James Sanders (American football) facts for kids
Sanders with the New England Patriots in 2009
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| Position: | Safety | ||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||
| Born: | November 11, 1983 Porterville, California, U.S. |
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| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 210 lb (95 kg) | ||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||
| High school: | Porterville (CA) Monache | ||||||||||||
| College: | Fresno State | ||||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 2005 / Round: 4 / Pick: 133 | ||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||||||
James Sanders (born November 11, 1983) is a former American football player. He played as a safety, which is a defensive position in football. James was chosen by the New England Patriots in the 2005 NFL Draft. He also played college football at Fresno State University.
After his time with the Patriots, Sanders played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals.
College Football Career
After finishing high school at Monache High School, James Sanders went to Fresno State University. There, he played football for Coach Pat Hill. Coach Hill had worked with Bill Belichick, who later became James's coach with the Patriots.
Early Success at Fresno State
In his first year, 2002, James was named a first-team freshman All-American. This means he was one of the best new players in college football. He also received an honorable mention for the All-WAC team.
Becoming a Star Player
In 2003, his second year, James started every game as a strong safety. He was recognized as a first-team All-WAC player. He earned All-WAC honors again in 2004, which was his last season at Fresno State.
Professional Football Career
Playing for the New England Patriots
The New England Patriots picked James Sanders in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL draft. He was the 133rd player chosen overall. He officially joined the Patriots in July 2005.
Rookie Season and First Touchdown
In his first year, 2005, James played in 10 games and started two of them. In one game against the Buffalo Bills, he made an amazing play. He intercepted a pass and ran it 39 yards for a touchdown!
Stepping Up in 2006 and 2007
In 2006, James played in all 16 games and started five. He helped fill in when another safety, Rodney Harrison, was injured. In 2007, James became a full-time starter. He started 15 regular season games and even played in Super Bowl XLII.
Continued Role and Coach's Praise
James started 14 games in 2008. In March 2009, he signed a new three-year contract with the Patriots. It was said that he chose to stay with the team even though other teams offered him more money.
Coach Bill Belichick spoke highly of James in 2009. He said James was a great leader and a tough player. Coach Belichick admired James's commitment to football. He said James spent a lot of time studying and learning. He called James a role model for other players.
Later Seasons with the Patriots
James started the first game of the 2009 season. He later suffered a shoulder injury and missed a game. He got his starting job back later in the season. He finished 2009 with 48 tackles.
In 2010, James started the season as a key player in the Patriots' defense. In Week 10, he was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. This was after he intercepted a pass from Ben Roethlisberger and ran it 32 yards for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the very next game, he made another huge play. He intercepted a pass from Peyton Manning near the goal line. This play saved the game for the Patriots.
James finished the 2010 season with 58 tackles, three interceptions, and one forced fumble. He played in 15 games and started nine. The Patriots released him in August 2011.
Time with the Atlanta Falcons
On August 30, 2011, James Sanders signed with the Atlanta Falcons. He played one season with them.
Playing for the Arizona Cardinals
James Sanders signed with the Arizona Cardinals on April 4, 2012. He played his final NFL season with the Cardinals.
