Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1023533
40 "e coaches treated us like men," Sanders said. "ere is always a transition going from high school to college; you're on your own and making your own decisions. Iowa's coaches, from early on, were there for you, teaching you how to carry yourself, do the right things, and make the right decisions. at is important and they strive to teach that at Iowa." e growth and improvement Sanders enjoyed at Iowa carried over to a successful career in the National Football League. He was selected in the second round (44th overall) by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2004 NFL Dra and played eight seasons, seven in Indianapolis. On Feb. 4, 2007, Sanders started at safety for the Colts in Super Bowl XLI in Miami. He made two tackles, forced a fumble, and intercepted a pass during a 29-17 win over the Chicago Bears. His honors include being named 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, first-team All-Pro in 2005 and 2007 and Pro Bowl selection in 2005 and 2007. In 50 career NFL games, Sanders made 303 tackles with six interceptions. It was his time at Iowa that readied Sanders for the next level. "e program is top-notch," he said. "e coaches were very professional. ey taught us and treated us like men and that's how it is in the NFL. It's easy to make that transition once you get to the NFL. I came from a program where the coaches treated you like a professional early and it made the transition easy." Sanders once told ESPN that his work ethic comes from his father, Marion, who spent 32 ½ years working 17-hour shis in a factory to support his wife and eight children. at's why Sanders went as hard in practice as he did in games; why he threw his body across a football field for the sake of a team victory. "Bob never changed, he is the same guy whether it was in Erie, Iowa City, or Indy," Ferentz said. "He was a dynamic player and impacted everybody, not just the unit on the field. Our whole football team was better because of Bob." BOB SANDERS