It’s hardly a secret that Americans love underdogs. A reality that was born all the way back in 1776 when they took on the mighty British Empire. No realm expresses this more than professional sports. If there is one perfect example that encapsulates this, it’s how fans always seem to gravitate towards “that one player” in each Chicago Bears training camp every year. That guy who looks like he might be the diamond in the rough all the other teams overlooked.

Kristopher Knox believes he knows who the greatest of “those guys” was for the Bears over the past decade. None other than the pride of Ohio State himself, Dane Sanzenbacher. The Bears signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He’d just had a strong senior season for the Buckeyes with 948 yards and 11 touchdowns.

“Former Ohio State wideout Dane Sanzenbacher never quite emerged as a star with the Chicago Bears, but he was a training camp standout in 2011, earning a roster spot as an undrafted free agent.

The 5’11”, 180-pound Sanzenbacher had a promising rookie campaign, catching 27 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns. He made the roster again in 2012 but was eventually released and landed with the Cincinnati Bengals. Sanzenbacher later became a standout on HBO’s Hard Knocks with Cincinnati.”

Why was Sanzenbacher a Chicago Bears training camp darling?

The answer is pretty simple. When he got to the league, Wes Welker was arguably the best receiver in football. The man who revolutionized the slot receiver position. He was an undersized white guy who used quickness and good hands to give defenses fits. Sanzenbacher was an undersized white guy with quickness and good hands. Both were undrafted free agents. Seeing the trend yet? NFL teams were searching for the next Wes Welker every year by that point.

It was hoped Sanzenbacher could make that leap. Sadly it never materialized. He had a decent rookie season and was gone shortly after when the offensive system changed under Mike Tice. Others would soon take up his mantle though. Tanner Gentry being the most recent. Is Sanzenbacher the greatest training camp hero to date? Maybe, but it’s hard not to imagine somebody taking that crown before too long.