Justin Sandy

Justin Michael Sandy (born February 22, 1982) is a former American football safety. He was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Northern Iowa.

Early years

Sandy attended East (Sioux City, Iowa) High School where he made 58 receptions for 957 yards and 28 touchdowns. He was voted at the 4A State Player of the Year in the State of Iowa.

College career

Sandy played college football for the University of Northern Iowa. Originally recruited to play wide receiver Sandy was moved to Safety his sophomore season. He played in 47 games and made 192 tackles and seven interceptions. He was first team all conference and voted Most Value Player by his teammates after his senior season. He majored in business management.

Professional career

An underdog from small town Iowa and a small 1AA college. As an undrafted free agent to the Tennessee Titans he was 1 of only 2 players to successfully make the Titans Roster in 2004 out of nearly 30 other free agent players from around the country. Jarrett Payton, the son of Walter Payton, was the only other player to make the Titans roster that year.

Tennessee Titans

Sandy was originally signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted rookie free agent on April 28, 2004. After earning the respect of the coaches and teammates during his time on the practice squad he was activated to the active roster and made his NFL debut at the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 21. During the 3rd quarter of his first active NFL game he suffered a stress fracture in his left foot while blocking an opposing player during a special teams play. He managed to finish the game but collapsed to the ground immediately upon the conclusion due to pain and was rushed to the training room for immediate treatment. After surgery and several months of rehabilitation on his left foot Sandy suffered his second major career setback when he suffered the same injury on his right foot. Determined to return to the field the following season Sandy sought second opinions. After discussing his options with coaches and multiple doctors Sandy opted to forgo the traditional rehabilitation for a controversial cancer treatment which was promised to expedite bone healing. His healing time was cut in half but he was able to return for the final preseason game of 2005 against the San Francisco 49ers. In 2005, his second season for the Titans, he played in three games and started his first NFL game versus the Baltimore Ravens on September 21 before suffering his 3rd major injury in less than one year. Sandy again fractured his right foot after jumping over a fullback to tackle the RB from the Ravens. He finished the season with two tackles and was unable to return to play the rest of that season. Asked about his multiple injuries Sandy responded by saying "Tough times don't last, tough people do." quoting his admired high school coach, Walt Fiegel.

Sandy later completed his degree in Business Management by attending Middle Tennessee State University and transferring his credits back to Northern Iowa. In the summer of 2006, Sandy graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with honors. In addition to completing his degree Sandy attended business courses at Harvard School of Business Management and The Northwestern Kellogg School of Business.

Cleveland Browns

After departing from the Titans, Sandy earned a roster position with the Cleveland Browns. Sandy was a starting special teams player and was in the running for a starting safety position before suffering a major knee injury during a preseason game versus the Cowboys. After two seasons with the Browns in 2006 and 2007 he was forced to make a decision: keep on playing and require a total knee replacement a few years down the road or retire. After an injury settlement, Sandy departed the Cleveland Brown on July 21, 2008. He then went on to retire after a five year NFL career.