Miles Sanders
{{Short description|American football player (born 1997)}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Miles Sanders
| image = Nittany Lions in the NFL (Miles Sanders) (cropped).jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Sanders with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022
| current_team = Dallas Cowboys
| number =27
| position = Running back
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1997|5|1}}
| birth_place = Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 5
| height_in = 11
| weight_lb = 211
| high_school = Woodland Hills {{nowrap|(Churchill, Pennsylvania)}}
| college = Penn State (2016–2018)
| draftyear = 2019
| draftround = 2
| draftpick = 53
| pastteams =
- Philadelphia Eagles ({{NFL Year|2019|2022}})
- Carolina Panthers ({{NFL Year|2023|2024}})
- Dallas Cowboys ({{NFL Year|2025}}–present)
| status = Active
| highlights =
- Pro Bowl (2022)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2019)
- Second-team All-Big Ten (2018)
| statleague = NFL
| statseason = 2024
| statweek =
| statlabel1 = Rushing yards
| statvalue1 = 4,345
| statlabel2 = Rushing average
| statvalue2 = 4.7
| statlabel3 = Rushing touchdowns
| statvalue3 = 23
| statlabel4 = Receptions
| statvalue4 = 175
| statlabel5 = Receiving yards
| statvalue5 = 1,244
| statlabel6 = Receiving touchdowns
| statvalue6 = 4
| pfr = SandMi01
}}
Miles Adam Sanders (born May 1, 1997), nicknamed "Boobie Miles",{{Cite web |last=Terpstra |first=Peter |date=October 11, 2018 |title=How Miles Sanders' Nickname Followed Him to Penn State |url=https://www.wearecentralpa.com/sports/nittany-nation/how-miles-sanders-nickname-followed-him-to-penn-state/ |access-date=October 11, 2020 |website=We Are Central PA |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129142055/https://www.wearecentralpa.com/sports/nittany-nation/how-miles-sanders-nickname-followed-him-to-penn-state/ |url-status=live }} is an American professional football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft after playing college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Early life
{{College Athlete Recruit Start|40=yes|collapse=no|year=2016}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Miles Sanders
| nickname = Mighty Midget
| position = RB
| hometown = Pittsburgh, PA
| highschool = Woodland Hills HS
| feet = 5
| inches = 11
| weight = 199
| 40 = 4.50
| commitdate = July 19, 2014
| rivals stars = 4
| 247 stars = 4
| espn grade = 85
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit End
| 40 = yes
| year = 2016
}}
Miles grew up in Swissvale, a borough nine miles east of downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and attended local powerhouse Woodland Hills High School, where he was a three-year starter at running back.{{Cite web |last=McLane |first=Jeff |date=July 19, 2019 |title=‘The NFL is where I’m going:’ Miles Sanders rode wave of determination from Pittsburgh to Eagles |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-football/2019/07/19/miles-sanders-philadelphia-eagles-woodland-hills-high-school-football/stories/201907190075 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |language=en |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221150152/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-football/2019/07/19/miles-sanders-philadelphia-eagles-woodland-hills-high-school-football/stories/201907190075 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Stockey |first=Andrew |date=February 2, 2023 |title=Miles Sanders: From Woodland Hills to the Super Bowl |url=https://www.wtae.com/article/miles-sanders-woodland-hills-super-bowl/42747324 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=WTAE |language=en |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221190315/https://www.wtae.com/article/miles-sanders-woodland-hills-super-bowl/42747324 |url-status=live }} After winning Pennsylvania's Mr. Football award during his senior year and attending the Under Armour All-America Game, Sanders chose to attend Penn State over a host of other offers, including the local Pittsburgh Panthers.{{Cite web |date=February 12, 2023 |title=Miles Sanders’ presence may be enough for the Philadelphia Eagles to win the Super Bowl |url=https://victorybellrings.com/2023/02/12/miles-sanders-presence-may-enough-philadelphia-eagles-win-super-bowl/ |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Victory Bell Rings |language=en-US |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221132346/https://victorybellrings.com/2023/02/12/miles-sanders-presence-may-enough-philadelphia-eagles-win-super-bowl/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Bear |first=Matt de |date=July 19, 2014 |title=Oh, Hello: 2016 PA RB Miles Sanders Commits to PSU |url=https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2014/7/19/5918281/oh-hello-rb-miles-sanders-commits-to-penn-state |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Black Shoe Diaries |language=en |archive-date=June 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160606202444/http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2014/7/19/5918281/oh-hello-rb-miles-sanders-commits-to-penn-state |url-status=live }}
College career
=2016 season=
