Many players have learned the hard way not to count out the Kansas City Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes until the clock reads all zeros. Perhaps no one knows that lesson better than Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who’s been personally victimized by Mahomes and company in the playoffs three of the last four seasons.

One of the players who was on one of those Bills teams with Allen was former receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who during a recent appearance on FS1’s “The Facility” recalled an instance he fell victim to Mahomes during the AFC division round of the playoffs in 2021. In that game, Buffalo took a 36-33 lead with 13 seconds left in the fourth quarter. But after the ensuing kickoff, Mahomes connected with Tyreek Hill for 19 yards and Travis Kelce for 25 yards to set Harrison Butker up to tie it as time expired.

Mahomes and the Chiefs ultimately won in overtime, and Sanders admitted that was the game that sent him into retirement. “I still remember, after we scored, my family was going crazy,” Sanders said. “I told them to calm down because I’ve been in the division with Pat, you’ve got to play him for four quarters. In my heart, I knew…13 seconds…he a bad boy.

“I retired after that game. You know how many times Patrick Mahomes made me cry though? I was in the AFC West, it happened with the 49ers in the Super Bowl – I’m a grown man and he’s making me cry. … I retired, dog. I’m up here right now because of him.” .@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 Though Sanders did come up short in that 2021 season, he did win one Super Bowl in 2016 while a member of the Denver Broncos. Sanders ended his career with 704 catches, 9,245 yards and 51 touchdowns across 12 NFL seasons with the Bills, Broncos, 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints. He also made the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2016.