History of Emmanuel Sanders in Timeline
"Emmanuel Sanders is a former American football wide receiver who played in the NFL for 12 seasons. He played college football at SMU before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010. Sanders had a successful NFL career, winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos and playing for other teams like the San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, and Buffalo Bills.
March 17, 1987: Birth of Emmanuel Sanders
Emmanuel Niamiah Sanders was born on March 17, 1987. He would go on to have a successful career as a wide receiver in the NFL.
September 16, 2006: First Collegiate Touchdown
On September 16, 2006, Emmanuel Sanders, as a redshirt freshman for the SMU Mustangs, scored his first collegiate touchdown against Sam Houston, kicking off a six-game touchdown streak.
October 20, 2007: Impressive Performance Against Tulane
On October 20, 2007, during his sophomore year at SMU, Emmanuel Sanders delivered a standout performance against Tulane, recording 155 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
August 29, 2008: Strong Start to Junior Season
Emmanuel Sanders started his junior season strong on August 29, 2008, with a 121-yard, one-touchdown performance against Rice in the season opener.
September 12, 2009: Successful Senior Season Opener
Emmanuel Sanders had a remarkable start to his senior year. On September 12, 2009, he recorded 148 receiving yards and one touchdown against Alabama-Birmingham.
June 15, 2010: Signing with the Steelers
On June 15, 2010, Emmanuel Sanders officially signed a three-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, solidifying his place in the team's roster.
October 17, 2010: First NFL Reception
On October 17, 2010, Emmanuel Sanders achieved a career milestone by catching his first NFL pass for 22 yards, thrown by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
2010: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers
Emmanuel Sanders was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft, marking a significant milestone in his professional football journey.
2010: Drafted into the NFL
In 2010, Emmanuel Sanders was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the NFL draft, marking the beginning of his professional football career.
2010: The Young Money Crew
In 2010, Emmanuel Sanders, along with teammates Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown, earned the nickname "The Young Money Crew," a testament to their youthful energy and emerging talent on the field.
January 15, 2011: First NFL Playoff Game
Emmanuel Sanders experienced his first taste of NFL playoff action on January 15, 2011, contributing significantly to the Steelers' victory with four catches for 54 yards against the Baltimore Ravens.
February 6, 2011: Super Bowl XLV and Injury
On February 6, 2011, Emmanuel Sanders played in Super Bowl XLV, but his participation was cut short due to a foot injury sustained during the game against the Green Bay Packers.
April 4, 2011: Foot Surgery
On April 4, 2011, Emmanuel Sanders underwent foot surgery to address lingering issues from the fracture he sustained during Super Bowl XLV, highlighting the physical challenges faced by athletes.
2011: Passing of Emmanuel Sanders' Mother
Emmanuel Sanders experienced the loss of his mother, Stephanie Sanders, who passed away in 2011 at the age of 41.
2011: Season Performance
Emmanuel Sanders concluded the 2011 NFL season with 22 receptions, totaling 288 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his contributions to the Steelers' offensive efforts.
January 8, 2012: AFC Wild Card Round
On January 8, 2012, in the AFC Wild Card Round, Emmanuel Sanders delivered a strong performance, catching six passes for 81 yards, despite the Steelers' loss to the Denver Broncos.
October 21, 2012: Second NFL Start and Injury
Emmanuel Sanders earned his second NFL start on October 21, 2012, in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but the achievement was overshadowed by a leg injury he sustained during the match.
November 9, 2012: NFL Fine for Faking Injury
On November 9, 2012, Emmanuel Sanders was fined $15,000 by the NFL for allegedly faking an injury during a game, a controversial incident that sparked debate about sportsmanship and gamesmanship.
2012: Season Performance and Missed Playoffs
Emmanuel Sanders concluded the 2012 NFL season with 44 receptions for 626 yards and one touchdown, but the Steelers, finishing with an 8-8 record, did not qualify for the playoffs.
2012: Competition for Starting Position
During the 2012 preseason, Emmanuel Sanders found himself in competition for a starting wide receiver position with the Steelers, following Mike Wallace's contract holdout.
March 12, 2013: Steelers Assign Tender to Emmanuel Sanders
On March 12, 2013, the Pittsburgh Steelers placed an original rounder tender on Emmanuel Sanders, making him a restricted free agent. This gave them the right to match any offer sheet he signed with another team or receive a third-round draft pick as compensation.
March 15, 2013: Sanders Visits and Receives Offer from Patriots
On March 15, 2013, Emmanuel Sanders met with the New England Patriots and received a contract offer from the team.
April 10, 2013: Sanders Signs Offer Sheet with Patriots
On April 10, 2013, Emmanuel Sanders officially signed an offer sheet with the New England Patriots. The Steelers had five days to match the offer to retain him.
