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PHOENIX – Players who reach the Super Bowl are often seen as superheroes in the sports world. But the vast majority of them have experienced major ordeals that have wavered their passion.
When you participate in the ultimate match of your discipline, the context lends itself to reflection in relation to the obstacles overcome. RDS.ca launched this topic of discussion with several players in addition to inviting them to identify the teammates who represented major inspirations.
The players lent themselves to the game with pleasure. After all, Andy Reid had to describe his perfect burger 50 times and Patrick Mahomes had to reveal his favorite Rihanna song.
A sensitive chord was struck in Jerick McKinnon, the running back for the Chiefs. After all, he was unable to play for two years (in 2018 and 2019) due to a torn ligament in his right knee.
“It was really hard, but I kept working. Some days, after the second operation, I didn’t even know if I was going to be able to do it again. I had to fight, to hang on. My family and loved ones have been such a huge help especially as I have long been unable to walk,” McKinnon said.
That winding road eventually led 30-year-old McKinnon to the Super Bowl and he would serve as one of the Chiefs’ captains.
“It’s quite an honor, it was voted on by my teammates. It gives an idea of my leadership and my energy, it constitutes a great accomplishment in my career, ”he agreed with a bright look.
On the Eagles side, linebacker Christian Elliss came close to dropping football during his college career.
“I came very close to dropping everything. I didn’t have a very good relationship with my coach, I found that he constantly ruined my morale. I wondered if I really wanted to pursue this career. In my eyes, football is only a small part of my life,” explained Elliss who was convinced by his father and older brothers to persevere.
Since joining the Eagles in 2021, Elliss has been inspired by veteran TJ Edwards.
“He was a great help, he always comes with a positive attitude. He’s a very good person, he’s smart and he plays very physical. He has everything you look for in a teammate,” Elliss boasted.
In turn, Haason Reddick targeted Edwards as an inspiration.
“For his intelligence and dedication. And also because, on match day, he goes crazy! It’s a pleasure to play with him,” he summed up.
Reddick was keen to add that the whole team deserved flowers. In his first season with the Eagles, he claims to have discovered a family in Philadelphia.
“They showed me love from day one!” he said.
At the helm of this family, we find head coach Nick Sirianni who has rightly drawn on his roots to explain his philosophy devoid of fear.
“My dad fought cancer twice when I was very young. It never rattled him, he overcame it all and that explains my mental strength. There are also my two older brothers who did not spare me in life whether it was playing basketball, boxing with cushions … ”, confided Sirianni, sketching a smile.
have no regrets
Arriving in Kansas City this season, wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster was spellbound by the positive influence of Travis Kelce.
Juju Smith-Schuster et Travis Kelce« Ce dude, it works all the time, no matter what happens. His personality is so strong, he loves football. When I’m around him, it rubs off on me in a nice way,” the former Steelers said.
Reserve quarterback Chad Henne rubs shoulders with a young and future legend, in Patrick Mahomes, on a daily basis. He sometimes enjoys relaxing him with jokes and supporting him in certain observations when he feels the need.
Henne considers himself privileged to hold this role at 37 years old. His transition from starter to reserve, however, was painful to take.
“It hasn’t been easy. When I came home, my wife could sense my frustration at being the deputy. She lifted my spirits many times and made me realize that so many athletes would still want to be in my shoes,” explained Henne, who had lost his starting job to Blake Bortles with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
For Mahomes, another member of the media asked him which quarterback was in his sights to top his accomplishments.
“I’m not trying to chase anyone’s records. I just want to have no regrets when I stop playing, I just want to give it my all,” Mahomes said.
On Tuesday night, Mahomes posted a tweet congratulating LeBron James on his stunning record. The quarterback of the Chiefs is fascinated by this athlete who never stops deploying great efforts even after having accomplished everything, or almost.
When the time comes to drop out, Mahomes turns to a hobby that he quietly manages to spread among his team.
“In the off season, I like to golf with my teammates. At first it was mostly with Kelce and now I’ve signed guys from the offensive line. It’s not about the score, but about the time we share on the lanes,” concluded Mahomes.
