NFL
Chiefs WR Richie James Focused on Winning Super Bowl Against Former Team
Chiefs wide receiver Richie James is facing his former team the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday.
Image Credits: Bleacher Report
The Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Richie James is laser-focused on winning Super Bowl LVIII against his former team, the San Francisco 49ers, this Sunday.
In an exclusive interview with Richard Graves for SportsBoom, James talked about the big game, as well as facing some of his former NFL teammates:
“Another game. Another game. We are here in the Super Bowl. I’m with the Chiefs going to get the 49ers. Let’s go.”
After playing for the 49ers from 2018-2021, James signed with the Chiefs in 2022. He says he's "blessed" for the opportunity to return to the Super Bowl stage again.
Facing Friends in the Big Game
Although James will battle against former 49ers teammates, he's putting the team's goal first:
“First get the job done. The main thing is, the main thing is the win. So, you know, the hugs and the, the ‘Good Seasons’...after the game."
James expects San Francisco's veteran line-backing core including Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner to be challenging opponents. He’s also quick to add that veteran Logan Ryan will also make his job difficult on Sunday. “They're very smart players, intelligent. They know what's going on, but you expect to just, they're flying around. They're gonna be everywhere where the ball's at, you know”
Developing Chemistry with Patrick Mahomes
Transitioning to the Chiefs, James has built rapport with star QB Patrick Mahomes, something that is quite important if you actually want to get the ball:
“I train with him before, so it's not my first time being around him. But just, you know, being able to see it…you know, inside out instead of, you know, outside in, is different. You actually see the process, and what makes him him
James says their on-field chemistry comes from practice repetitions and non-verbal communication.
An Emotional Moment Awaits
Looking ahead to possibly lifting the Lombardi Trophy, James anticipates an emotional moment:
"Oh man, I don't know. The camera's gonna be on me. I'm probably gonna be crying like a mug. I ain't gonna lie to you."
Winning the Super Bowl would be the realization of a lifelong dream. It would also make his family and friends extremely proud.
James jokingly also commented on his ‘friends’ who continually ask him for Super Bowl tickets: “Hey man, can we get some tickets to the game? They probably haven't been in a record season game let alone, my Super Bowl. So, you just say ‘no’ and, or you just watch it on tv.”
With the biggest game of his career approaching, James is trying to maintain his normal weekly routine and stay focused. Come Sunday, he'll be 100% locked in to help the Chiefs claim their second straight Super Bowl victory, and the first Super Bowl ring for Richie James.
"Oh man, I don't know. The camera's gonna be on me. I'm probably gonna be crying like a mug. I ain't gonna lie to you."
On winning the Super Bowl this year
Wade McElwain is our Mr. NFL, a bona fide North American sports nut who knows about NBA, NHL, MLB, PGA plus MMA boxing and more. Originally from Canada, Wade is also an international award-winning stand-up comedian; host of numerous TV game shows; and a TV producer & writer. He also runs NFL in London-the largest NFL fan group in Europe, and has hosted NFL events at Wembley and around the world. Yes, he lives alone and does nothing but watch sports.