Rocket Sanders was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2025. But he was ultimately waived as he failed to make the Chargers’ final roster.
A day later, the former Arkansas and South Carolina running back was signed by the Cleveland Browns. In Week 1, he was in the end zone celebrating his first NFL touchdown.
Sanders was called upon on a 4th and goal inside the Cincinnati Bengals’ 1-yard line after the Browns had failed to get it in on their last few tries. He took a handoff from Joe Flacco and punched it in right through the Bengals’ defense as the Browns tied it at 7 with just over 2 minutes played in the second quarter.
Here’s video of Sanders’ TD:
Sanders’ college career began at Arkansas, where he spent 3 seasons. As a member of the Razorbacks, he recorded 398 carries for 2,230 yards and 17 touchdowns, including 10 TDs and a career-best 1,443 yards in 2022.
After a knee injury limited him to just 6 games in 2023, Sanders entered the transfer portal and landed with the Gamecocks. In 2024, he posted 183 attempts for 881 yards and a personal-best 11 touchdowns.
After signing as a UDFA with the Chargers, he’s made his way to the Browns, getting on the board in Week 1 with his first touchdown as an NFL player.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
