Sam Sanders’ football career began with a broken nose. When he was just ten years old in 1910, Sanders, who weighed less than 100 pounds, tackled the school’s star fullback. In the encounter, Sam received a broken nose and earned the respect of his South Central Texas town. In high school, Sanders was still very small, but he played football anyway. He also ran track, scoring enough points individually to win one meet for his school. Sanders enrolled at Texas A & M, where the legendary Dana X. Bible was head coach. Now about 120 pounds, Sanders gained Bible’s attention while playing for one of the A&M company teams. During his collegiate career from 1919 to 1922, Sanders became a star performer. He was named All-Southwest Conference halfback on the team that played Centre College in the first Cotton Bowl. During his senior year, he made the All-Southwest Conference track team and held records in the 440 and high jump. After a fine collegiate career, Sanders became a doctor in the Memphis area. He remained active in athletics by starting the first organized program for the recruitment, training, and assignment of football officials for mid-south schools. Sanders also became a leading official in first the old Southern Football Officials Association, then the SEC Football Officials Association in 1932. So never judge a book by its cover. Sam Sanders, a man of small physical stature, had an huge impact on Tennessee sports.
