Charles Alvin (Charlie) Sanders

Charles Alvin (Charlie) Sanders

Detroit Lions Player (1968 – 1977)

Charlie Sanders was born in Richlands, North Carolina and attended James B. Dudley High School where he starred in football, baseball, and basketball. Sanders attended the University of Minnesota helping the Golden Gophers tie for the Conference championship during his senior season. Sanders was selected in the third round of the 1968 NFL draft. He spent his entire ten-year career with the Lions, considered one of the top tight ends during his playing career, he was known not only for his receiving skills but also for his blocking prowess. He was named to the Pro Bowl after seven seasons as well as a three-time first team All-Pro. Sanders was named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team and was chosen as a member of the Lions 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. Charlie Sanders was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 1997, the Minnesota M Club Hall of Fame in 2013 and was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1990. He passed away on July 2, 2015 at 68 years of age.