The Bob Sanders era is officially over in Indianapolis.

Colts owner Jim Irsay announced via Twitter  that Sanders has been released and thanked him for his contributions over the years. The news isn't a complete shock considering Sanders' lengthy injury history combined with his contract situation but still somewhat surprising considering Sanders success (when healthy) in Indianapolis.

This means that Sanders is now an unrestricted free agent eligible to sign with any team until March 3rd, when the labor deal between the owners and players expires. After March 3rd, he can not sign with a team until a new labor deal is done.

The Colts made Sanders a second round draft pick in 2004 and by 2007 he was named the AP defensiver player of the year. The Colts run defense was considered soft that year until Sanders' had an outstanding postseason run as the Colts were able to shut down the run en route to a Super Bowl victory

Sanders had signed a five-year, $37.5 million contract in 2007 and that's when the injuries became a significant factor. Sanders has played in just 48 games in seven NFL seasons and just nine games in the last three seasons. When he's healthy, he's shown he's one of the best in the game. The problem is that he clearly hasn't shown he can stay healthy.

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