Mark Sander

Sander originally walked on to the Louisville Cardinals football team.[2] After redshirting in 1986,[3] Sander became a four-year starter for the Cardinals.[4] On the morning of November 23, 1990, Sander was stabbed in the abdomen while attempting to break up a fight outside of a Louisville bar.[4][5] He had previously worked as a bouncer at the bar and noticed some friends involved in an altercation shortly after arriving.[3] Sander had to undergo four hours of surgery, which required 23 staples, and lost 10 pounds during his stay in the hospital.[5][6] In his first interview following the incident on December 3, he claimed that he would be ready to return in time for their Fiesta Bowl matchup against Alabama.[7] Sander started in the 34–7 win and passed Doug Buffone to become the school's career tackles leader with 492.[8]

Sander graduated with a degree in political science.[6]

After going undrafted in the 1991 NFL draft due to his size and perceived lack of speed,[6] Sander was signed as a free agent by the Miami Dolphins.[9] He spent the 1991 season on the practice squad.[10] In 1992, Sander filled in for an injured John Offerdahl at the starting inside linebacker position.[10] In his first game of meaningful action, he recorded nine tackles against the New York Jets.[11] Two weeks later, in just his second start, Sander recorded a game-high nine tackles in a Monday Night Football loss to the Buffalo Bills, staying in the game after breaking his right hand in the second quarter.[11][12] It was later discovered that he suffered a broken wrist as well.[13] Sander was placed on the injured reserve list on December 2, 1992.[14] He was subsequently placed on the physically unable to perform list in August 1993.[13] He was then cut in November.[15]