the Patriots’ championship teams.
• Len Pasquarelli: After graduating from Pitt and working as a teacher, coach and stringer for a few years, Len Pasquarelli became editor of Pittsburgh Steelers Weekly in 1978. He joined the Pro Football Weekly staff in 1982 and then went to the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel to handle the Colts beat in 1986. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution hired Len to cover the Falcons in 1989. A decade later he continued his nomadic trek, entering cyberspace with SportsLine.com before landing at ESPN.com in 2001. Len became ill during Pro Football Hall of Fame voting at the last Super Bowl and had emergency, quintuple bypass surgery — but not before he voted and wrote his column.

My Vote: Vic Carucci. I worked alongside Vic during the Bills home games this season and have nothing but respect for him. I am pretty humbled by what these guys have done. I’ve been covering the NFL for about eight years now and I’m quite confident in my abilities, but I feel like a rookie compared to this list. I know when to keep my mouth shut and my ears open. And when I’m around these guys, that’s exactly what I do.

Special thanks to Mark Curnutte, Bob Glauber, Tim Graham, John McClain and Jeff Legwold for compiling the finalists; and to PFWA president Alex Marvez for the mini-bios.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Pro Football Writers of America Awards

Indianapolis Colts safety Bob Sanders is the NFL’s 2007 Defensive Player-of-the-Year. I had a lot to say about Bob in a recent post about his new contract, so I’ll leave it at that. I didn’t vote in the AP award that Bob won, but as a member of the PFWA, I did get a vote in the Pro Football Weekly annual awards and Bob was my choice for Defensive MVP as well. It was a no-brainer. No other defensive player has as much impact on his team as Bob Sanders does for the Indianapolis Colts.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Indianapolis Colts Safety Bob Sanders is Voted NFL’s Defensive Player-of-the-Year

The Indianapolis Colts made Bob Sanders the highest paid safety in the National Football League today with a five-year, $37.5 million contract. And $20 million is guaranteed. It’s an impressive pay day, but I believe Bob deserves it. I can’t think of too many players who have as much impact on their football team as Bob Sanders does for the Indianapolis defense. They are a different team when he’s in the game. Not only does he play with extreme intensity, but he’s also a very smart player and incredibly quick to the football. He’s like a human wrecking ball. One knock on him has always been his height, but he’s more than made up for it with his desire and will.

The only thing I see that’s been a drawback to his game is his durability. Bob plays with such fury, he’s often injured. Last season, when he missed 12 regular-season games, the Colts allowed a league-worst 5.3 yards per carry. When he returned in the playoffs, the Colts obviously made a dramatic turnaround and wound up winning the Super Bowl. But he’s only missed one game this season and as a result, the Colts defense ranks first in the league against the pass and they’ve got the YPC down to 3.9. In an AP interview today, he said:

“It was just about being a player, being competitive. I wanted to show everyone I could stay healthy. There were a lot of questions about whether I could stay healthy and I wanted to prove to everyone and myself that I could stay healthy, be consistent and play well.”

I’ve known Bob for a long time. He grew up in nearby Erie, PA (I used to live in Erie) and played high school ball for local Cathedral Prep. He wasn’t recruited by Penn State so he went to Iowa, but he’ll always be a Pennsylvanian. I’ve interviewed him twice and found him to be genuinely a nice person. And humble. The last time I spoke with Bob he told me he wouldn’t want to play anywhere else but Indy. And now he’s got his wish. He’s a heck of a football player and deserving of being the NFL’s top-paid safety. I can think of several players who deserve the honor, safeties who play with just as much passion and heart, but Bob would be at the top of my list.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Indianapolis Colts Make Bob Sanders Highest Paid Safety in NFL, Five Years for $37.5M

The New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers lead the AFC’s 2008 Pro Bowl squad with a conference-high eight players each. New England’s eight All-Stars equals a franchise high set by the 1985 Pats. The AFC roster includes 18 first-time All-Stars, including Cincinnati WR T.J. Houshmanzadeh, who leads the NFL with 101 receptions.

Among a group of talented AFC quarterbacks, four-time All-Star Tom Brady of New England, who leads the NFL in passing yards (4,235), TDs (45) and passer rating (119.7), will be the starting QB in his fourth Pro Bowl. Tom is one of seven Patriots that will start for this year’s AFC squad. Joining him to aid the AFC passing attack will be Indianapolis QB Peyton Manning, who will make his eighth Pro Bowl appearance, and first-time selection Ben Roethlisberger of Pittsburgh, who ranks third in the NFL with 29 TD passes.

San Diego’s duo of running back LaDainian Tomlinson and fullback Lorenzo Neal have been named starters for a second year in a row. Earning his fifth Pro Bowl honor, L.T. ranks second in the NFL with 1,311 rushing yards this season and has passed the 1,200-yard rushing mark for the seventh consecutive year. Lorenzo, in his 15th NFL season, has been selected to his fourth Pro Bowl and third as a Charger. Adding to the AFC’s explosive backfield will be Pittsburgh’s Willie Parker and Joseph Addai of Indy. This is the second consecutive Pro Bowl trip for Fast Willie, who leads the NFL with 1,317 rushing yards. In his second NFL season, Joseph Addai ranks second in the AFC with 11 rushing TDs and will make his first Pro Bowl trip. Once again, Jacksonville’s Fred Taylor has been snubbed despite averaging a gaudy 5.1 ypc. He’ll need to lead the league in rushing to get consideration.

