9 notable Kansas City Chiefs players who will be playing in the Super Bowl for the first time in their career
The Kansas City Chiefs still have much of their core intact from each of their last two Super Bowl wins. Big names such as quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, defensive tackle Chris Jones, and many others are striving to capture their third championship in a row, but there are other key contributors who […]
The Kansas City Chiefs still have much of their core intact from each of their last two Super Bowl wins. Big names such as quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, defensive tackle Chris Jones, and many others are striving to capture their third championship in a row, but there are other key contributors who are attempting to get their first.
Let's take a look at nine Chiefs who will be playing in the Super Bowl for the first time in their career.
RB Kareem Hunt
Hunt's redemption tour with the Chiefs has culminated in a Super Bowl appearance, and hopefully a win. You know the story by now, as Hunt was released by the team during his prime late in the 2018 season. Six years later, he is back and is the lead RB for the offense. Hunt has scored a touchdown in each postseason game so far and will look to find the endzone during Super Bowl LIX.
WR DeAndre Hopkins
After 12 seasons, Hopkins has finally made it to the big game. Winning it would be a the capper on a great career, which has consisted of 984 receptions for 12,965 yards and 83 touchdowns. Hopkins also has five All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections to his name. He has been quite production wise as of late, but perhaps he has a couple of big catches left in him for the Super Bowl.
DT Charles Omenihu
It's been a challenging and emotional journey for Omenihu to reach his first Super Bowl. He missed out of the game last year after tearing his ACL against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game. Omenihu worked extremely hard to get back and contribute for K.C. during the stretch run, and he has done just that. The Chiefs will be leaning on him as they take on a great Philadelphia Eagles offense.
WR Xavier Worthy
Worthy is getting the rare opportunity to play in the Super Bowl as a rookie. He has come a long way this season, having to step up quickly after significant injuries to fellow WRs Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown. Worthy leads the Chiefs in receptions and receiving yards during the postseason, and he led the team in touchdown catches during the regular season.
WR Hollywood Brown
Brown was supposed to be K.C.'s prize free agent signing in 2024, but he missed the first 15 games of the season after suffering a sternoclavicular joint dislocation during the preseason. However, he has been great since returning in Week 16, providing the offense with another weapon. Brown is set to hit free agency in March, and could really benefit from a big performance in the Super Bowl.
S Jaden Hicks
Hicks has become an important rotational piece of the Chiefs' secondary during the second half of the year. He led the team in interceptions this season with three, also recording 23 total tackles and five passes defensed. Hicks will have the chance to really make a name for himself if he can make some big plays in the Super Bowl against a lethal Eagles passing attack.
FB Carson Steele
Steele burst onto the scene during the preseason, displaying his power rushing ability. He contributed a bit as a RB during the regular season, taking 56 carries for 183 yards. When the Chiefs signed Hunt, Steele became a RB-FB hybrid, while also playing 137 snaps on special teams. His versatility has allowed him to go from an undrafted free agent to playing in the Super Bowl.
WR Nikko Remigio
An injury to veteran WR Mecole Hardman provided an opportunity for Remigio to become the Chiefs' primary return specialist. He has made the most of it, returning a kickoff 63 yards against the Houston Texans in the divisional round, and also returning a punt for 44 yards against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game. Remigio missed all of the 2023 season with a wrist injury.
P Matt Araiza
Araiza has a redemption story of his own after being released by the Bills before he could make his NFL debut in 2022 due to sexual assault allegations. Once his name was cleared, the Chiefs signed Araiza in the 2024 offseason. He has punted in every game this year and was named a Pro Bowl alternate.
‘You want to make sure you take care of business now’ – Andy Reid on how he’s preparing Chiefs to face Eagles in Super Bowl
He’s been through this a time or two.