Sanders saw a limited amount of playing time as a true freshman behind teammate Saquon Barkley.{{Cite web |last=Lombardo |first=Matt |date=February 28, 2019 |title=Penn State reunion for Saquon Barkley and Miles Sanders in Giants' backfield? {{!}} Why one coach thinks it could happen |url=https://www.nj.com/giants/2019/02/penn-state-reunion-for-saquon-barkley-and-miles-sanders-in-giants-backfield-why-one-coach-thinks-it-could-happen.html |access-date=March 21, 2019 |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809090916/https://www.nj.com/giants/2019/02/penn-state-reunion-for-saquon-barkley-and-miles-sanders-in-giants-backfield-why-one-coach-thinks-it-could-happen.html |url-status=live }} He received the majority of his reps on special teams this season.{{Cite web |last=Treb |first=Mike |date=March 24, 2017 |title=2017 SPRING POSITION PREVIEW: KICK AND PUNT RETURNERS |url=https://www.roarlionsroar.com/penn-state-football/2017/03/2015/blue-white-game-miles-sanders-lamont-wade-john-reid-saquon-barkley |access-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322014533/https://www.roarlionsroar.com/penn-state-football/2017/03/2015/blue-white-game-miles-sanders-lamont-wade-john-reid-saquon-barkley |url-status=live }} While returning kicks for Penn State, Sanders set the school record for kicks returned in a season (33). He is also ranked second on the program's list for kick return yards in a single season (688), averaging 20.8 yards per return.{{Cite web |title=2018 Football Roster – Miles Sanders |url=https://gopsusports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1393 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Penn State Nittany Lions Athletics |archive-date=August 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805234216/https://gopsusports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1393 |url-status=live }}
Sanders was selected as a BTN.com All-Big Ten Conference Freshman Team honorable mention.{{Cite web |title=2017 Penn State Football Yearbook |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2017-18/misc_non_event/penn-state-media-guide.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724173127/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2017-18/misc_non_event/penn-state-media-guide.pdf |archive-date=July 24, 2017 |website=CSTV.com}}
=2017 season=
In 2017, Sanders played in 12 games, making his first college start in one of them. He started his first game against Rutgers on November 11, 2017.{{Cite web |date=November 11, 2017 |title=Rutgers vs. Penn State – College Football Play-By-Play – November 11, 2017 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay/_/gameId/400935408 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221190814/https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay/_/gameId/400935408 |url-status=live }} Sanders was presented with the 2018 Red Worrell Award, for the offensive player who best demonstrated exemplary conduct, loyalty, interest, attitude and improvement during spring practice.{{Cite web |last=Pickel |first=Greg |date=April 21, 2018 |title=Who are Penn State football's 2018 spring award recipients? |url=https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2018/04/penn_state_football_2018_sprin.html |access-date=March 21, 2019 |website=Penn Live |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322014531/https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2018/04/penn_state_football_2018_sprin.html |url-status=live }}
=2018 season=
With Barkley’s departure from Penn State after the 2017 season, Sanders was named Penn State's starting running back.{{Cite web |last=Juliano |first=Joe |date=August 30, 2018 |title=Penn State's Miles Sanders ready to replace Saquon Barkley as No. 1 running back |url=https://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/penn_state/penn-state-miles-sanders-running-back-saquon-barkley-james-franklin-season-opener-20180830.html |access-date=March 21, 2019 |website=Philly.com |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322014531/https://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/penn_state/penn-state-miles-sanders-running-back-saquon-barkley-james-franklin-season-opener-20180830.html |url-status=live }} Sanders started all 13 games in the 2018 season. On September 1, in his junior season debut against Appalachian State, he carried the ball 19 times, rushing for 91 yards and two touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Appalachian State at Penn State Box Score, September 1, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-09-01-penn-state.html |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221191327/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-09-01-penn-state.html |url-status=live }} That also included the game-winning 4-yard touchdown in overtime.{{Cite web |last=Schlarp |first=Thomas |date=September 1, 2018 |title=Penn State football prevails in overtime, avoids upset in season opener {{!}} Instant analysis |url=https://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_2043de6e-ae39-11e8-aa02-8ff6fc639785.html |access-date=March 2, 2019 |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322014532/https://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_2043de6e-ae39-11e8-aa02-8ff6fc639785.html |url-status=live }} After this performance, he was named the coaching staff's Offensive Player of the Week. Sanders’ most notable game of the year came against Illinois on September 21. He rushed for a career-best 200 yards on 22 carries. He also ended the game with a career-high three rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Brad |date=February 12, 2019 |title=MILES SANDERS: POLISH DESPITE INEXPERIENCE |url=https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/miles-sanders-polish-despite-inexperience |access-date=March 21, 2019 |website=The Draft Network |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322014533/https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/miles-sanders-polish-despite-inexperience |url-status=dead }} He was then named the Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week.