Former Northwestern football standout Damien Anderson underwent surgery and was hospitalized early Saturday morning after a rollover car accident in Tempe, Ariz.

The Arizona Cardinals running back was in serious condition Saturday. Cardinals officials declined to provide further information on Anderson’s injuries, citing privacy laws.

The Arizona Republic reported Monday that Anderson, the driver in the single-car accident, could face criminal charges.

“There’s a reason to believe that (local police officers) may suspect possible impairment,” said Frank Valenzuela, a spokesman for the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Anderson lost control of his Ford Expedition on an interstate off-ramp. The vehicle rolled down an embankment and came to rest on its top, authorities said.

The reports immediately struck the hearts of his former NU teammates.

“He has a wife and a three-year-old son. It’s sad that he has to go through this,” said Sam Simmons, now a wide receiver and kick returner for the Miami Dolphins.

“We were real good friends. We played together for four years,” Simmons said. “It’s devastating. … I wish I could be there, but I know there’s nothing I could do for him if I was there. He knows he has my support and prayers.”

Although Simmons hasn’t seen Anderson himself, one of his Dolphins teammates, who lives in Arizona, has paid Anderson a visit.

“(My teammate) told me he’s in bad shape,” Simmons said. “His cheek was busted up and his face was pretty swollen. It’s all very disturbing, but I know he’ll pull through. He’s a great guy.”

Jason Wright, NU’s leading rusher and team MVP this season, said Anderson was a leader through example for the team’s underclassmen.

“I was a receiver when he was here,” Wright said. “Damien was always a symbol for work ethic.

“We weren’t boys, but he always was there to lend freshmen and sophomores an encouraging word and was always on us to work hard.

“I heard through Noah Herron. I immediately sat down with my friends and prayed. … We’re still praying for him.”

Anderson’s brothers Billy and Dedric also were in the accident, and both had surgery after suffering leg injuries, said Valenzuela, the Department of Public Safety spokesman.

Anderson owns the NU school records for career rushing yards and touchdowns. In his junior season he finished fifth in the voting for the Heisman trophy after rushing for 2,063 yards and scoring 23 touchdowns. He returned for his senior season despite being a projected first-round draft pick, and signed with the Cardinals in 2002 as a rookie free agent after an injury-shortened senior campaign.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

A story in Tuesday’s Daily incorrectly identified the position of former NU football player Sam Simmons. He now plays wide receiver and kick returner for the Miami Dolphins.