ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — After 12 seasons in the NFL, three Super Bowl appearances, a Super Bowl 50 victory and two Pro Bowl selections, wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders has announced his retirement.
For the Broncos, as well as for the four other teams for whom he played, Sanders was a ball of energy, the kind of wideout whose style of play could not be constrained by his physical frame. He made Pro Bowls, won a championship and put his name into the franchise record books and supplied the team with several of its more memorable moments from the past decade.
But ahead of what would have been a 13th year in the NFL, the venerable veteran decided his energy will be dedicated to family life and other pursuits in life after considering the question for months.
"For me, I feel like it's the right time for me," Sanders told DenverBroncos.com. "Twelve years. I'm walking away from the game healthy. I've had a great career. I played in a lot of great games. Three Super Bowls. Pro Bowls. I played for some great organizations. And so I just feel like it's my time. Twelve is good for me. Now I can go and run routes with my son and play basketball with my son, hang out with my kids and enjoy my life."
Nearly a decade ago, Sanders arrived in Denver in hopes of pushing his career to new heights. A former third-round pick by the Steelers, the SMU product enjoyed a promising start to his career and played in a Super Bowl as a rookie. But following two playoffs-less seasons, Sanders entered free agency and eyed a new home in Denver.
He talked of taking up residence in what he called "wide receiver heaven" by joining forces with quarterback Peyton Manning, and he described a vision of hoisting a Lombardi Trophy alongside his young son.
In doing so, he spoke his dreams into existence.
That first year, Sanders set the table for a tremendous run in Denver with career bests in receptions, yards and touchdowns as he made his first career Pro Bowl alongside Demaryius Thomas, the Thunder to Sanders' Lightning.
"I went back and watched the video of my interview, my press conference, when I was with the Broncos," Sanders said. "And I said that this place in Denver, Colorado, with the Denver Broncos, was the place that I can hoist the Lombardi Trophy [with] my son, and this is wide receiver heaven. And when I got here, the heavens opened up the gate, and we started throwing the ball all over the field. I had the opportunity to go to the Pro Bowl. … It was just a great ride. The best years of my career, by far."
The next year, he recorded a second consecutive season with more than 1,000 receiving yards but found greater team success, as Denver marched to Super Bowl 50 and toppled the Panthers to win the Lombardi Trophy. Over the course of that season, Sanders made plenty of key plays — two touchdowns in a Thursday-night thriller against Kansas City, a 75-yard score in a road win against the Browns — but the catches weren't the moments he'll remember most.
"One of my favorite times, really, that whole 2015 run was really the confetti with me and D.T.," Sanders said, recalling when he and Thomas made snow angels in confetti on the field after the AFC Championship victory over New England. "We were just playing. You know D.T. — I'm like, 'Yo, we've got to go play in the confetti!' I'm the rah-rah guy. D.T. was kind of chill. I'm like, 'Yo, we've got to go play in the confetti.' And D.T. was like, 'Man ….' I was like, 'Come on!' And we just went and both dove in the confetti after beating the Patriots, going to the Super Bowl. That is just such a fond memory.
"And then I just remember sitting next to Peyton, and it was his final game. The clock was ticking down and we were about to win the Super Bowl and I remember looking at Peyton and telling him, 'Just embrace it, man. This is beautiful. This is beautiful. You're going out on top.' And then once the clock struck zero, to be able to go and grab my family and celebrate, it was just one of the best years of my life. It's something that I look back on and I still can't believe, to this day. Like, to see this ring — at one point in my career, all the hard work, all the passion, everything that I gave to this game, all the blood, sweat and tears, at one point I sat on top of the mountain of this game and was arguably one of the best to do it. I'm extremely proud of that."
After Manning's retirement in 2016, Sanders continued to play at a high level and returned to the Pro Bowl. With Trevor Siemian under center, Sanders recorded a third-straight season with more than 1,000 yards and his fourth consecutive year with at least five touchdowns.
