Mecole Hardman on Returning to the Super Bowl with the Chiefs
Mecole Hardman has his chance to win his third Super Bowl ring this Sunday with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Mecole Hardman on Returning to the Super Bowl with the Chiefs
Mecole Hardman has his chance to win his third Super Bowl ring this Sunday with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Last updated: 2024-02-08
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman spoke about returning to the Super Bowl after missing last year's game due to injury. In an exclusive interview with Richard Graves for SportsBoom, NFL player Hardman discussed the team's belief and chemistry heading into Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers.
Embracing the Super Bowl Opportunity
For many NFL players, a trip to the Super Bowl can be daunting, but when asked about his experience with Super Bowl week, Hardman said:
"I think it's just the whole atmosphere, how everything goes. I think it's, it's part of the Super Bowl...you just gotta probably like, just be grateful for these opportunities and embrace the opportunity."
Hardman stressed being "grateful" for the chance to play in the Super Bowl again and wanting to "embrace the opportunity.” As a player who has already won 2 Super Bowl rings with the Chiefs, a third would be icing on the cake.
Back with the Team that Drafted Him
After expecting to play for the New York Jets this season, Hardman reflected on being back with the Chiefs:
"I'm just happy to be here, man, you know, I had different plans coming to the beginning of the year, but, you know, everything happened like I supposed to. Now I'm back here with the team that drafted me and now trying to go win another Super Bowl."
He expressed happiness at returning to the team that originally drafted him and getting another shot at a Super Bowl. After seeing what happened to the Jets this season, Hardman must be counting his blessings, and happy to be on an NFL championship squad.
Beating Three Playoff Teams on the Road
When asked about the Chiefs' difficult playoff path in the 2023 season, Hardman said:
"Going to Buffalo and going to Baltimore, you know, it is a tough task for anybody to do. And.. so yeah, it, it just shows the testament of how, you know, how our team is and, and, and, and the chemistry that we have with everybody, and what, you know, and how hard we're working."
He emphasised how beating three playoff teams on the road, including Buffalo and Baltimore, demonstrated the team's chemistry and work ethic, something that was evident to fans as the Chiefs slugged their way to a Super Bowl berth.
Facing the 49ers' Feared Defence
On preparing to face the vaunted 49ers defence, Hardman commented:
"They've got good, good group of guys, man, linebacker core to the pass, rush to the back end. You know, they, they definitely really don't have no weaknesses like that. But you know, you just gotta go in there and do, do do our job, you know....and don't be ourselves. And if we do that, we'll be fine.”
He acknowledged the 49ers have talent at all levels of defence, but said the key is for the Chiefs to do their jobs and play their game.
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