{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2018 |title=Penn State running back Miles Sanders named Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week |url=https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/sports/college/psu/football/2018/09/24/psus-miles-sanders-named-big-ten-co-offensive-player-week/1409748002/ |access-date=March 16, 2019 |website=York Dispatch |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322014535/https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/sports/college/psu/football/2018/09/24/psus-miles-sanders-named-big-ten-co-offensive-player-week/1409748002/ |url-status=live }}
To end the season, Sanders finished No. 2 in the Big Ten and No. 15 in the nation with 1,274 rushing yards, was ranked No. 4 in the conference and No. 25 in the FBS with 98.0 rushing yards per game, and was No. 5 in the Big Ten and No. 40 in the nation with 5.79 yards per carry. Additionally, he finished seventh in the Big Ten in rushing touchdowns (9) and all-purpose yards per game (108.7). On January 3, 2019, Sanders decided to declare for the NFL draft and forgo his senior season of college football.{{Cite web |last=Heiser |first=Steve |date=January 3, 2019 |title=Miles Sanders is fifth player to give up Penn State eligibility to enter 2019 NFL draft |url=https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/sports/college/psu/football/2019/01/03/sanders-5th-player-give-up-penn-state-eligibility-enter-draft/2473737002/ |access-date=March 21, 2019 |website=York Dispatch |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322014534/https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/sports/college/psu/football/2019/01/03/sanders-5th-player-give-up-penn-state-eligibility-enter-draft/2473737002/ |url-status=live }}
=College statistics=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" | ||||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Season
! rowspan="2"| Team ! rowspan="2"| GP ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="5"| Receiving ! colspan="5"| Kickoff Return | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Ret | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | ||
| 2016 | Penn State
| 13 || 25 || 184 || 7.4 || 57 || 1 || 2 || 24 || 12.0 || 21 || 1 || 33 || 688 || 20.8 || 48 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2017 | Penn State
| 12 || 31 || 191 || 6.2 || 31 || 2 || 6 || 30 || 5.0 || 7 || 0 || 5 || 76 || 15.2 || 23 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| 2018 | Penn State
| 13 || 220 || 1,274 || 5.8 || 78 || 9 || 24 || 139 || 5.8 || 29 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/miles-sanders-1.html Career] | 37 | 276 | 1,649 | 6.0 | 78 | 12 | 32 | 193 | 6.0 | 29 | 1 | 38 | 764 | 20.1 | 48 | 0 |
=Awards and accolades=
- BTN.com All-Big Ten Freshman Team honorable mention
- 2018 Red Worrell Award
- Selected second-team All-Big Ten by the league's coaches and media{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2018 |title=Big Ten Announces Football All-Conference Teams for Offense |url=https://bigten.org/news/2018/11/28/big-ten-announces-football-all-conference-teams-for-offense.aspx |access-date=March 21, 2019 |website=Big Ten Conference |archive-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129100112/https://bigten.org/news/2018/11/28/big-ten-announces-football-all-conference-teams-for-offense.aspx |url-status=dead }}
- Second-team All-Big Ten honors by Associated Press
- Penn State Most Valuable Offensive Player{{Cite web |last=Black |first=Matthew |date=March 17, 2019 |title=Draft 2019: Landing Spots for Miles Sanders |url=http://commmedia.psu.edu/sports/story/draft-2019-landing-spots-for-miles-sanders |access-date=March 21, 2019 |website=Penn State University |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322014536/http://commmedia.psu.edu/sports/story/draft-2019-landing-spots-for-miles-sanders |url-status=live }}
- Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after Illinois (9/21) game{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2018 |title=Big Ten Football Players of the Week |url=https://bigten.org/news/2018/9/24/big-ten-football-players-of-the-week.aspx |access-date=March 21, 2019 |website=Big Ten Conference |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322014539/https://bigten.org/news/2018/9/24/big-ten-football-players-of-the-week.aspx |url-status=dead }}
- Member of the Maxwell Award Watch List{{Cite web |title=Maxwell Award Watch List Additions |url=https://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/mfc-watch-list-additions-pr-final.pdf |access-date=March 21, 2019 |website=Maxwell Football Club |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322014534/https://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/mfc-watch-list-additions-pr-final.pdf |url-status=live }}
- Preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation's top running back{{Cite web |last=Sauertieg |first=Clay |date=July 18, 2018 |title=Miles Sanders Named To Doak Walker Award Watch List |url=https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2018/7/18/17586200/penn-state-football-miles-sanders-running-back-doak-walker-award-watch-list |access-date=March 21, 2019 |website=Black Shoe Diaries |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322014536/https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2018/7/18/17586200/penn-state-football-miles-sanders-running-back-doak-walker-award-watch-list |url-status=live }}
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 5
| height in = 10 5/8
| weight = 211
| dash = 4.49
| ten split = 1.57
| twenty split = 2.61
| shuttle = 4.19
| cone drill = 6.89
| vertical = 36.0
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 4
| bench = 20
| arm span = 30 5/8
| hand span = 9 1/4
| wonderlic =
| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |title=Miles Sanders Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/miles-sanders/32005341-4e15-3567-869d-79c73965b54e |access-date=September 5, 2019 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026034722/https://www.nfl.com/prospects/miles-sanders/32005341-4e15-3567-869d-79c73965b54e |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1018567&DraftYear=2019 |title=2019 Draft Scout Miles Sanders, Penn State NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |access-date=December 30, 2022 |website=draftscout.com |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230072754/https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1018567&DraftYear=2019 |url-status=live }}
}}
=Philadelphia Eagles=
==2019==
File:Miles Sanders 2019 (cropped).jpg ]]
Sanders was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round (53rd overall pick) in the 2019 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=April 26, 2019 |title=Eagles select Miles Sanders, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/eagles-select-miles-sanders-j-j-arcega-whiteside-0ap3000001028401 |access-date=January 3, 2020 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=April 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427014708/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001028401/article/eagles-select-miles-sanders-jj-arcegawhiteside |url-status=live }} He is represented by Beyond Athlete Management.{{Cite web |title=Beyond AM |url=https://www.beyond.am/athletes/miles-sanders |access-date=February 24, 2021 |website=www.beyond.am |archive-date=January 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122002741/https://www.beyond.am/athletes/miles-sanders |url-status=live }}
Sanders made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Washington Redskins. In the game, Sanders rushed 11 times for 25 yards as the Eagles won 32–27.{{Cite web |date=September 8, 2019 |title=Jackson shines in Philly return, Eagles beat Redskins 32–27 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127968 |access-date=September 8, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=September 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909065904/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127968 |url-status=live }} In Week 6 against the Minnesota Vikings, Sanders rushed three times for six yards and caught three passes for 86 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web |date=October 13, 2019 |title=Cousins, Diggs fly past Eagles in Vikings' 38–20 win |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128123 |access-date=October 13, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=October 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014071122/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128123 |url-status=live }} In a Week 15 game against the Redskins, Sanders rushed 19 times for 122 yards and a touchdown and caught six passes for 50 yards and another touchdown in a 37–27 win.{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2019 |title=Wentz, Eagles keep NFC East hopes alive by beating Redskins |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128071 |access-date=December 15, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=December 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216023254/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128071 |url-status=live }} During the game, Sanders passed LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson for the most rushing yards by a rookie and the most all-purpose yards by a rookie in franchise history, respectively.{{Cite web |last=McManus |first=Tim |date=December 16, 2019 |title=Eagles' Miles Sanders drawing comparison to LeSean McCoy, Arian Foster |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/philadelphia-eagles/post/_/id/28820/eagles-miles-sanders-drawing-comparison-to-mccoy-arian-foster |access-date=December 16, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=December 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216222544/https://www.espn.com/blog/philadelphia-eagles/post/_/id/28820/eagles-miles-sanders-drawing-comparison-to-mccoy-arian-foster |url-status=live }} In Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys, Sanders rushed 20 times for 79 yards and a touchdown and caught five passes for 77 yards.