Charlie Sanders is one of the most iconic players in the history of the Detroit Lions, having spent his entire career with the team from 1968 to 1977. He was known for his impressive skills on the field as a dominant force as the former Lions tight end. Sanders earning numerous awards, setting several records and dove deep into the hearts of communities around the country with his kindness and charitable causes.
Career
Charlie Sanders was a dominant force in the NFL during his nine-year career. Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 1968 NFL Draft, 74th overall. He made an immediate impact, catching 40 passes for 533 yards and three touchdowns in his rookie season. He quickly established himself as one of the top tight ends in the league.
In addition to his on-field success, Sanders was also a leader on the team and for the Lions front office. He served as the team’s player representative and was highly respected by his teammates and coaches. He was known for his work ethic and dedication being a key part of the Lions’ success during his career.
When Sanders joined the Lions as the 1960s decade wound down. He forged a tight relationship with team chairman, William Clay Ford, Sr., that spanned four decades. Sanders made a tremendous first impression on Ford, who thought he was the complete package at tight end for the Lions. Little did Ford know just how impressive of a leader Sanders would become.
Stats
Charlie Sanders’ stats as a Detroit Lion are impressive. He finished his career with 336 receptions for 4,817 yards and 31 touchdowns. He also rushed for 39 yards on nine carries and threw one touchdown pass. One of his most impressive records is his 70-yard touchdown reception in 1968, which was the longest touchdown reception by a tight end in Lions’ history.
Sanders set several records during his time with the Lions. He became the first tight end in NFL history to catch 40 passes in each of his first three seasons. He also set the Lions’ franchise record for career receptions, a record that stood for over two decades.
Sanders was a seven-time Pro Bowler during his career, earning the honor in (1968 – 197 & 1974 – 1976). He was also named a First-Team All-Pro 3x between 1969-1971.
Awards
During his ten-year career with the Detroit Lions, Charlie Sanders earned numerous awards and honors. In addition to his six Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro selections, he was also named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team. Sanders was selected into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2000, the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, The Pride of the Lions, University Of Minnesota Athletic’ M Club HOF, North Carolina Sports HOF, and the Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.
Sanders number (#88) was retired by the Detroit Lions in 2007, the same year he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The jersey is a reminder at Ford Field today, forever cementing his legacy as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. When William Clay Ford Sr., presented Sanders to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he gushed about Charlie’s speed, catching prowess, toughness, and blocking abilities.
“Charlie is what you look for today in a tight end. He was a pioneer at that position. You knew he was Hall of Fame material. He looked that way right off the bat,” Ford said of Sanders.
A Leader, Friend, And A Poet?
In addition to his impressive stats and records, Sanders was also known for his impact off the field. Sanders worked in the team’s community relations department and served as a spokesman for the United Way, The March Of Dimes, and later honored by St. Jude’s for his charitable work.
He created The Charlie Sanders Foundation in 2007, which provided two college scholarships per year for students from Monroe, Michigan and his home state of North Carolina. In 2012, he began the “Have A Heart Save A Life” program, raising awareness and funds to provide heart (EKG) screenings to young people. The tragic death of a high school basketball player Wes Leonard, due to cardiac failure in 2011, inspired Sanders to start the foundation. Sanders was joined at fundraising events by other legends of Michigan sports. Tom Izzo, MSU basketball coach, lauded Charlie as one of the best men on the planet.
In August 2012, the inaugural “Charlie Sanders Have A Heart Save A Life Celebrity Golf Outing” was held in West Bloomfield, Michigan, You can watch FOX 2’s special here.
When Sanders turned pro in 1968, he forged a lifelong bond with his Lions teammates Mel Farr, Lem Barney and Pistons star Dave Bing. The four men, who called themselves “The Boardroom,” frequently met and talked about the impact of African-American athletes beyond their sporting careers.
Sanders spent forty-three years with the Lions’ franchise, the longest tenure by any person, employee of the Lions or the Ford family. His contributions to the communities he touched, the Detroit Lions, and the NFL will always be a constant reminder of Charlie. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest tight ends to have ever played the game.
Did you know Sanders was a poet? In 1976, he wrote a poem entitled NFL (Just Passing Through.)The Detroit News obtained this gem from the Lions’ public relations department.
“Here today, gone tomorrow.
If you don’t accept it, it’s a life of sorrow.
Trying to use our God-given talent.
Being brave like the knight, bold and gallant.
Those who can make it feel lucky indeed.
It’s God’s own way of letting you succeed.”
An amazing person, father and husband left us too soon. Sanders developed a malignant tumor behind his right knee, which was discovered while he was undergoing knee replacement surgery. Sanders underwent treatment, but later died on July 2, 2015 from cancer, at age 68. Sanders left behind Georgianna and their nine children: Mia, Charese, Mary Jo, Georgianna Jr., Charlie Jr., Nathalie, Talissa, Wayne, and Jordan.
In conclusion, He was one of the most dominant players in the history of the Detroit Lions, changing the game for modern day tight ends. Charlie was a true legend to the NFL in every imaginable way.
But to Charlie, his legacy meant more than just playing football. His true spirit, leadership and willingness to raise awareness and help so many people off the field, was his true passion in life. Through his charitable efforts, the foundation and outpouring of support, Charlie achieved his true legacy. A legacy that meant helping others, being a devoted father and husband, all came first.
Charlie continues to inspire many of us till this day, and his legacy, impact and achievements will always be celebrated by fans of the NFL and especially the Detroit Lions organization. A man of integrity, grace, dedication and an undeniable work ethic that made him a beloved figure in the community.
“I am not that self-proclaimed Hall of Famer who desired to be in sports. I am a guy that liked a challenge, and challenged myself with the understanding that winning is finishing. To my fellow brothers in the NFL… I thank you for your sacrifice.”
