Bobby's World

Sanders was a force when healthy in his
seven seasons in Indianapolis.

The Indianapolis Colts decided to release their hard-hitting safety late last week.

Bob Sanders is a two-time Pro Bowler and when healthy, he is one of the best defensive players in the National Football League.

They key word is healthy though, something Sanders has been unable to do much of his career. Sanders was named the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2007 and was signed to a five-year, $37.5 million contract extension. Since then, he has only played in nine games the last three seasons.

In his seven seasons with Colts, Sanders was one of the most feared safeties and top run-stoppers in the NFL. With Indianapolis trying make iconic quarterback Peyton Manning the highest paid quarterback in the league, the move does not come as a huge shock.

The Colts could no longer to wait to see if Sanders could finally stay healthy.

Although, his accomplishments will not soon be forgotten by the Indy faithful, playing his best when the pressure seem to be at it's peak. He forced then-Chicago Bears running back, Cendric Benson, to fumble early in Super Bowl XLI and then later, intercepted quarterback Rex Grossman to put the game on ice.

There will be no question Sanders presence will be missed in the locker room and by the fans in Indianapolis, but Sanders best football still might be in front of him. This offseason, assuming there will not be a lockout, a team will take a chance on the former Iowa standout and it might be a wise decision.

When watching two other AFC powerhouses, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, play, you see the impact their respective safeties, Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed, make. When healthy Sanders is the same type of game-changing playmaker.

It will be interesting to see where Sanders lands, and just maybe he will haunt Manning and the Colts after having him on their side for all those years.