When the host called Anderson's name, all the reporters stopped whispering, and all eyes turned to the man in the gold and red 49ers uniform.
A thick ice pack was wrapped around Anderson's right shoulder, though his jersey hid most of it.
His right hand rested on the tabletop, fingers occasionally trembling involuntarily—the last memento from today's game.
He used his left hand to pull the microphone closer and gave it a composed tap.
"Mr. Anderson," an ESPN reporter stood up. "First of all, thank you for your performance today. 387 passing yards and three touchdowns—those are MVP-worthy numbers in any Super Bowl."
Anderson gave a slight nod and said, "Thank you."
The reporter continued, "I'd like to ask the question that's on everyone's mind—not just the media's, but your fans' as well. Are you certain that today was the final game of your career?"
"After all, for a veteran, you still played a fantastic game," he added.
