The Kansas City Chiefs are just one win away from becoming the first team in history to win three consecutive Super Bowls after defeating the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday. They were led by their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes as the team navigated injuries on the way to New Orleans.
Receiver Mecole Hardman was among the sidelined contributors. However, his absence wasn’t felt much by the Chiefs offense, which fired off its biggest game of the season, scoring 30+ points for the first time. Let’s look at how the three-time Super Bowl winner reacted to the team’s AFC Championship triumph after being ruled out.
Mecole Hardman Jr. Reacts as Kansas City Chiefs Secure Fifth Super Bowl Appearance in Six Years
Kansas City defeated the Bills 32-29 following a thrilling showdown that saw several lead changes. The Chiefs will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl on Feb. 9. Hardman is eager to watch his team complete three-peat.
“Let’s do it again !!!! #ChiefsKingdom,” he posted on X.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes put up a clinical display against the Bills and finished with 245 yards passing and 43 yards rushing while combining for three touchdowns. He helped the Chiefs earn a 21-16 lead at halftime before spearheading two scoring drives in the fourth quarter to complete a comeback.
Let’s do it again !!!! #ChiefsKingdom
— Mecole Hardman Jr. (@MecoleHardman4) January 27, 2025
It marked the 29-year-old’s 17th playoff win, making him the second most successful quarterback in postseason behind Tom Brady (35). Mahomes had his first career multi-rushing TD game and linked up well with rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy for a touchdown pass. The quarterback, who finished 10th in PFN’s QB+ metric, had one of the most efficient games of his career with a Super Bowl appearance hanging in the balance.
The 29-year-old said he was excited to “make history in New Orleans” on Feb. 9 as Kansas City looks to become the first team in history to win three straight Super Bowls.
While the Chiefs face an Eagles team that is fresh off scoring 55 points in the NFC Championship game, they could very well be favorites. But will Hardman be available?
Will Hardman Play in the Super Bowl Against the Eagles?
Hardman suffered a knee injury in Week 14, and despite undergoing a successful injury in December last year, he hasn’t recovered yet. The receiver had shown signs of life when he participated in the Chiefs’ practice ahead of their Divisional Round clash against Houston Texans. However, head coach Andy Reid has since ruled him out of the season.
“He gave it his all, but he won’t be ready,” he said, speaking on Hardman ahead of the Bills matchup.
“Yeah, we’ll probably put him back on IR there,” Reid added, hinting that Hardman’s 21-day practice window may pass without an activation.
Hardman had a quieter 2024 season with just 12 catches for 90 yards and a single touchdown (along with five carries). Still, he could have proven a vital force for the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. He scored the game-winning touchdown in the Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 58 but will have to settle for spectating against Philadelphia.