By the time Sanders' time with the Broncos came to an end in 2019, No. 10 had earned the No. 10 spot in the Broncos' record books in career receiving yards, and he is currently seventh in career receptions. In addition, his 2014 season is the franchise's sixth-most-productive with 1,404 receiving yards.
After his departure from Denver, he joined the 49ers, Saints and Bills. He tallied a third Super Bowl appearance with San Francisco and made the playoffs at each stop. And while he hoped to win another ring in the final years of his career, he said he has no second thoughts about hanging up his cleats.
"I don't have the itch," Sanders said. "And I think I don't have the itch because I know I gave the game everything that I had to offer. … I gave it my all. Every single rep, every single play. I tried to go 100 percent, as hard as I can. … I gave the game everything that I had, and the game gave it back to me. I'm walking away three Super Bowl appearances, a Super Bowl ring and memories of a lifetime. I'm absolutely blessed and grateful for the opportunity to be able to play this game at the level that I played at."
While his time playing the game is over, it doesn't mean he won't be around it. Sanders said he hopes to get into television, and he already has some clips for his reel from a co-hosting appearance on "Good Morning Football" and guest spots on NFL Network’s "GameDay Morning."
Whether people see him on TV or elsewhere, though, Sanders said he hopes he's remembered by the kind of player he was even more than the achievements.
"What I want people to remember, really, is the determination," Sanders said. "Not only that, but any of the people of the younger generation that's coming up, [I'd] just sit back and say that they can measure your hands, they can measure your feet, they can measure your arms, they can measure whatever — but they can't measure your heart. And that was the difference between me and a lot of other players. That I knew what I was willing to do and what I was willing to put on the line and go out there and make plays for my team to go on and win. They could never measure my heart.
"I hope that when people go back and watch the film that they see a guy that's 170-pound, 5-11 receiver out there going against these big guys — but his heart is as big as ever, his will was as big as ever, and he was always ready to make the play and do whatever it took to win the game because he loved the game of football, and he loved to put on in arenas."
In looking back at how far he's come — how he went from an 8-year-old in rural Texas dreaming of an NFL career to a Super Bowl champion — Sanders can't help but marvel at his journey.
"I grew up in the small town of Bellville, Texas," Sanders said. "To make it this far, this journey, it's just incredible to see how far I've come. Sometimes — it's weird for me to say it — but I'm proud of myself. I feel like a lot of people should tell themselves how proud they are of themselves, because we've all come a long ways in life. And when I look back on my career, I can honestly say I gave it my all."
Relive Emmanuel Sanders' Broncos career with 100 of our favorite images from his more than five seasons in Denver.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) dives for a catch during second quarter action against the Indianapolis Colts during the preseason game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, 9 07, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) hangs on to a 38 yard reception during first quarter action against the San Diego Chargers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, October 23, 2014.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) salutes after catching a 31-yard touchdown pass during second quarter action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, October 23, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) leaps to catch a ball for a for 35 yards during second quarter action against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 23, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) clowns around while he relaxes on the bench prior to action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City , MO November 30, 2014.
