After Catching the Super Bowl Winning Pass, Mecole Hardman Admits He “Blacked Out” Until Patrick Mahomes Sprinted at Him

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman experienced a moment that would etch his name in the annals of NFL history. Yet, amidst the chaos and glory of catching the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII, Hardman confessed to an unexpected reaction — he “blacked out” and momentarily forgot the magnitude of his accomplishment.

“I just had no recollection of what happened,” Hardman shared in a recent interview with NFLTotalAccess, revealing the overwhelming surge of emotions that followed the last-second touchdown. Despite his pivotal role in securing the Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime victory against the San Francisco 49ers, it took the ecstatic rush of quarterback Patrick Mahomes converging on him in the end zone to snap him back to reality. Mahomes, in disbelief at Hardman’s initial unawareness, had to remind him, “Dude, we just won the Super Bowl.”

When asked about the game-sealing play “Tom and Jerry,” Hardman admitted he didn’t anticipate scoring. The play’s design, which involved a misdirection that confused the defense, left him unexpectedly open. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Ten days after their victory, this sensation remained a vivid memory for him, highlighting the overwhelming nature of such a career-defining moment. On discussing the new overtime rules, Hardman noted that the team had thoroughly prepared and adapted to them throughout the weeks, which contributed to their smooth execution during the game.

The OT rules in question were introduced in 2022, but the most recent tweak came just this season. Under this format, both teams are guaranteed possession, a departure from previous rules where a first-possession touchdown could end the game. This change was crucial to the Chiefs’ 25-22 victory over the 49ers. While Kansas City was prepared, San Francisco’s players were caught off guard, admitting their misunderstanding of the recently established rules.

Two Elite Outings for Mecole Hardman a.k.a. Mr. Walkoff

Hardman’s journey from a relatively underutilized talent with the New York Jets to a Super Bowl hero for the Chiefs reads like a script from a Hollywood sports drama. His mid-season move to Kansas City reinvigorated his career, culminating in his “Mr. Walkoff” moment that sealed the Chiefs’ third Super Bowl win in the last five years.

Embracing the victory, the Georgia Bulldogs alum showed up to the NBA All-Star game in Indianapolis with his No. 12 jersey, accompanied by a “Mr. Walkoff” nameplate. This moniker was fittingly displayed on his jersey, where Hardman continued to bask in the limelight of his recent achievements.

As the celebrations fade and the parade confetti is swept away, Hardman stands at a pivotal juncture in his career. His performance in the Super Bowl and subsequent All-Star appearance have not only elevated his profile but also hinted at the vast potential still untapped.