{{Cite web |date=December 22, 2019 |title=Wentz, Eagles deny Dallas the NFC East title with 17–9 win |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127938 |access-date=December 22, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=December 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225142849/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127938 |url-status=live }} He finished his rookie season with 818 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns to go along with 50 receptions for 509 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Miles Sanders 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandMi01/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=January 4, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202141132/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandMi01/gamelog/2019/ |url-status=live }} He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.{{Cite web |title=2019 NFL All-Rookie Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2019.htm |access-date=July 27, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
In the National Football Conference (NFC) Wild Card Round against the Seattle Seahawks, Sanders rushed 14 times for 69 yards in a 17–9 loss.{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2020 |title=Wilson leads Seahawks past Eagles 17–9 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401131039 |access-date=January 5, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=January 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108114819/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401131039 |url-status=live }}
==2020==
Sanders missed the first game of the 2020 regular season with a hamstring injury.{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Jeff |date=September 12, 2020 |title=Eagles' Miles Sanders out for Week 1 after not making trip to Washington for season opener |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/eagles-miles-sanders-out-for-week-1-after-not-making-trip-to-washington-for-season-opener/ |access-date=September 22, 2020 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |archive-date=October 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016094924/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/eagles-miles-sanders-out-for-week-1-after-not-making-trip-to-washington-for-season-opener/ |url-status=live }} He returned in Week 2 to make his season debut against the Los Angeles Rams. In the 37–19 loss, Sanders recorded 131 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles – September 20th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009200phi.htm |access-date=September 22, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925045130/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009200phi.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 5 against his hometown team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sanders rushed for 80 yards and two touchdowns, including a 74-yard score, during a 38–29 loss.{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 11th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010110pit.htm |access-date=October 11, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017225854/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010110pit.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens, he had nine carries for 118 yards.{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles – October 18th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010180phi.htm |access-date=October 20, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316013228/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010180phi.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 14, against the New Orleans Saints, he had fourteen carries for 115 yards and two touchdowns, including a career-high 82-yard score, during the 24–21 win.{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles – December 13th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012130phi.htm |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222073830/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012130phi.htm |url-status=live }} Sanders played in 12 games in the 2020 season. He finished with 164 carries for 867 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns to go along with 28 receptions for 197 receiving yards.{{Cite web |title=Miles Sanders 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandMi01/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221191925/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandMi01/gamelog/2020/ |url-status=live }} Following the season, Sanders, along with Clyde Edwards-Helaire were selected to the playable Pro Bowl roster of the Madden 21 Video Game Numbers Challenge.{{Cite web |title=Sanders and Edwards-Helaire named to the Pro Bowl through Madden 21 |url=https://twitter.com/EAMaddenNFL/status/1346154937772875776 |access-date=April 6, 2021 |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428001335/https://twitter.com/EAMaddenNFL/status/1346154937772875776 |url-status=live }}
==2021==
