yahoo
Veteran wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. has found a new NFL home, as the Indianapolis Colts added him to their practice squad on Tuesday. The move comes just one day after the franchise dismissed general manager Chris Ballard, signaling a fresh direction for the team.
Hardman, 28, had a brief stint with the Buffalo Bills last season, appearing in two games without registering a reception. He was part of Buffalo's training camp roster but failed to secure a spot on the 53-man active roster following the preseason.
Many football fans best remember Hardman for his six seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, split across two separate stints. He originally joined Kansas City from 2019 to 2023 before signing with the New York Jets. However, he returned to the Chiefs midseason and remained through the rest of that year and into 2024.
During his time with Kansas City, Hardman appeared in 75 games and recorded 177 receptions for 2,296 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2019 and contributed to three Super Bowl victories.
Key Analysis
Hardman's most memorable moment came in Super Bowl LVII, where his 3-yard touchdown catch from Patrick Mahomes in overtime lifted the Chiefs over the San Francisco 49ers. The score gave Mahomes his third Super Bowl ring, but Hardman initially didn't realize the magnitude of the play.
"I blacked out, man," Hardman said after the game, according to Fox Sports. "I forgot we actually won the game."
Mahomes recalled the moment with amusement: "I threw a touchdown to this dude to end the game, and he looked at me. He had no idea. I said, 'Dude, we just won the Super Bowl.' He had no idea. He didn't even celebrate at the beginning."
The Colts' decision to add Hardman to the practice squad provides depth and experience to their receiving corps as they navigate a transitional period following Ballard's departure.
Originally reported by yahoo.