San Diego Chargers safety Jahleel Addae (37) tackles Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) after catching a 33-yard pass during fourth quarter action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA, December 14, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) catches a 33 yard reception with one hand during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH, December 22, 2014.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) dives for a catch during first quarter action against the Oakland Raiders during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, December 28, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
action against the Indianapolis Colts during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 11, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) lifting during the first day of offseason training at the Denver Broncos Dove Valley facility in Englewood, CO. April13, 2015
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) reaches up for a pass during fourth quarter action against the Baltimore Ravens during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 13, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) dives into the end zone on a 16 yard catch-and-run reception for a touchdown at 2:36 remaining in the second quarter of action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO September 17, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Emmanuel Sanders action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO September 17, 2015. (Photo: © Earl Richardson)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) tries to grab a deep pass during 4th quarter action against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at O.Co Coliseum in Oakland,CA October 11, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Cleveland Browns defensive back Tramon Williams (22) defends Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) on a deep pass during fourth quarter action in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) is all smiles after scoring on a 75 yard reception during fourth quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) hauls in a 64 yard pass for a touchdown during third quarter action against the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN November 8, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) reacts after catching a 16-yard pass for a first down during third quarter action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) high fives fans after action against the New England Patriots in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) carries the ball during first quarter action against the Oakland Raiders during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, December 13, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) heads to the end zone on a 61 yard catch-and run for a touchdown during first quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pitt. December 20, 2015. (© David Dermer)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) celebrates a touchdown on an 8 yard reception during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) carries the ball after a reception during first quarter action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 03, 2016. Sanders fumbled the ball and San Diego recovered it at the Denver's 5 yard line. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) carries the ball for a 34-yard gain during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 17, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) during player introductions prior to kickoff against the New England Patriots in the NFL AFC Conference Championship playoff game at Denver, Colo. January 24, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) grabs the ball from New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) for a 34-yard gain during first quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) celebrates after action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) celebrate in confetti after action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
postgame after Denver defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in the NFL Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 7, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
QB Peyton Manning, WR Emmanuel Sanders and Sanders' son, Princeton, during the Broncos' Super Bowl Parade and Rally on Feb. 9. (Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) and Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) at a April 19, 2016 offseason program session. (Ben Swanson)
during the Ring Ceremony at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, June 12, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) holds on to a pass during third quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) celebrates his 41-yard reception for a touchdown during second quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, Ohio. September 25, 2016.
wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) at a Play 60 event at Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse on October 4, 2016. (Aric Deisley) wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) at a Play 60 event at Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse on October 4, 2016. (Aric DiLalla)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) carries the ball for a 15 yard gain during second quarter action against the Houston Texans during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, October 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) celebrates his 4 yard second quarter touchdown catch with Emmanuel Sanders (10) in the NFL game against the Houston Texans at Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colo. October 24, 2016.Demaryius Thomas
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) reacts after getting a first down with an 11-yard gain during fourth quarter action against the Houston Texans during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, October 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) carries the ball to the one-yard line during fourth quarter action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, October 30, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) celebrates after getting first down during first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 27, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) catches a touchdown pass during fourth quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 27, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) celebrates his 3-yard reception for a touchdown during fourth quarter action against the Tennessee Titans in the NFL game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN December 11, 2016.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) during pregame action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, December 18, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10), his son Princeton, and Mickey Mouse wave at Disney's Pro Bowl parade at the Magic Kingdom on Friday, January 27, 2017. (Ben Swanson)
wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) at 2017 Pro Bowl on Saturday, January 28, 2017. (Ben Swanson)
Emmanuel Sanders visits Children's Hospital Colorado on June 7, 2017. (Ben Swanson)
Emmanuel Sanders visits Children's Hospital Colorado on June 7, 2017. (Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) and his son Princeton during training camp at UC Health Training Center in Centennial, CO, August 02, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) throws a ball into the crowd at a training camp practice on August 5, 2017. (Ben Swanson)
wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) at a practice at UCHealth Training Center on August 15, 2017. (Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) during player introductions action against the Los Angeles Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., September 11, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) plays catch with fans action against the Dallas Cowboys during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., September 17, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) carries the ball after a reception for a 25-yard gain during first quarter action against the Dallas Cowboys during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., September 17, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) celebrates in the stands after scoring a 10-yard touchdown during first quarter action against the Dallas Cowboys during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., September 17, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) carries the ball after a reception during first quarter action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile high in Denver, Colo., November 12, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) against the Cincinnati Bengals during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colo., November 19, 2017. Photo by Gabriel Christus
wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) visits the Broncos Boys and Girls Club on November 28, 2017. He presented a Boostbox full of signed Broncos memorabilia and tech gear to Foune Fofana. (Liz Mannis)
wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) visits the Broncos Boys and Girls Club on November 28, 2017. He presented a Boostbox full of signed Broncos memorabilia and tech gear to Foune Fofana. here kids from the club show off his custom shoes for My Cause My Cleats. (Liz Mannis)
Emmanuel Sanders hosts a reception for students of Kepner Beacon Middle School to celebrate the start of his Emmanuel's Locker program, which supplies sports equipment to children who need it, as part of the Emmanuel Sanders Foundation.