Four receivers are named to each All-Star squad. And it has to be nearly impossible to come up with just four. Chosen for the AFC’s 2008 team are New England’s Randy Moss, the NFL’s receiving yardage (1,343) and TD (19) leader. Randy records his first Pro Bowl appearance since 2004 (because he was lost in the black hole for several years) and sixth overall. Lined up across from Randy will be Reggie Wayne of Indianapolis, who will make his second All-Star game in consecutive seasons. Two first-time selections from clubs in Ohio will round out the AFC All-Star receiving foursome — Cleveland wide receiver Braylon Edwards, whose 13 TD receptions ranks second in the AFC, and the aforementioned T.J. Houshmandzadeh of Cincinnati. I know this is a very elite list of receivers and it’s incredibly hard to pick just four, but I could make a case for Wes Welker (Pats), Chad Johnson (Cincy) or even Brandon Marshall (Denver) in this group.

Representing the AFC at tight end will be nine-time all-star Tony Gonzalez (big surprise) of the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Diego’s Antonio Gates, who will play in his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl and start for the second year in a row.

Pittsburgh’s 10-year veteran guard Alan Faneca will make his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl trip and will be joined at the other starting guard position by first-time All-Star Logan Mankins of New England, who has helped pave the way for the league’s top-ranked offense. San Diego’s Kris Dielman, a former undrafted free agent who has been a mainstay for the Chargers offensive line this year, will make his All-Star debut.

AFC starting center Jeff Saturday will book his trip to Hawaii for his third consecutive Pro Bowl. First-time AFC All-Star Dan Koppen of New England will back him up.

Assigned to keep the pocket clean against a talented group of NFC edge rushers are a group of AFC All-Star tackles — New England’s two-time Pro Bowler Matt Light and first-time Pro Bowl selection Jason Peters of Buffalo. Jonathan Ogden of Baltimore will play in his 11th consecutive Pro Bowl in his 12th NFL season.

Lining up in the middle for the AFC defensive front are starting interior linemen Albert Haynesworth of Tennessee and New England’s Vince Wilfork. Both linemen will make their first appearances in the All-Star game. Accompanying Vince and Albert will be San Diego’s Jamal Williams, who has secured his third consecutive Pro Bowl berth.

Ranked second in the AFC with 11.5 sacks, Kansas City defensive end Jared Allen will make his Pro Bowl debut as a starter and will be joined by Tennessee defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, who will play in his second Pro Bowl in three seasons with the Titans and his first as a starter. Miami’s Jason Taylor will cap off this trio with the sixth Pro Bowl of his career.

Two first-time All-Stars — Mike Vrabel of New England and Pittsburgh’s James Harrison — will start at outside linebacker for the AFC. Mike has tied his career-high with 9.5 sacks and James leads the league’s top-ranked defense with 8.5 sacks. Joining them at outside linebacker is Shawne Merriman of San Diego, who tops NFL linebackers with 11.5 sacks. Shawne will make his third consecutive All-Star game appearance.

Roaming the middle of the AFC defense will be middle linebackers Ray Lewis of Baltimore and DeMeco Ryans of Houston. DeMeco, the 2006 NFL Defensive Rookie of Year, will start in his first Pro Bowl, while Ray-Ray, a 12-year veteran, will record his eighth appearance in Hawaii.

Interceptions are plentiful for the trio of AFC All-Star cornerbacks. Starter Champ Bailey of Denver has earned his eighth consecutive Pro Bowl selection and will be teamed up with two first-time All-Stars. New England’s Asante Samuel will start opposite Champ and Antonio Cromartie of San Diego, who leads the league with 10 INTs, will make his All-Star debut in his second season.

Indianapolis strong safety Bob Sanders earns his second consecutive AFC All-Star berth and Ravens ball-hawking free safety Ed Reed is a four-time Pro Bowl choice in six NFL seasons. Four-time Pro Bowl selection Troy Polamalu of Pittsburgh will join them as a reserve.

The AFC special teams unit is comprised of four players, including two first-time Pro Bowl honorees. Cleveland kick returner Joshua Cribbs is making his first trip to Hawaii. Joshua leads the NFL with a 30.9-yard average and is tied for second in the league with two scores. Tennessee kicker Rob Bironas, who leads the NFL with 31 field goals and set the NFL record for most field goals in a game earlier this season, will make his All-Star debut. San Diego wide receiver Kassim Osgood, who will serve as the AFC’s special teamer, makes his second consecutive trip to Hawaii. Concluding the special teams group will be Oakland’s veteran punter Shane Lechler (third Pro Bowl). Shane leads the NFL with a 49.0 average and has placed 21 of his 63 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Patriots, Chargers Lead AFC All-Star Squad, 18 First-Time Selections Named