"As a friend and now former teammate of Bob Sanders, Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday provided stark reality to the team's decision to sever ties with their oft-injured veteran safety.

"It was just time," Saturday said during a Friday appearance on the Colin Cowherd radio show. "He has to get healthy, and the Colts have to move in another direction."

Just like that.

Owner Jim Irsay made if official on his Twitter account Friday morning, which was quickly followed by an official announcement from the team.

"We thank Bob for his incredible contributions," Irsay said.

Sanders returned the favor in the same release from the team.

"I want to thank Mr. Irsay for the opportunity to play with the Colts," he said. "I appreciate all he and the organization did for me throughout my career, and I always will consider myself a Colt."

After considering their options, the Colts determined the best course was the harshest. They terminated the five-year, $37.5 million contract Sanders signed in 2007 shortly before becoming the first Colts player to be named NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

In the end, it was about weighing continued investment against possible return.

Sanders, the Colts' 2004 second-round draft pick from Iowa, had been paid more than $24 million from his '07 contract. He was due a 2011 base salary of $5.5 million and a $500,000 bonus."