While Sanders started off as the team's feature back, the offense began to focus on passing the ball more, which led to Sanders spending more time on the bench. Through the first six games, Sanders had a combined total of 57 carries for 270 yards and no touchdowns. In the team's week 7 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sanders suffered a sprained ankle.{{cite web |title=Miles Sanders suffers ankle injury … How long will he be out for Eagles? |url=https://victorybellrings.com/2021/10/25/miles-sanders-suffers-ankle-injury/ |website=Fansided |date=October 25, 2021 |access-date=January 26, 2022 |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316013246/https://spot-im-d.openx.net/w/1.0/arj?ju=https%3A%2F%2Fvictorybellrings.com%2F2021%2F10%2F25%2Fmiles-sanders-suffers-ankle-injury%2F&ch=UTF-8&res=1600x1000x24&ifr=true&tz=0&tws=1100x784&be=1&bc=hb_pb_3.0.3&dddid=6a036c67-6fa7-4889-b824-287cab9ce4e1%2C6a036c67-6fa7-4889-b824-287cab9ce4e1%2C6a036c67-6fa7-4889-b824-287cab9ce4e1%2C6a036c67-6fa7-4889-b824-287cab9ce4e1%2C6a036c67-6fa7-4889-b824-287cab9ce4e1&nocache=1678930366234&us_privacy=1---&criteoid=8IHj_19VTmxrQUNOeFVrbEZxV25MZ1hVcUFSNGZoU3lLNzFGcmhpamN2TVcyWkVPJTJCY2RTWnFvbjRrZThVRnB0SCUyRmk2dGFVS2xMTElVd0NuR0c4Q29YZXdKWkhocllsblNFRnV5VXBkMHQ5WEVGVSUyRkdxSFlNeFpGY2E2cXk4UjU4Wk1yOGxxbkZQbXc4ejdveHN5dVp0T29CSzlsbHFXN25NekxPJTJGN3ZHNSUyRmI5M2tVJTNE&id5id=ID5*QxXyWkdHxQrgXH1AYeNlgRBqCwhdklCQ4jWKVaIMNWg-zeXUfAXlF9FrHCLUAm4Y&lotameid=02ee72690442c831721ab2e599f9a9fb927a2904a6af448489c71ebb3226651f&pubcid=248e1802-2f7c-4cfd-849f-97e3179ff7a1&ttduuid=b42919b4-4426-4529-b890-fd4d327c5c03&schain=1.0%2C1!spotim.market%2Cpub_yXO4Yd5V1rhJ%2C1%2Cdb3198b6-3ff4-4377-882f-53e976efd120%2C%2C&aus=300x250%2C336x280%2C320x250%7C300x250%2C336x280%2C320x250%7C300x250%2C336x280%2C320x250%7C300x250%2C336x280%2C320x250%7C300x250%2C336x280%2C320x250&divids=div-gpt-ad-1602411747217-0%2Cdiv-gpt-ad-1602411747217-0%2Cdiv-gpt-ad-1602411747217-0%2Cdiv-gpt-ad-1602411747217-0%2Cdiv-gpt-ad-1602411747217-0&aucs=%252F39694909%252C22591923899%252FDBV%252FDBV-FansidedROS%2523div-gpt-ad-1602411747217-0%2C%252F39694909%252C22591923899%252FDBV%252FDBV-FansidedROS%2523div-gpt-ad-1602411747217-0%2C%252F39694909%252C22591923899%252FDBV%252FDBV-FansidedROS%2523div-gpt-ad-1602411747217-0%2C%252F39694909%252C22591923899%252FDBV%252FDBV-FansidedROS%2523div-gpt-ad-1602411747217-0%2C%252F39694909%252C22591923899%252FDBV%252FDBV-FansidedROS%2523div-gpt-ad-1602411747217-0&auid=540934835%2C541192057%2C543856208%2C556676089%2C545719853 |url-status=live }} This injury forced Sanders to miss three weeks of action. He returned in time for the team's week 11 showdown with the Saints. Sanders stepped back into a large role in the week 13 game against the New York Jets, as he carried the ball a season high 24 times for 120 yards.{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets – December 5th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202112050nyj.htm |access-date=February 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316013147/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202112050nyj.htm |url-status=live }} In week 15 against the Washington Football Team, Sanders recorded a season high 131 yards rushing on 18 carries.{{Cite web |title=Washington Football Team at Philadelphia Eagles – December 21st, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202112210phi.htm |access-date=February 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126203258/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202112210phi.htm |url-status=live }} His hot streak came to an end during the Eagles' week 16 matchup against the New York Giants, Sanders broke a bone in his hand, which forced him to miss the final two games of the regular season.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=December 27, 2021 |title=Eagles RB Miles Sanders broke bone in hand, won't play vs. Washington in Week 17 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/eagles-rb-miles-sanders-broke-bone-in-hand-mri-to-determine-if-he-can-play-throu |access-date=January 26, 2022 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=January 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127034239/https://www.nfl.com/news/eagles-rb-miles-sanders-broke-bone-in-hand-mri-to-determine-if-he-can-play-throu |url-status=live }} In the 2021 season, Sanders recorded 137 carries for 754 rushing yards and 26 receptions for 158 yards across 12 games.{{cite web |title=Miles Sanders 2021 Game Logs |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandMi01.htm |access-date=January 26, 2022 |archive-date=January 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127034239/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandMi01.htm |url-status=live }}
==2022==
In Week 4, Sanders ran for 134 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Eagles move to 4–0 on the season during a 29–21 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2022 |title=Undefeated Eagles spoil Pederson’s return, top Jaguars behind Miles Sanders’ 2 TDs |url=https://www.pennlive.com/philadelphiaeagles/2022/10/undefeated-eagles-spoil-pedersons-return-top-jaguars-behind-miles-sanders-2-tds.html |access-date=February 20, 2023 |website=pennlive |language=en |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=December 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203052535/https://www.pennlive.com/philadelphiaeagles/2022/10/undefeated-eagles-spoil-pedersons-return-top-jaguars-behind-miles-sanders-2-tds.html |url-status=live }} In Week 12, Sanders rushed for a then-season high 143 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries in a 40–34 win over the Green Bay Packers and topped that two weeks later with 144 yards and two touchdowns on just 17 carries in a 48–22 win over the Giants.