Emmanuel Sanders with 400mm camera action during optional team activites at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, May 31, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Emmanuel Sanders action during training camp at UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, July 29, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) with his two children, Princeton and Zoie, after the seventh day of training camp on August 4, 2018, at UCHealth Training Center.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) scores a touchdown during the NFL preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, August 24, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) dives and flips towards the end zone on a 43-yard reception for a 2nd quarter touchdown during an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, September 9, 2018, in Denver. (Photo: Eric Bakke)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) gestures first down after a reception completion during the first half of an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, September 9, 2018, in Denver. (Photo: Eric Bakke)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) during the NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colo., September 09, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) reacts with Tim Patrick and Emmanuel Sanders after hearing his touchdown counts during the NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colo., September 09, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) action during the NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, September 23, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) carries the ball for a touchdown during the NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, September 23, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) reacts with offensive tackle Garett Bolles (72) after a touchdown during the NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, September 23, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
TJ, a 12-year-old fighting cystic fibrosis, wanted to be Von Miller for a day, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation helped make that dream come true on September 29, 2018. Here, TJ helps Emmanuel Sanders at practice by playing catch.
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 01: Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) during the NFL regular season football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, Oct. 1, 2018 at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Broncos)
Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders in the tunnel during player introductions before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) reaches across the goal line for a touchdown as Los Angeles Rams cornerback Marcus Peters (22) defends on the play during the second half of the NFL game, Sunday, October 14, 2018, in Denver. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) catches a deep pass during first quarter action against the Los Angeles Rams during the game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, October 14, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Colorado, October 18, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 18: Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) flips into the end zone for a touchdown during an NFL regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018 in Glendale, Ariz. The Broncos won, 45-10. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Broncos)
Emmanuel Sanders gets vocal in the team huddle pregame before the Broncos' Week 8 game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on October 28, 2018.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) catches a deep pass during first quarter action of the NFL game against the Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, October 28, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Emmanuel Sanders high-fives fans in the tunnel during player introductions before the Broncos' Week 9 game against the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 4, 2018.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) catches a pass during fourth quarter action against the Houston Texans during the game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, November 04, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
CARSON, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) during the NFL regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. The Broncos won 23-22. (Photo by Ric Tapia)
Emmanuel Sanders in the tunnel during player introductions before the Broncos' Week 12 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 25, 2018.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) catches a pass during third quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, November 25, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) reacts after a play during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, November 25, 2018. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Emmanuel Sanders stretches with the athletes during a PLAY 60 All-Ability Clinic with Special Olympics Colorado for 125 athletes at UCHealth Training Center at May 7, 2019.
Emmanuel Sanders races a girl during a PLAY 60 All-Ability Clinic with Special Olympics Colorado for 125 athletes at UCHealth Training Center at May 7, 2019.
Emmanuel Sanders poses for a photo with his son, Princeton, during a visit to the Colorado Rockies' clubhouse at Coors Field on May 29, 2019.
Emmanuel Sanders before the Broncos' preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams on August 24, 2019 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California, September 09, 2019. Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) catches a touchdown pass during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California, September 09, 2019. Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) hypes up the team during the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, September 15, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) reacts after a reception during the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, September 15, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) celebrates after catching a pass on a two-conversion attempt during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears in the NFL game in Denver, Sunday,Sept. 15, 2019. (Photo: Eric Lars Bakke)
Emmanuel Sanders sits on the bench after scoring the go-ahead touchdown and two-point conversion during the second half of the Broncos' Week 2 game against the Chicago Bears on September 15, 2019 at Empower Field at Mile High. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Emmanuel Sanders during the national anthem before the Broncos' Week 3 game against the Green Bay Packers on September 22, 2019 at Lambeau Field. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Emmanuel Sanders before the Broncos' game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Empower Field at Mile High on September 29, 2019. (Photo by Ben Swanson)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) during the NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, September 29, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 06: Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) during the NFL regular season football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, October 17, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
