ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The last time receiver Emmanuel Sanders spent the offseason aiming to get his team back to the Super Bowl, there was only so much he could do.

Surgery on his right foot, then his left foot, made him more of a bit player in Pittsburgh’s bid to repeat as AFC champion in 2011.

Playing for the Denver Broncos now, Sanders is back to full health and embracing his role in the sport more than ever.

The injuries taught him to appreciate football. And, he says, he figures the chance to play with Peyton Manning could give him a chance to finally realize his full potential.