Sanders, Charlie (1946-2015)

Upper Deck Legends 1997, #164

Card: Upper Deck Legends 1997
Acquired: EBay 2021

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Charlie played his college ball for Minnesota (66/67) recording 21 receptions for 276 yards and 2 TDs in his Senior Season.
  • 3rd round draft selection of the Detroit Lions who quickly established himself as the premier TE in the NFL.
  • Sanders recorded a career high 42 receptions for 656 yards and 2 TDs in 1969.
  • During dead ball era, he managed to put up between 400 and 600 yards in 9 of 10 seasons played, and 30 or more receptions in 7 of 10 seasons.
  • Sanders led team in receptions in 6 of his 10 seasons with franchise.

ACCOLADES:

  • Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2007
  • Lions All-Time Team 2008
  • M Club Hall of Fame 2013
  • Michigan Sports Hall of Fame 1990
  • North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame 1997
  • Guilford County Sports HoF (NC) 2005
  • NFL All-Decade Team 1970’s
  • NFL Pro Bowl 1968-1971, 1974-1976
  • NFL All-Pro 1969-1971
  • NFL All-Time Team 100th Anniversary Finalist
  • ‘Pride of the Lions’ Ring of Honor

NOTES:

After his playing days concluded, Sanders continued to be involved with the Lions organization as a color man for local broadcasts and later as a WR coach and scout. Charlie was heavily involved in charitable activities, providing college scholarships to people in need, and started his own celebrity golf tournament.

While getting his knee replaced, a malignant tumor was discovered. Sanders passed away in 2015 after battling cancer.

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