Wide Receiver Emmanuel Sanders Announces Retirement

One of the league's most prolific and well-travelled wide receivers is calling it a career. Emmanuel Sanders announced his retirement as a Denver Bronco today after an incredible 12-year career:

Super Bowl 50 champion WR Emmanuel Sanders announces his retirement as a Bronco. pic.twitter.com/CEBoZmLCcR
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2022

Sanders' best seasons likely came with the Broncos; he tallied an exceptional 3571 yards across a three-year run that saw him make a pair of Pro Bowls and play a pivotal role on the franchise's 2015 Super Bowl championship team. Though he retires a Bronco, he contributed significant production to the Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, and San Francisco 49ers. He also played in three Super Bowls for three different teams: the afore-mentioned 2015 Broncos, as well as the 2010 Steelers and the 2019 San Francisco 49ers.

Initially drafted 82nd overall out of SMU by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sanders came into the league competing for snaps on an all-time receiver group that featured former and future Pro Bowlers Antonio Brown, Hines Ward, and Mike Wallace. He eventually broke out in a major way when he departed for Denver, setting a career-high with 1404 receiving yards in his exceptional 2014 season, his first with quarterback Peyton Manning.

Still productive even into 2021, Sanders hauled in 626 yards on an efficient 8.7 yards per target for last year's Buffalo Bills. He ends his career with 704 catches, 9245 receiving yards, and 51 receiving touchdowns across 12 seasons, and another 52 catches, 622 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown in the postseason. Though unlikely to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he deserves to hold a cherished place in the hearts of fans for his massive contributions to so many winning teams.