Mark Sander

Mark Leonard Sander (born March 21, 1968) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker or the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL) in 1992. He played college football for the Louisville Cardinals and holds the program record for career tackles. He played 12 games for the Dolphins, including two starts.

College career Sander originally walked on to the Louisville Cardinals football team. After redshirting in 1986, Sander became a four-year starter for the Cardinals. He was a 1988, 1989 First Team All-South Independent. 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. He had previously worked as a bouncer at the bar and noticed some friends involved in an altercation shortly after arriving. 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. Sander started in the 34–7 win and passed Doug Buffone to become the school's career tackles leader with 492.

Sander graduated with a degree in political science. He spent the 1991 season on the practice squad. In 1992, Sander filled in for an injured John Offerdahl at the starting inside linebacker position. 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. It was later discovered that he suffered a broken wrist as well. Sander was placed on the injured reserve list on December 2, 1992. He was subsequently placed on the physically unable to perform list in August 1993.