When it comes to playing against Patrick Mahomes, the game is never over until zero seconds remain on the clock. 

And nobody knows that more than former NFL wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who had to go up against the Kansas City Chiefs numerous times during his 13-year career. 

However, there is one game that he will never forget. 

With only 13 seconds remaining in regulation during the 2021-22 AFC Divisional matchup between the Bills and the Chiefs, Mahomes drove 44 yards to set up a 49-yard field goal from Harrison Butker. He made it and they forced overtime, with the Chiefs winning in their opening drive. 

It was this play that forced Sanders to make a decision about his career. 

"I still remember, after we scored, my family was going crazy. I told them to calm down. Because I've been in the division with Pat," Sanders said on FS1's The Facility. "I told my family to sit down. It's not over. 

.@ESanders_10 relives Patrick Mahomes forcing OT in the AFC Championship with 13 seconds left ?

"I retired after that game. He's the reason I'm up here right now." ?? pic.twitter.com/GwJgnDDzqy

— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) December 6, 2024

"I retired after that game," he added. "He's the reason I'm up here right now."

During his time facing off against the Chiefs, he had 55 receptions for over 800 yards and five touchdowns, most of which came during his years with the Broncos. 

Even though Sanders said he didn't get a win, he actually did defeat Mahomes in Week 5 of the 2021 NFL season with the Bills. It's probably easy to forget about that game, given how things ended in the playoffs."

So, it was Mahomes who got the last laugh

And Sanders couldn't help but show his appreciation for all Mahomes has been able to do. 

"He's the real deal," Sanders simply said. 

In the end, the former wide receiver was able to retire as a Super Bowl champion…. but Mahomes does have three of them. 

The moral of this story: never bet against Mahomes.