Broncos Receiver Earns High Praise From Sean Payton After Preseason Catch

Broncos Receiver Earns High Praise From Sean Payton After Preseason Catch originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Denver Broncos fell into an early 9-0 hole in their preseason opener on Saturday night against the San Francisco 49ers before scoring 30 unanswered points to win the game. It was the Broncos' starters that couldn't get much going early, but once the backups came in,Thegan to take over.

One Denver player who stuck out the most for the Broncos on Saturday night? Trent Sherfield. The veteran receiver has played seven years in the NFL for five different teams. Sherfield has always had a limited role throughout his career, playing in just 11 games. However, he's always been a pivotal player on special teams.

The Broncos are Trent Sherfield’s sixth team in the last six seasons. His journey around the NFL has taught him plenty. But no lessons were more important than the one that helped lead him to Denver:

“Let me embrace what my game comes with.”https://t.co/WMokwhMl5E

— Nick Kosmider (@NickKosmider) August 7, 2025

Throughout Broncos' training camp, Sherfield has performed well and embraced his role on special teams. But on Saturday, the veteran receiver got to play with many receivers and didn't let the opportunity go to waste.

Sherfield hauled in all three of his targets for 73 yards and a touchdown to lead all Broncos' receivers. His touchdown came on a 36-yard deep ball that he toe-tapped the sideline and pinned the ball against his helmet as he fell out of bounds, earning quite the reaction from head coach Sean Payton.

Jarrett Stidham goes long to Trent Sherfield Sr.

TOUCHDOWN 🎯

Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/8FESKuvyIy

— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2025

"When you can block like he can and play special teams, it was a heck of a catch," Payton said (h/t SB Nation). "He's had a good camp. He had a good week."

The Broncos signed Sherfield this offseason with the idea that he'd provide receiving depth and be a key contributor on special teams. But, he's had a strong camp and his blocking ability may provide him with increased opportunity to see the field in 2025.

"Yeah, blocking, there was a vision, absolutely. There was a vision. He's physical as a blocker and he can run. And there was a time in New Orleans when we had a variety of receiver combinations, but [former New Orleans Saints WR] Devery Henderson, [former New Orleans Saints WR] Robert Meacham were guys that could run and block," Payton said (h/t SB Nation). "And so you can look at that and say, well, they're going to run the ball when they're in there. And then it came off of heavy play action, and there were a lot of shot plays. So, the vision for him was obviously receiver five, four core special team.

"He's physical in the run game and he can run. So, there's a lot you can do with that, if that makes sense. And, and I think when you get a free agent, you're more into tune maybe with a draft pick, but there are some things maybe that he even surprises you with. And I think he's had a good camp. He's a very serious player, very focused player, intentional, would be a good word to describe how he approaches the game, and that role is clear then. There's a lot you can do with that."

Payton is a very calculated coach and knows how to get the most out of a player with specific skills. Sherfield has shown his ability to block and succeed on special teams, and continued success throughout the rest of the preseason could earn him specific packages in the Broncos' offense in 2025.

Related: Broncos Legend Reveals Being 'A Big Fan' of Bo Nix

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 11, 2025, where it first appeared.