No. 17 Chris Sanders
Not only was Chris Sanders a three-year starter on the football team who would go on to have a lengthy NFL career, he was a track and field standout as well.
WR Chris Sanders
1990-94
b. May 8, 1972 (Denver, Colorado)
- Three-Year Starter (1992-94)
- Big Ten Champion (1993)
- Ohio State Athlete of the Year (1994)
Sanders was a member of the Buckeye football team for five seasons, redshirting his second season in 1991. Following his redshirt season, Sanders started at receiver every year for the remainder of his Ohio State career.
Through three seasons, Sanders had 71 receptions for 1,120 yards and eight touchdowns. The majority of his production came his senior season in 1994 when he caught 35 passes for 533 yards and all eight of his career touchdowns.
As good as he was on the gridiron, Sanders was even better on the track. He left Ohio State as an 11-time track and field All-American. During his track career, he famously broke Jesse Owens' long jump school record of 26'9.5," setting a new record of 26'9.75" which still stands. He was also a member of two relay teams – 4x100 and 4x200 – that set Ohio State records.
In 1994, Sanders was named the Ohio State Athlete of the Year across all sports due to his success in both football as well as track and field .
Following his time at Ohio State, Sanders was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the third round of the 1995 NFL Draft and played receiver with the Oilers/Titans from 1995-2002.
After his playing career, Sanders retired to coaching high school football in Nashville, Tennessee.
