Antwoine Sanders facts for kids

Antwoine Sanders (born September 22, 1977) is a former American professional football player. He played as a safety, a defensive position, in both the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). The Baltimore Ravens chose him in the 2003 NFL draft. Sanders also played for the Miami Dolphins and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Early Life and High School Football

Antwoine Sanders was born on September 22, 1977, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He went to Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville. There, he played football for two years. He was recognized as a top player in his conference and region. Sanders finished high school in 1996. He did not start playing college football right away.

College Football Journey

Sanders began his college football career at Independence Community College. He later moved to Arizona Western College. He had to wait a year before he could play there. In 2000, he became a starting free safety. He earned top honors in his conference and region that year.

Playing for the Utah Utes

From 2001 to 2002, Sanders played for the Utah Utes at the University of Utah. He was a starting free safety for the Utes in 2001. That season, he made 48 solo tackles and 30 assisted tackles. He also caught four interceptions and broke up four passes. He was named second-team All-Mountain West Conference for his performance.

In 2002, Sanders continued to play well. He recorded 65 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass breakups. For this, he earned first-team All-Mountain West honors. Sanders decided to enter the 2003 NFL draft a year early, when he was 25 years old. He studied sociology at Utah and later graduated in 2018.

Professional Football Career

Time in the NFL

The Baltimore Ravens selected Antwoine Sanders in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL draft. He officially signed with the team on July 15, 2003. However, he was released by the Ravens on August 11, 2003, due to an injury.

Sanders then signed with the Miami Dolphins on January 8, 2004. He was released by the Dolphins on March 16, 2004. His time with both NFL teams was brief, mostly as an offseason or practice squad member.

Playing in the CFL

In 2005, Sanders played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League. He appeared in seven games for the team. During his time with the Tiger-Cats, he made ten defensive tackles. He also had four special teams tackles, one interception, and one pass breakup.

Family Connections

Antwoine Sanders has a family connection to professional football. His uncle, Tim Morrison, also played in the NFL.