{{Cite web |title=Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles – November 27th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202211270phi.htm |access-date=February 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220214106/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202211270phi.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants – December 11th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202212110nyg.htm |access-date=February 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220214123/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202212110nyg.htm |url-status=live }} Sanders finished the 2022 season ranked among the league's top 10 in carries, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns; his 1,269 yards were 5th most in the league, while his 259 carries and 11 touchdowns both ranked 8th.{{Cite web |title=2022 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2022/leaders.htm |access-date=February 7, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122203803/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2022/leaders.htm |url-status=live }}
Sanders rushed 17 times for 90 yards in the Eagles' 38–7 win over the New York Giants in the Divisional Round.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles – January 21st, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202301210phi.htm |access-date=February 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130144750/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202301210phi.htm |url-status=live }} In the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sanders rushed for two touchdowns in the 31–7 win.{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Emmanuel |date=January 29, 2023 |title=N.F.C. Championship: Eagles Beat 49ers, 31–7, to Claim Spot in the Super Bowl |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/01/29/sports/eagles-49ers-score |access-date=February 20, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |archive-date=February 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211135254/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/01/29/sports/eagles-49ers-score |url-status=live }} In Super Bowl LVII, Sanders had seven carries for 16 yards in the Eagles 38–35 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LVII – Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 12th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202302120phi.htm |access-date=February 20, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226043403/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202302120phi.htm |url-status=live }}
=Carolina Panthers=
On March 15, 2023, Sanders signed a four-year, $25.4 million contract with the Carolina Panthers.{{cite web|url=https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-agree-to-terms-with-miles-sanders|title=Panthers agree to terms with Miles Sanders|work=Panthers.com|date=March 15, 2023|first=Darin|last=Gantt|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316013113/https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-agree-to-terms-with-miles-sanders|url-status=live}} In his debut against the Atlanta Falcons, Sanders rushed 18 times for 72 yards and lost a fumble to Falcons linebacker Lorenzo Carter late in the third quarter. The Panthers would go on to lose 24–10. Sanders' struggles continued in Week 2 against the Saints on Monday Night Football, where he ran 14 times for a meager 43 yards in the 20–17 loss. In Week 3 against the Seahawks, Sanders recorded his first touchdown of the season, on a 1-yard run. He finished the game with 9 carries for 24 yards and the touchdown, and the Panthers lost 37–27. In Week 4 against the Vikings, Sanders rushed for a season-low of 19 yards on 13 carries as the Panthers dropped to 0–4. Against the Detroit Lions in Week 5, Sanders recorded a season-low 7 carries for 32 yards. Sanders was ruled out the following week due to a shoulder injury. He would return in Week 8, where his workload drastically decreased. Against the Houston Texans, Sanders carried the ball just 2 times for 0 yards. Sanders would then rush 6 times for 39 yards against the Indianapolis Colts, before posting a career-worst performance with just 2 carries for −5 yards against the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football. In the following two weeks, Sanders saw his workload increase to 11 carries and then 15 carries against the Cowboys and Tennessee Titans respectively. In Week 14 against the New Orleans Saints, Sanders turned in a season-high 74 rushing yards on 10 carries in the 28–6 loss.
Sanders would go on to finish the season with career lows in carries, yards, and yards per carry.{{cite web | title=Miles Sanders 2023 Game Log | website=Pro Football Reference | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandMi01/gamelog/2023/ | access-date=October 2, 2024}}
In the 2024 season, Sanders had 55 carries for 205 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to go with 24 receptions for 148 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Miles Sanders 2024 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandMi01/gamelog/2024/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} He missed six games on the season with an ankle injury.{{cite web | last=Rizzuti | first=Anthony | title=Miles Sanders is asked if he thought he already played his last game for the Panthers | website=Panthers Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2025-01-01 | url=https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/panthers/2025/01/01/panthers-miles-sanders-week-18-contract/77385345007/ | access-date=2025-03-01}} The Panthers released Sanders on March 11, 2025.{{cite web|title=Panthers release running back Miles Sanders|url=https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-release-running-back-miles-sanders|author=Gantt, Darin|website=Panthers.com|date=March 11, 2025}}
