Deac Sanders
Encyclopedia
John "Deac" Sanders is a former American football
defensive back
in the National Football League
. Sanders played college football
at South Dakota
. He was signed by the New England Patriots
as an undrafted free agent in 1974 and played with them for 3 years, first as a cornerback
and then as a free safety. Sanders then replaced Bill Bradley (American football) as the starting free safety for the Philadelphia Eagles
in 1977, Dick Vermeil
's second year as the Eagle head coach
, and also in 1978. But in 1979, his final year, he played only one game, replaced by Brenard Wilson
.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
defensive back
Defensive back
In American football and Canadian football, defensive backs are the players on the defensive team who take positions somewhat back from the line of scrimmage; they are distinguished from the defensive line players and linebackers, who take positions directly behind or close to the line of...
in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. Sanders played college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
at South Dakota
South Dakota Coyotes
The South Dakota Coyotes, also known as the USD Coyotes , are the athletic teams for the University of South Dakota. Their team colors are vermilion and white. They have been members of The Summit League of the NCAA's Division I since the 2011-12 season...
. He was signed by the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
as an undrafted free agent in 1974 and played with them for 3 years, first as a cornerback
Cornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
and then as a free safety. Sanders then replaced Bill Bradley (American football) as the starting free safety for the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
in 1977, Dick Vermeil
Dick Vermeil
Richard Albert "Dick" Vermeil is a former American head coach for the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles , St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs...
's second year as the Eagle head coach
Head coach
A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
, and also in 1978. But in 1979, his final year, he played only one game, replaced by Brenard Wilson
Brenard Wilson
Brenard Kenric Wilson , is a former professional American football safety in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1979 to 1987...
.