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As a member of the Detroit Lions from 1968-77, Charlie Sanders made seven Pro Bowls and helped redefine the tight end position. He later became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he continued to make contributions to the game of football as a broadcaster, coach and member of the Lions' front office.
As good as Sanders was as a player on the field, he was perhaps even better as a person off the field. That's the theme that has developed since he passed away last Thursday following a battle with cancer. Various media members, current and former players and other people in the NFL/football community have shared their memories of Sanders in the days since his passing, and it's clear that his impact in life went far beyond the sport he played. Take a look:
Statement from Lions president Tom Lewand:
"Today we lost one of the greatest Detroit Lions of all time. Charlie was a special person to the entire Lions family for nearly a half century. While never forgetting his North Carolina roots, 'Satch' became the consummate Detroit Lion on and off the field. He was a perfect ambassador for our organization and, more important, was a true friend, colleague and mentor to so many of us. Our prayers are with Georgianna, his children, grandchildren, and the entire Sanders family. We are grateful for the considerable personal and professional legacy Charlie leaves to us."
The world lost a great man today, but Heaven gained another Angel! The very best to the entire Sanders Family. #CharlieSanders @Lions
— Herman Moore (@HMAN84) July 2, 2015
Heavy Heart Right Now. Rest Easy Charlie! #legend @Lions
— Eric Ebron (@Ebron85) July 2, 2015
Praying for the Sanders family. Charlie's legacy still lives on. #RIPCharlieSanders #OnePride
— Kyle Brindza (@kylebrindza) July 2, 2015
RIP Charlie Sanders. A true legend and great person. @Lions
— Lance Moore (@LanceMoore16) July 3, 2015
Praying for the Sanders family R.I.P. Charlie
— Calvin Johnson, Jr. (@calvinjohnsonjr) July 2, 2015
Heartbreaking news. Stay strong Sanders family. R.I.P. Charlie https://t.co/K2oR2s0cpS
— Ezekiel Ansah (@Ziggy_Ansah) July 3, 2015
R.I.P Charlie Sanders, your dedication 2 the Lions organization & the city of Detroit will be greatly missed. #Lions pic.twitter.com/2MJGVANijV
— Darryl Tapp (@dtapp55) July 3, 2015
To one of the greatest players to play for the Lions and also a dear friend, you will Be deeply miss. R.I.H #CharlieSanders #OldSchoolMusic
— Joique Bell (@JoiqueBell) July 3, 2015
Terrible news about the passing of Charlie Sanders. Honored to have had the opportunity to cross paths with such a legend.#88#HOF#Lions
— Stephen Tulloch (@stephentulloch) July 2, 2015
Here's to a real warrior who taught me & many other young players the meaning of NFL gameday prep & intensity. God Bless Charlie Sanders #88
— Doug English (@englishpwrdrive) July 4, 2015
Man....sad to hear about the passing of Charlie Sanders. One of the finest men I've ever come across. Could talk to him about anything! #RIP
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) July 2, 2015
Sorry to hear about the passing of Hofer Charlie Sanders. My prayers to his family in this time of sadness.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) July 2, 2015
Thoughts & prayers to the family of fellow @ProFootballHOF Charlie Sanders. Great man, great player & great friend! You will be missed!
— Eric Dickerson (@EricDickerson) July 2, 2015
Charlie Sanders will be missed by the Thomas family. #ClassOf2007 Great man, on and off the field.. #Lions
— Thurman Thomas (@thurmanthomas) July 3, 2015
Greeks never wrote obituaries. When a man passed they only asked one question. Was he a good man? Prayers for Charlie Sanders a good man.
— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) July 4, 2015
The flag at the Hall of Fame is at half staff in honor of Charlie Sanders. pic.twitter.com/y3Mz2qda1d
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) July 5, 2015
Very few pro athletes are as good of people as the are players. Charlie Sanders was one in a million. @HaveHeartLife #RIP
— Jennifer Hammond (@HammerFox2) July 2, 2015
RIP Charlie Sanders. Great football player. Better person. He'll be missed by everyone who has ever known him.
— Dave Hogg (@Stareagle) July 2, 2015
We've lost one of the real class acts of the Detroit sports world. Lions great Charlie Sanders dead of cancer at 68. Terribly sad.
— Devin Scillian (@DevinScillian) July 2, 2015
You're going to see a lot of posts about how great Charlie Sanders was to be around. It isn't hyperbole just because he passed.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) July 2, 2015
Charlie Sanders passed away today. Hall of Famer fought hard against cancer since November. Taught us how to live. Great human being.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 2, 2015
I am absolutely heartbroken to hear about Charlie Sanders. What an amazing man with a wonderful heart.
— Chrissie Wywrot (@Chrissie5213) July 2, 2015
Charlie Sanders command respect by the way he lived his life even more than being a Hall of Fame football player. He will be greatly missed.
— Pat Caputo (@patcaputo98) July 2, 2015
Charlie Sanders: "This is home. The city has always been nice. I enjoy coming to work. I just enjoy the Lions." RIP. http://t.co/9AoIru6lE9
— Mike O'Hara (@MikeOHaraNFL) July 3, 2015
Well done, @DanMillerFox2 and @HammerFox2. Raw emotion in describing everyone's friend, Charlie Sanders. http://t.co/yh3FOUoLc2
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 3, 2015
In honor of Charlie Sanders please take time to check out @HaveHeartLife ... A lasting legacy that has and will save lives.
— Matt Barnhart (@matt_barnhart) July 2, 2015