Sanders played college football for the Carson–Newman Eagles of Carson-Newman College.[1] He was a two-time All-South Atlantic Conference selection and set a school record with 5,360 career passing yards.[2] He also set single-game school records in passing attempts, completions, and passing yards.[2] Sanders was inducted into the Carson-Newman Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.[3] He was also inducted into the South Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame in 2008.[3]
Professional career
Sanders was selected by the New York Jets in the 11th round, with the 288th overall pick, of the 1979 NFL draft.[1] He was released by the Jets on August 21, 1979.[4]
On August 29, 1979, Sanders started a five-day trial with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL).[5] He played in one game for the Tiger-Cats but did not record any statistics.[1]
On September 12, 1979, the Saskatchewan Roughriders gave Sanders a five-day trial after claiming him off waivers from Hamilton.[6] After the Roughriders started the 1979 season with an 0–11 record, Sanders took over as the team's starting quarterback.[7] He led the Roughriders to a 2–3 record in the final five games of the season, completing 65 of 133 passes (48.9%) for 1,024 yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions while also rushing five times for six yards.[8][1] Sanders appeared to have secured a spot as the team's starter in 1980, appearing on television, at a hockey game, and at pep rallies.[7] However, the Roughriders later signed veteran John Hufnagel.[7] Sanders took over as starter again after Hufnagel was injured in the first game of the season.[7] Sanders totaled 21 completions on 57 passing attempts (36.8%) for 290 yards, two touchdowns, and seven interceptions that year before being benched for Tom Rozantz and then released by the Roughriders.[1][7]
Sanders was re-signed by the Jets on February 11, 1981.[4] He was later released on August 17, 1981.[9]
Sanders was a high school teacher and football coach after his playing career, including stints at Carter High School and TMI Academy.[7] He was also an assistant coach for one season at his alma mater, Carson-Newman College.[7] He later opened his own business as a contractor and builder.[2]