=Dallas Cowboys=
On March 14, 2025, Sanders signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys.{{cite web|url=https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/miles-sanders-agrees-to-terms-with-cowboys-in-2025-nfl-free-agency|work=DallasCowboys.com|title=Miles Sanders agrees to terms with Cowboys in 2025 NFL free agency|date=March 14, 2025|accessdate=March 15, 2025|first=Patrik|last=Walker}}
NFL career statistics
= Regular season =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2" | Year
! rowspan="2" | Team ! colspan="2" | Games ! colspan="5" | Rushing ! colspan="5" | Receiving ! colspan="2" | Fumbles | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | |
| 2019 | PHI
| 16 || 11 || 179 || 818 || 4.6 || 65 || 3 || 50 || 509 || 10.2 || 45 || 3 || 2 || 1 | |||||||||||||
| 2020 | PHI
| 12 || 11 || 164 || 867 || 5.3 || 82 || 6 || 28 || 197 || 7.0 || 28 || 0 || 4 || 2 | |||||||||||||
| 2021 | PHI
| 12 ||12 || 137 || 754 || 5.5 || 38 || 0 || 26 || 158 || 6.1 || 25 || 0 || 1 || 1 | |||||||||||||
| 2022 | PHI
| 17|| 15 || 259|| 1,269 || 4.9 || 40 || 11 || 20 || 78 || 3.9 || 16 || 0 || 2 || 2 | |||||||||||||
| 2023 | CAR
| 16 || 5 || 129 || 432 || 3.3 || 48 || 1 || 27 || 154 || 5.7 || 14 || 0 || 2 || 2 | |||||||||||||
| 2024 | CAR
| 11 || 2 || 55 || 205 || 3.7 || 26 || 2 || 24 || 148 || 6.2 || 33 || 1 || 1 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| colspan="2" | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandMi01.htm Career] | 84 | 56 | 923 | 4,345 | 4.7 | 82 | 23 | 175 | 1,244 | 7.1 | 45 | 4 | 12 | 8 |
= Postseason =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="5"| Receiving ! colspan="2"| Fumbles | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | |
| 2019 | PHI
| 1|| 1|| 14|| 69|| 4.9|| 18|| 0 || 3|| 8 || 2.7 || 7|| 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2021 | PHI
| 1|| 1|| 7 || 16 || 2.3 || 14 || 0 || 3|| 12|| 4.0|| 6 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2022
!PHI |3 |3 |35 |148 |4.2 |18 |2 |1 |3 |3.0 |3 |0 |0 |0 | ||||||||||||||
| colspan="2" | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandMi01/gamelog/post/ Career] | 5 | 5 | 56 | 233 | 4.2 | 18 | 2 | 7 | 23 | 3.3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
=Philadelphia Eagles franchise records=
- Most rushing yards by a rookie (818){{Cite web |last=Dajani |first=Jordan |date=April 16, 2020 |title=Eagles' Miles Sanders says he wants to be like the versatile Christian McCaffrey |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/eagles-miles-sanders-says-he-wants-to-be-like-the-versatile-christian-mccaffrey/ |access-date=October 18, 2020 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |archive-date=December 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216194918/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/eagles-miles-sanders-says-he-wants-to-be-like-the-versatile-christian-mccaffrey/ |url-status=live }}
- Most yards from scrimmage by a rookie (1,327){{Cite web |last=Gallen |first=Daniel |date=October 11, 2020 |title=Eagles' Miles Sanders 'blessed and happy that I'm living my dream' as he returns home to face Steelers |url=https://www.pennlive.com/philadelphiaeagles/2020/10/eagles-miles-sanders-blessed-and-happy-that-im-living-my-dream-as-he-returns-home-to-face-steelers.html |access-date=October 18, 2020 |website=pennlive |language=en |archive-date=October 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017025204/https://www.pennlive.com/philadelphiaeagles/2020/10/eagles-miles-sanders-blessed-and-happy-that-im-living-my-dream-as-he-returns-home-to-face-steelers.html |url-status=live }}
- Most all-purpose yards by a rookie (1,641){{Cite web |date=December 31, 2019 |title=By the numbers: Miles Sanders' historic rookie season |url=https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/by-the-numbers-miles-sanders-historic-rookie-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806211221/https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/by-the-numbers-miles-sanders-historic-rookie-season |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |access-date=September 4, 2020 |website=Philadelphia Eagles |language=en-US}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons}}
{{footballstats|nfl=miles-sanders|pfr=S/SandMi01|espn=4045163|cbs=2251305/miles-sanders/|yahoo=31885}}
- [https://twitter.com/BoobieMilesXXIV Twitter]
- [https://www.dallascowboys.com/team/players-roster/miles-sanders/ Dallas Cowboys profile]
- [https://gopsusports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1393 Penn State Nittany Lions profile]
{{Eagles2019DraftPicks}}
{{Dallas Cowboys roster navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sanders, Miles}}
Category:American football running backs
Category:Penn State Nittany Lions football players
Category:Players of American football from Pennsylvania
Category:Players of American football from Pittsburgh
Category:Philadelphia Eagles players
Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players