April 14, 2013: Steelers Match Offer, Retaining Sanders
On April 14, 2013, the Steelers matched the Patriots' offer sheet, keeping Sanders on their roster for the 2013 season.
2013: Emmanuel Sanders' Marriage
Emmanuel Sanders married Gabriella Waheed in 2013.
2013: Sanders Becomes Sought-After Free Agent
Following the 2013 season, Emmanuel Sanders became a highly sought-after free agent, drawing interest from multiple teams, including the Patriots, Raiders, Chiefs, Broncos, Jaguars, Buccaneers, and 49ers. The Steelers, however, did not extend an offer to Sanders.
2013: Sanders Named Starting Wide Receiver for Steelers
With the departure of Mike Wallace to the Miami Dolphins, Emmanuel Sanders was named a starting wide receiver alongside Antonio Brown for the 2013 season by head coach Mike Tomlin. Sanders concluded the season with 67 receptions, 740 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.
March 15, 2014: Broncos Sign Sanders to Three-Year Deal
On March 15, 2014, the Denver Broncos signed Emmanuel Sanders to a three-year, $15 million contract, which included $6 million guaranteed and a $3 million signing bonus. The Kansas City Chiefs later expressed their dissatisfaction, claiming that Sanders' agent had previously agreed to a deal in principle with them.
October 19, 2014: Sanders Scores First Touchdown as a Bronco
On October 19, 2014, during a game against the San Fransisco 49ers, Emmanuel Sanders caught three passes for 41 yards, including his first touchdown as a Denver Bronco. The Broncos won the game with a score of 42-17.
November 16, 2014: Sanders Suffers Concussion Against Rams
Emmanuel Sanders sustained a concussion during a game against the St. Louis Rams on November 16, 2014, after a hit by Rams safety Rodney McLeod. Despite the injury, the Broncos went on to win the game with a score of 22-7.
2014: Sanders Achieves Career Highs, Earns First Pro Bowl Selection
In 2014, Emmanuel Sanders had a career year, setting personal bests in receptions (101), receiving yards (1,404), and touchdowns (nine) while starting all 16 games. His outstanding performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.
2014: Birth of Emmanuel Sanders' Son
Emmanuel Sanders and his wife, Gabriella Waheed, welcomed their son, Princeton, in 2014.
January 11, 2015: Sanders Makes NFL Playoff Debut
On January 11, 2015, Emmanuel Sanders made his NFL playoff debut in a game against the Indianapolis Colts. Despite catching seven passes for 46 yards, the Broncos lost the AFC Divisional Round game with a score of 24-13.
January 12, 2015: Broncos Part Ways with Head Coach John Fox
On January 12, 2015, the Denver Broncos and head coach John Fox mutually agreed to part ways, ending Sanders's one and only season under Fox's leadership and offensive coordinator Adam Gase.
January 19, 2015: Broncos Hire Gary Kubiak as New Head Coach
Following the departure of John Fox, the Denver Broncos appointed Gary Kubiak, former offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, as their new head coach on January 19, 2015.
December 20, 2015: Sanders Records Career-High Receiving Yards Against Former Team
Emmanuel Sanders had a standout performance against his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, on December 20, 2015. He recorded a career-high 181 receiving yards on 10 catches and scored a touchdown, but the Broncos lost a close game 34-27.
2015: Sanders Excels as Receiver, Takes on Punt Return Duties
During the 2015 season, Emmanuel Sanders maintained his strong performance with 76 receptions, 1,135 receiving yards, and six touchdowns in 15 games. Additionally, he took on the role of backup punt returner, recording 17 returns for 103 yards. His efforts earned him high praise from Pro Football Focus, ranking 13th among all wide receivers with an overall grade of 86.2.
January 17, 2016: Sanders Contributes to Broncos' Playoff Victory
Emmanuel Sanders played a key role in the Denver Broncos' 23-16 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Round on January 17, 2016. He recorded five receptions for 85 yards, helping the team advance to the AFC Championship.
February 7, 2016: Sanders Wins Super Bowl 50 with Broncos
Emmanuel Sanders achieved a career milestone on February 7, 2016, as he won Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos. He led all receivers in the game with six receptions for 83 yards, contributing to the Broncos' 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers. His outstanding performance throughout the season earned him recognition from his peers, ranking 74th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.
September 7, 2016: Broncos Extend Sanders' Contract
Recognizing his value to the team, the Denver Broncos signed Emmanuel Sanders to a three-year contract extension worth $33 million on September 7, 2016. The deal included $20 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $10.75 million, securing his place in Denver for the foreseeable future.
November 27, 2016: Sanders Achieves Season-High Receiving Yards Against Chiefs
On November 27, 2016, Emmanuel Sanders had a remarkable performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, amassing a season-high 172 receiving yards on seven catches and scoring a touchdown. Despite his efforts, the Broncos narrowly lost to the Chiefs with a score of 30-27.
