NFL Rumors: Bob Sanders Makes Big Mistake

Bob Sanders generated plenty of interest in the free agent market after the Colts released him and ultimately ended up signing with the San Diego Chargers. After only playing 9 games out of a possible 48 regular season games in the last three seasons the right decision for Sanders should have been to retire.

Hurt vs. Injured
Many players around the NFL play hurt throughout the regular season and playoffs, but there is a difference in being hurt versus being chronically injured.  What makes the Sanders’ situation so troubling is that he is not typically practicing during a week.  When a player cannot practice and has played less than 20 percent of the regular season he is chronically injured.  The Chargers made a mistake by signing Sanders.

Playoffs Games Primarily Won By Rushing
Sanders moves around the football field at an unbelievable pace and has to be considered one of the top ballhawks in the NFL when he is healthy.  Some analysts and pundits have suggested teams should sign him for spot duty, nickel packages and playoff games.  However, most playoffs games are far to physical for Sanders to have an impact. The team that usually has the most rushing yards wins the football game.  A playoff game would be far to physical for Sanders and he is highly likely to keep reaggravating prior injuries.  The Chargers made a mistake by signing Bob Sanders.

No Impact On Defense
The Colts finished the regular season 23rd on defense last season, so there really is no evidence that Sanders positively impacted the Colts from the sidelines last season.  If the Colts’ secondary played better last season or were in the top ten then maybe Sanders should be kept around to help other secondary players develop, but that is not the case.  Injuries generally isolate a player from feeling a part of the team so Sanders does have to be commended for remaining focused and not getting in trouble, despite his many injuries over the past few seasons.

Defenseless Receivers and Fines
Some pundits has suggested teams should give Sanders one more opportunity, but the game has changed over the last few seasons since Sanders really played. Some pundits believe Sanders should receive an incentive laden contract with minimal guarantees, but with the NFL’s new emphasis on protecting defenseless receivers, Sanders is highly inclined to rack up fines. It simply is time for Sanders for retire.

Post Career
Sanders always played the game with a chip on his shoulder and when healthy deserved more mention for consistently giving fans their money’s worth throughout his career. No one wants to see Sanders get more injured or walking around hurt from football for the rest of his life.  Sanders must now transfer that passion for punishing running backs and wide receivers into another area of life where he is certain to succeed.  Next to Deion, Bob is the greatest Sanders of all time which is no easy feat.  And among the greatest hair in the NFL Sanders deserves honorable mention among the greats like Clay Matthews and Troy Polamalu. Bob Sanders was a treat to watch and deserves all the success that is coming his way.  Bob Sanders should retire so that fans and media remember him the right way.