WATCH: Emmanuel Sanders Reacts to Broncos Trading Him to the 49ers
On Tuesday, Emmanuel Sanders took time out to offer some parting words after the Denver Broncos traded him to the San Francisco 49ers, as always, he chose to stay classy. Sanders was caught by Michael Sanders of CBS Denver on his way out of the Broncos' Dove Valley facility.
Unsurprisingly Sanders cast his mind back to his Super Bowl-winning run in Orange and Blue, referring to the Broncos' World Championship as, “the best days of my life”. These heartfelt reflections on the past must also awaken him to the prospect that he is now going to be playing for a team that will give him another legitimate title chance.
The old pals act between Niners GM John Lynch and Broncos GM John Elway feels like both sides won in this trade but most Mile High fans will indeed be sad to see Sanders leave. His competitive nature and production always saw many jerseys sporting his name in the stands on gameday and he took time to remind them how that had always humbled him.
Despite recent murmurings of conflict with Rich Scangarello, Sanders made reference to a conversation he had with his former coordinator on his future fit in the Niners' system as he left the Broncos' facility on Tuesday. Sanders, even at 32, still appears confident that he has enough juice left in his legs to provide an added weapon in the Kyle Shanahan system.
As the Patriots have recently set a high trade value for receivers when they acquired Mohamed Sanu, the Broncos became much more likely to cash in their chips with Sanders and move into a full-on rebuild.
The vacuum Sanders' departure creates is a deep chasm in both leadership and experience. The Broncos' young group of receivers, led by the second-year Courtland Sutton, will be relied on to quickly bridge the gap left behind.
Perhaps what will be missed most will be the sheer toughness that Sanders displayed when playing the game and conquering his major injury rehabs.
Bronco fans will now undoubtedly frame their former #10 as a beloved Super Bowl champion and rightly so. Looking beyond his Lombardi glory, his infectious smile and classy demeanor will be missed in Bronco country.
When 'E' departed, saying he was, “forever grateful and thankful”, so too are the fans.
Follow Keith on Twitter @KeithC_NFL and @MileHighHuddle.
