Wide receivers often build their legacies with one or two teams. Think Larry Fitzgerald with the Arizona Cardinals or Mike Evans with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But some, like Brandin Cooks, thrive with multiple franchises, proving their adaptability and skill. Emmanuel Sanders aimed for a similar journey, but Patrick Mahomes ultimately ended his quest for another championship ring.
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The Moment Mahomes Sealed Sanders’ Retirement
On a December 6th episode of “The Facility,” Sanders recounted the unforgettable 13-second field goal drive orchestrated by Mahomes in the 2021-2022 Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills. This improbable feat forced overtime and ultimately led to a Chiefs victory.
“My family went crazy after we scored,” Sanders shared. “I told them to calm down because I’ve been in the division with Pat. You got to play for four quarters… I retired after that game.”
That game marked the end of a remarkable career for Sanders, but it wasn’t his first encounter with Mahomes’ magic.
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Mahomes’ Early Brilliance: A Left-Handed Throw and a Realization
Their paths first crossed in a 2018 Monday Night Football showdown. Sanders, playing for the Denver Broncos in the post-Peyton Manning era, witnessed Mahomes orchestrate a comeback victory, capped off by a now-famous left-handed pass.
“That one time he had the ball and threw with his right hand and I sat down on a bench, I said ‘he the real deal’,” Sanders recalled.
Sanders played alongside legendary quarterbacks like Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Josh Allen. He reached three Super Bowls, winning one with Manning in 2015 against Cam Newton, but losing to the Green Bay Packers in 2010 with the Pittsburgh Steelers and to Mahomes in 2020 with the San Francisco 49ers. Witnessing Mahomes dash his hopes again in 2021 with the Bills was the final blow.
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Mahomes Chases History While Sanders Watches From Retirement
Six years after that pivotal Monday Night Football game, Mahomes continues to shatter records. He now has the opportunity to achieve something Manning never could with Sanders: win three consecutive Super Bowls.
Mahomes has already led the Chiefs to four Super Bowl appearances and three victories. As the number one seed, Kansas City is positioned for another championship run. Will Sanders be watching from retirement as Mahomes etches his name in NFL history? The Buffalo Bills, Sanders’ former team, might have something to say about that.