December 11, 2016: Sanders Records Season-High Receptions Against Titans
Emmanuel Sanders once again showcased his receiving prowess on December 11, 2016, during a game against the Tennessee Titans. He hauled in a season-high 11 receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown, but the Broncos fell short, losing to the Titans with a score of 13-10.
2016: Sanders Maintains Consistency, Earns Second Pro Bowl Nod
In 2016, Emmanuel Sanders continued to be a reliable target for the Broncos, recording 79 receptions for 1,032 receiving yards and five touchdowns in all 16 games. This marked his third consecutive season surpassing 1,000 receiving yards, a testament to his consistency and skill. His performance earned him a well-deserved second Pro Bowl nomination.
2016: Birth of Emmanuel Sanders' Daughter
Emmanuel Sanders and his wife, Gabriella Waheed, welcomed their daughter, Zoie, in 2016.
2016: Emmanuel Sanders' Super Bowl Victory with the Denver Broncos
In 2016, Emmanuel Sanders achieved a significant career milestone by winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos. This victory became a defining moment in his career, leading him to retire as an honorary member of the team in 2022.
January 2, 2017: Gary Kubiak Retires as Broncos' Head Coach
Citing health concerns, Gary Kubiak announced his retirement as the Denver Broncos' head coach on January 2, 2017. Despite the coaching change, the Broncos' new head coach, Vance Joseph, decided to retain Sanders and Demaryius Thomas as the starting wide receiver duo for the upcoming season.
September 17, 2017: Sanders Shines in Week 2 Victory Against Cowboys
Emmanuel Sanders had a standout performance in Week 2 of the 2017 season, contributing significantly to the Broncos' 42-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on September 17, 2017. He caught six passes for 62 yards and scored a season-high two touchdowns, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
2017: Sanders Experiences Statistical Dip in Denver
The 2017 season saw Emmanuel Sanders's production dip compared to previous years, finishing with 47 receptions, 555 receiving yards, and only two touchdowns in 12 games. This marked a statistical low point since joining the Denver Broncos, influenced by factors like injuries and a new offensive scheme under coordinator Mike McCoy.
2018: Emmanuel Sanders' 2018 NFL Season
In 2018, Emmanuel Sanders started strong with the Denver Broncos, highlighted by a standout performance against the Arizona Cardinals earning him AFC Offensive Player of the Week. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a torn Achilles in December.
October 22, 2019: Emmanuel Sanders Traded to the San Francisco 49ers
On October 22, 2019, the Denver Broncos traded Emmanuel Sanders to the San Francisco 49ers along with a 2020 fifth-round pick in exchange for 2020 third- and fourth-round picks.
2019: Emmanuel Sanders' 2019 NFL Season
Emmanuel Sanders joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2019 and made significant contributions, including a memorable performance against the New Orleans Saints. He played a key role in their playoff run, ultimately reaching Super Bowl LIV.
April 6, 2020: Emmanuel Sanders Signs with the New Orleans Saints
On April 6, 2020, Emmanuel Sanders signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, marking another chapter in his NFL career.
2020: Emmanuel Sanders' 2020 NFL Season
In 2020, while playing for the New Orleans Saints, Emmanuel Sanders had a career-high game against the Los Angeles Chargers but also faced a setback when he was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list.
2020: Impact of Emmanuel Sanders Trade
The trade of Emmanuel Sanders in 2019 involved draft pick compensation that impacted teams in the 2020 NFL draft.
March 16, 2021: Emmanuel Sanders Released by New Orleans Saints
Emmanuel Sanders was released by the New Orleans Saints on March 16, 2021.
March 17, 2021: Emmanuel Sanders Signs with the Buffalo Bills
On March 17, 2021, Emmanuel Sanders joined the Buffalo Bills, signing with the team.
April 29, 2021: Emmanuel Sanders Changes Number
Following changes to NFL uniform number rules, Emmanuel Sanders changed his number from 10 to 1 on April 29, 2021, while playing for the Buffalo Bills.
September 7, 2022: Emmanuel Sanders Announces Retirement
On September 7, 2022, Emmanuel Sanders announced his retirement from the NFL, choosing to retire as an honorary member of the Denver Broncos, the team where he achieved a Super Bowl victory and spent a significant part of his career.
September 21, 2022: Emmanuel Sanders Joins NFL Network
Emmanuel Sanders transitioned into a media career on September 21, 2022, when it was announced that he would be joining the NFL Network as an analyst.
September 25, 2022: Emmanuel Sanders' Debut on NFL GameDay Morning
On September 25, 2022, Emmanuel Sanders made his first appearance as an analyst on NFL GameDay Morning, marking the beginning of his post-playing career in sports media.