Chiefs' Andy Reid, Mecole Hardman are in perfect lockstep on why his return to Kansas City makes sense
It has been an exciting few days for Mecole Hardman Jr. as it relates to his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs. Last Thursday night, he received his third Super Bowl ring with the rest of his teammates at his ring ceremony. It was extra special, knowing that he was responsible for the game-winning touchdown reception on […]
It has been an exciting few days for Mecole Hardman Jr. as it relates to his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Last Thursday night, he received his third Super Bowl ring with the rest of his teammates at his ring ceremony. It was extra special, knowing that he was responsible for the game-winning touchdown reception on a play that is now literally etched in the history of the franchise on every Super Bowl LVIII ring.
Over the weekend, he was celebrated in his hometown in Bowman, Georgia. They constructed a nine-foot-tall granite statue in Hardman's honor, celebrating his achievements both on and off the football field.
Hardman will return to Kansas City for a sixth season in 2024 Speaking to KSHB-TV's Aaron Ladd on the red carpet at last week's ring ceremony, Hardman explained why coming back to Kansas City on a one-year deal made sense for him.
"Just familiarity, man," Hardman said of his return. "I love that Coach (Andy Reid) knows the best way to use me to (the best) of my abilities. You know, it's home. It's what is comfortable. You don't really have to do too much. I come back in and fit right in."
Hardman's response sounds quite similar to what Andy Reid shared just a few weeks ago.
“He (Mecole Hardman) brings good energy and it’s good to have him back out there," Reid said. "I think we know how to use Mecole and I think Mecole knows that we know how to use Mecole in his best way. He’s a smart kid, he’s a good learner that way and he’s a light player to the other couple guys that we have. Speed – not the biggest guy but speed guy. You like those light components.”
After leaving for a half-season to play for the New York Jets, Hardman appears to have realized that his skillset was cater-made for the Chiefs' offense under Reid. It's why the team traded to acquire him at the midway point of last season.
As Hardman joins the quest for a three-peat and his fourth Super Bowl ring, he recognizes how tough the journey is going to be for his teammates. His message is one that you'd expect from the veteran in the wide receiver room.
"It's going to be hard," Hardman said. "We've got everybody gunning for us. . . we've just got to keep the main thing, the main thing. Control what we can control, and we'll be fine."
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